Ethereum continues to attract strong interest from major institutions and long-horizon market participants. Short-term price swings are still present, but the wider ETH story has clearly moved toward steady structural expansion. This shift is supported by Ethereum’s key position in on-chain finance, stablecoin activity, and the growing use of tokenised assets across regulated sectors.
At the same time, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is being discussed for reasons that go beyond price chatter. The focus is on its Anti-VC Launch Model, a framework built to rethink how presales operate by limiting private capital influence and reshaping how early access is handled. This approach is placing ZKP in conversations around the best crypto to buy now.
Analysts Point to Ethereum’s Next Cycle Toward $40,000
A detailed research update released on January 12, 2026, by Standard Chartered strengthened Ethereum’s long-range outlook. The report suggested ETH could climb to $40,000 by 2030 and potentially outperform Bitcoin during the next major cycle. This outlook is built on Ethereum’s strong structural position:
- •Ethereum remains the largest blockchain for tokenisation, supporting more than $10 billion in digital and real-world assets
- •Most global stablecoins are issued on Ethereum, many linked to US Treasury-backed reserves
- •Continued growth in DeFi activity and on-chain settlement keeps reinforcing Ethereum’s network strength
The report also noted that 2026 could echo patterns seen in 2021, when Ethereum outpaced Bitcoin by a wide margin. During that period, the ETH-to-BTC ratio peaked near 0.08, compared with roughly 0.03 today, suggesting room for relative recovery. From a pricing outlook view, near-term estimates were adjusted lower while long-term confidence stayed firm. ETH is now projected at $7,500 in 2026, $15,000 in 2027, and $40,000 by 2030, pointing to growth driven by adoption rather than excess speculation.
$3T and $19T Signals Supporting Ethereum’s Position
Several broader trends continue to support Ethereum’s positive case:
- •Stablecoins are expected to expand into a $3 trillion market by 2030, based on US Treasury projections
- •Tokenised assets could surpass $19 trillion by 2033, according to estimates from Ripple and BCG
Although Ethereum ETFs have seen outflows since late 2025, analysts argue these flows matter less for Ethereum than for Bitcoin. This is because ETH demand is increasingly tied to real usage rather than passive exposure.
Zero Knowledge Proof Gains Rapid Attention in 2026
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) addresses a growing AI privacy issue valued at over $100 billion by using zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs. Vitalik Buterin has described this cryptography as more important than Bitcoin itself. Unlike traditional blockchains that expose all activity publicly, ZKP allows AI systems to train on encrypted medical and financial data without revealing private details.
This capability opens access to large markets that many competitors cannot enter. Forecasts suggesting up to 600x potential are based on functioning technology, supported by infrastructure progress and validation through real partnerships rather than concepts on paper.
Early participants at $0.05 to $0.10 levels are often cited in projections showing possible $30 to $60 valuations if ZKP secures even a small share of its target market. The testnet is live, the network infra is live, proof pods are delivering globally, and enterprise use is already taking shape. These factors continue to push ZKP into discussions about the best crypto to buy now.
ZKP’s Anti-VC Launch Model Explained
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is drawing attention for more than timing or technology alone. Its defining trait is structural design through the Anti-VC Launch Model. Rather than following the common path of raising funds first and building later, ZKP reversed the order. Its launch mechanics were planned around fair distribution instead of capital accumulation. Central to this structure is the Initial Coin Auction (ICA), now referred to as the presale auction, which releases supply in a controlled and transparent way.
Instead of allowing large holders to control early access, ZKP applies fixed daily allocation rules that limit concentration and reduce the impact of capital size. Key features of ZKP’s Anti-VC structure include:
- •No venture capital or private rounds
- •No insider pricing advantages or early discounts
- •Daily presale auction distribution with fixed supply every 24 hours
- •Minimum and maximum contribution limits to curb whale influence
- •Whitelist-based access focused on participation rather than size
This framework responds directly to common criticisms of crypto presales, including unclear allocations, early dilution, and price discovery shaped by insiders rather than open participation. The presale auction is live now, the infra is live, the network is live, and proof pods are shipping as planned.
Final Say
Ethereum’s long-term narrative keeps strengthening as institutional research, regulatory progress, and real-world use continue to align around on-chain finance. While short-term price targets may change, Ethereum’s role as a core settlement and execution layer remains stable.
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), through its Anti-VC Launch Model, challenges traditional assumptions about how projects should launch. By emphasizing transparent rules and public access, ZKP reframes the presale auction as a distribution process rather than a funding event. These traits help explain why it is frequently mentioned among the best cryptos to buy now.
FAQs
Why is Ethereum projected to reach $40,000 long term?
Analysts point to Ethereum’s leading role in stablecoins, tokenisation, and on-chain finance.
What is Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP)’s Anti-VC Launch Model?
It removes private rounds and insider access, relying instead on rule-based public distribution through a presale auction.
Is the Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) infra already built?
The launch structure is centred on infra readiness, with the network live and proof pods delivering.
Why is Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) discussed as the best crypto to buy now?
Its Anti-VC design, reduced dilution risk, and focus on fair access set it apart from standard presales.