Veteran crypto strategist Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat Global Advisors and chairman of BitMine Immersion Technologies, predicts that Ethereum (ETH) could climb to **between $7,000 and $9,000 by early 2026, driven in large part by institutional adoption and the growing tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) on blockchain platforms such as Ethereum.
Bullish Outlook Based on Tokenization Growth
Lee’s bullish price forecast for ETH centers on a structural shift in how financial markets operate, particularly as Wall Street firms increasingly explore asset tokenization and on-chain settlement systems. In a recent analysis, he noted that tokenization — the process of issuing traditional financial instruments like bonds or equities as blockchain tokens — is providing real utility and demand for the Ethereum network, which hosts the majority of tokenized value.
This growing on-chain activity, Lee argues, moves Ethereum’s valuation narrative away from pure speculation toward infrastructure utility, where the token’s price reflects expanding usage across financial markets. He has suggested that this shift could fuel a major re-evaluation of ETH’s price potential through next year.
What $7K–$9K ETH Would Mean
A move to the $7,000–$9,000 range by early 2026 would entail a substantial appreciation from late-2025 price levels, which have hovered significantly lower amid broader market volatility and macro pressures. Analysts point to several supporting trends that could align with Lee’s thesis:
- Tokenized real-world assets have seen several billion dollars in issuance and are concentrated on Ethereum, strengthening its network effects.
- Stablecoin settlement activity remains deeply rooted in the Ethereum ecosystem, cementing the network’s role as a financial rails layer.
- Institutional interest in decentralized finance and blockchain infrastructure continues to rise, with major financial firms experimenting with tokenized products.
Lee’s price scenario assumes that these structural forces will intensify over the coming months, converting usage into real economic value for the Ethereum community and stakeholders.
Context: Ethereum’s Market Environment
Ethereum has seen fluctuating prices through 2025, with broader crypto markets reacting to macroeconomic conditions and sentiment swings. Despite occasional downturns, the narrative around ETH has shifted in part due to increased institutional accumulation and the development of regulated investment products such as spot ETH ETFs.
Lee’s outlook reflects confidence that institutional tokenization and macro liquidity conditions could converge to lift prices significantly — even after periods of short-term weakness. He has framed 2026 as a potential year of major growth for crypto infrastructure tokens like ETH, particularly if real-world asset tokenization accelerates further.
Cautions and Market Realities
While Lee’s forecast has attracted attention, it remains a bullish projection rather than a guarantee, and crypto markets are famously volatile. Price targets at these levels would likely depend on continued institutional demand, improved macro conditions, and sustained on-chain adoption — variables that are difficult to predict precisely. Market participants are encouraged to consider fundamental and technical factors together when making investment decisions.
Bottom Line
Tom Lee’s projection that ETH could reach $7,000–$9,000 by early 2026 highlights a broader crypto narrative centered on asset tokenization and institutional adoption, positioning Ethereum as a foundational layer for real-world financial infrastructure. Whether this scenario unfolds, the conversation has shifted toward valuing crypto assets based on utility rather than speculation.
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