What tracks and sectors can be focused on in cryptocurrency in 2026?
1. The consumer-level integration of AI and cryptocurrency
· Core opportunities: AI applications that generate actual cash flow, such as DeFi interfaces operated by natural language and AI wealth advisors with asset management capabilities.
· Key basis: AI agents will become mainstream economic participants, driving demand for 'Know Your Agent' (KYA) identity protocols and high-frequency, low-value payment settlement layers (such as the x402 protocol), with a significant amount of on-chain interactions expected to be completed by AI.
2. Stablecoins and RWA (Real World Assets)
· Core opportunities: Using compliant stablecoins as a payment layer, and introducing traditional assets like US Treasury bonds and credit to the blockchain through tokenization or perpetual contracts.
· Key basis: The implementation of the U.S. 'GENIUS Act' provides regulatory certainty, leading to a surge in the use of stablecoins for B2B payments. RWA is transitioning from experimentation to commercialization, with tokenization of U.S. Treasury bonds and other cash instruments being the current dominant use case.
3. Infrastructure for the practical use of Bitcoin
· Core opportunities: Extending the basic functions and security of Bitcoin through protocols and tools, rather than merely issuing new assets on top of it.
· Key basis: Institutional interest in Bitcoin is shifting from merely ETF exposure to its practical value as a secure settlement layer. VC investment logic is shifting towards building infrastructure that enhances Bitcoin's utility.
4. On-chain investment platforms for retail investors
· Core opportunities: Simplifying the complexity of Web3 and integrating functions such as investment and payment into a one-stop 'financial super app'.
· Key basis: The market needs user-friendly and compliant platforms to accommodate large-scale users. These platforms aim to bridge the gap between on-chain and off-chain, allowing users to utilize cryptocurrency services without needing to understand complex concepts like private keys, which is key to achieving mass adoption.
Conclusion:
In summary, the opportunities in 2026 lie in finding bridge projects that connect cryptocurrency with the real world, solve efficiency problems, and comply with regulatory trends. The market will place greater emphasis on actual revenue, user base, and clear compliance paths, rather than just narratives!
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