According to PANews, ether.fi CEO and co-founder Mike Silagadze has projected that by 2026, Ethereum's next phase will be led by financial products familiar to ordinary users rather than speculative activities. Silagadze views 2025 as a pivotal year for Ethereum, marked by significant institutional entry. While staking within ETFs remains limited, other institutional tools like Digital Asset Treasury companies (DATs) are progressing more rapidly. He disclosed that several institutions have already begun deploying on ether.fi, referring to these early adopters as 'pioneers at the technological forefront.' He added that DATs have positively influenced Ethereum's price.
Silagadze is optimistic about 2026, believing that Ethereum's financial ecosystem will continue to mature. He noted the burgeoning movement of digital banks, with numerous companies entering the field. In his view, digital banking is a clear path to further popularize Ethereum, especially as stablecoins become increasingly integrated into global finance. Compared to ETFs, these platforms allow users to participate more directly in on-chain activities and earn returns. He emphasized that Ethereum's success in 2026 will depend on its ability to provide practical functionalities on a large scale.
