Tron (TRX) Joins Grayscale’s Elite Watchlist: A Bullish Signal for 2026’s Tokenization and Smart Contract Arena

In a significant development for the altcoin market, Grayscale Investments has expanded its strategic "Assets Under Consideration" watchlist for Q1 2026 to include 36 digital assets. Among the notable additions is Tron (TRX), a leading smart contract platform, signaling institutional recognition of its potential within the burgeoning trends of tokenization, Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This move by one of the world's largest digital asset managers follows recent, proactive steps in the regulatory landscape, including filings for BNB and Hyperliquid (HYPE) ETF trusts in Delaware. The inclusion of TRX on this prestigious watchlist represents a preliminary but crucial step toward the potential creation of a dedicated investment product, such as a trust or ETF. For a professional with a bullish outlook, this institutional validation underscores Tron's growing maturity and its alignment with key sector narratives driving the next phase of crypto adoption. It highlights TRX not merely as a speculative asset but as a foundational protocol positioned at the intersection of several high-growth technological trends, making it a compelling asset to watch as 2026 approaches.

Grayscale Expands Altcoin Watchlist to 36 Assets for Q1 2026, Highlighting Tokenization, DePIN, and AI Trends

Grayscale Investments has unveiled its Q1 2026 "Assets Under Consideration" watchlist, adding four new altcoins to bring the total to 36 candidates for potential investment products. The MOVE follows recent filings for BNB and Hyperliquid (HYPE) ETF trusts in Delaware, marking preliminary steps toward possible fund launches.

The updated list introduces TRON (TRX) to smart contract platforms and ARIA Protocol to Consumer & Culture, while the AI category gains Nous Research and Poseidon. DoubleZero (2Z) joins Utilities & Services as a DePIN solution for blockchain infrastructure. Three thematic focuses emerge: tokenization of assets, decentralized physical networks, and artificial intelligence applications.

Grayscale organizes assets across five verticals—Smart Contract Platforms, Financials, Consumer & Culture, AI, and Utilities & Services—reflecting institutional growing interest in crypto sector diversification. The expansion from 32 assets in Q4 2025 signals accelerating evaluation of emerging blockchain use cases.

Grayscale Expands Q1 2026 Watchlist with Four New Tokens Across AI, Smart Contracts, and Utilities

Grayscale has broadened its digital asset watchlist from 32 to 36 tokens, signaling continued institutional interest in crypto beyond bitcoin and Ethereum. The Q1 2026 update introduces TRON for smart contracts, ARIA Protocol for consumer applications, and AI-focused tokens Nous Research and Poseidon. DoubleZero joins the utilities category, reflecting Grayscale's emphasis on long-term infrastructure themes.

The procedural update, completed within 15 days of quarter-end, serves as a pipeline for potential future products rather than a guarantee. Regulatory and operational hurdles mean not all watchlisted assets will materialize as investment vehicles. Grayscale maintains its sector-based framework, categorizing assets across smart contracts, finance, consumer, AI, and utilities.

Established memecoins like DOGE and emerging players such as BONK remain under consideration alongside the new additions. The expansion occurs as institutional adoption grows, with asset managers increasingly viewing crypto sectors as distinct investment themes rather than a monolithic asset class.

Deribit Expands Altcoin Derivatives with USDC-Settled AVAX and TRX Options

Deribit has launched USDC-settled options contracts for Avalanche (AVAX) and Tron (TRX), marking a strategic expansion of its altcoin derivatives offerings. The move caters to institutional and retail demand for structured exposure to mid-cap tokens while maintaining USDC as the settlement anchor.

Each AVAX option represents 100 tokens, aligning with Deribit's existing altcoin contract standards. TRX options are sized at 10,000 tokens per contract. Both products enable covered call strategies for yield generation and protective puts for downside hedging—critical tools in the current volatile market.

The exchange continues leveraging Circle's stablecoin for settlements, rewards, and platform accounting. This development follows Deribit's earlier introduction of USDC-settled perpetuals for both assets, reinforcing its position as a leader in crypto derivatives innovation.