2026-01-16 08:21:11

What will the crypto market look like in 2026? Based on market observations, the entire ecosystem is brewing four key shifts.

First, stablecoins will become the true entry point. They will no longer just be trading tools but will serve as a bridge between the Web3 world and traditional finance. More and more users will experience on-chain applications through stablecoins, marking a qualitative leap.

Second, the focus of value is shifting to the application layer. It's no longer about infrastructure, but products that directly face users, such as wallets, prediction markets, and aggregators, will emerge. The ones that can retain users are the true winners.

Next, with the evolution of AI, it has moved from simple data analysis to real execution. AI is no longer just about providing conclusions but can directly participate in on-chain interactions and decision-making, representing a qualitative change in capability.

Finally, institutional players will move from experimental testing to real combat. Pilot projects will ultimately be implemented as production-grade applications, which means more real capital will flow into the ecosystem.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

11 Likes

Reward
11
3
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

TokenStorm

· 6h ago

Regarding stablecoin bridging to traditional finance, on-chain data is already speaking, but the real arbitrage opportunities are in the application layer. Whoever can retain users wins. AI execution sounds very appealing, but I only half believe in backtesting; the other half depends on liquidation timing. Real institutional capital influx? First, look at the liquidation depth before talking. The safest place is always in the eye of the storm.

View OriginalReply0

RetailTherapist

· 6h ago

Stablecoins as tickets to entry? Wake up, most people are still using them to hedge risks. The real bridge is still far away. Application layer turnaround? Nonsense, it's just another prelude to a new round of chopping leeks. They say this every time. The AI execution phase is frightening. When fully automated trading arrives, how many retail investors will still be left uncleared out... Institutions really pouring in real money? I'm waiting to see. I've been saying this for years, but it's still just small-scale and insignificant.

View OriginalReply0

ChainComedian

· 6h ago

The stablecoin bridge should have come a long time ago. But to be honest, most people still only use it for trading cryptocurrencies; the real application scenarios will have to wait a bit longer.

View OriginalReply0