Industry leaders expect 2026 to mark a decisive shift from experimentation to implementation, as stablecoins, regulated infrastructure and artificial intelligence will form the next phase of growth, according to payments, policy and wallet executives. and decentralized computing.
Following the return of cryptocurrency IPOs and funding rounds in 2025, investor attention has shifted towards sustainability rather than expansion at all costs.
Executives say the rebound signals renewed confidence, but it also signals a higher bar for companies seeking capital, with a focus on revenue generation, compliance, and products that users actively rely on.
Investors are shifting their focus to facilities and operational discipline
Peter Kozyakovco-founder and CEO of the payments infrastructure company MercurioHe said that the revival of listing and financing operations reflects a clear change in investors’ priorities.
He said capital is increasingly flowing towards companies that show consistent performance, transparent operations and real demand, rather than long-term promises.
Looking ahead, Kozyakov said growth in 2026 will favor companies that keep cryptocurrency services simple and integrate them into familiar financial flows such as cards, transfers and online payments.
He added that progress will be driven by faster settlement, smoother cross-border payments, and compliance processes that operate quietly in the background, allowing cryptocurrencies to operate as part of the broader financial network rather than a separate system.
Stablecoins and regulation cement next phase of adoption
Stablecoins have emerged as the strongest area of user growth in 2025, and executives widely expect this trend to continue.
Maja VujinovicCEO and Co-Founder of Digital Assets in FJ NexusStablecoins and tokenized Treasuries are not ready to replace traditional banking in 2026, but will play an increasing role in international transactions and institutional capital flows, he said.
“Dollar stablecoins and tokenized Treasuries will not replace traditional banking by 2026, but these instruments will become important players in international transactions and institutional capital movements,” Vujinovic said.
She added that corporate treasurers and fintech companies are increasingly viewing blockchain dollars as financial infrastructure rather than speculative assets.
Policy clarity is expected to determine how quickly this adoption spreads.
Nilmini Rubinchief policy officer at IvyClearer regulatory trend in key markets has strengthened consumer protection and rebuilt trust, while jurisdictions that treat regulatory clarity as strategic infrastructure globally are better placed to attract investment and support sustainable innovation in 2026, he said.
AI, prediction markets and decentralized IR are gaining momentum
Beyond payments and regulation, executives expect new use cases to define the next chapter of cryptocurrencies.
Philip Dragoslavićco-founder and co-CEO of SoulflarePrediction markets, stablecoins and artificial intelligence will be at the heart of cryptocurrencies’ trajectory in 2026, he said.
He said AI-based products will increasingly rely on simple language input, while automation will focus on reducing manual work without removing user control over financial assets.
At the infrastructure level, decentralized AI is expected to gain traction as centralized models face scaling and energy constraints.
Greg Ossoryfounder AkashDecentralized AI will become one of Web3’s biggest use cases in 2026, driven by the need for scalable, energy-efficient and privacy-preserving systems, he said.
He also said that projects will face increasing pressure to prove product market fit before focusing on liquidity or tokenization.
Across sectors, executives agree that 2026 will reward companies that combine clear regulation, strong user experience and proven facilities, signaling a more disciplined phase for the cryptocurrency industry.
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