a16z: Stablecoins will become the global financial infrastructure by 2026

Source: TokenPost Original Title: a16z “By 2026, Stablecoins Will Become Visa-Grade Financial Infrastructure” Original Link: a16z’s crypto division identified ‘entry of stablecoins into financial infrastructure’ and ‘securing privacy competitiveness’ as the key trends that will shape the cryptocurrency industry through 2026. It is expected that blockchain applications in everyday life areas such as payments and asset management will become more mainstream.

U.S. venture capital firm a16z emphasized in their ‘2026 Outlook Report’ published via X that the cryptocurrency market has entered a stage of financial innovation based on real-life applications beyond mere speculation and trading. They particularly used the phrase ‘the internet will soon become a bank,’ predicting that digital wallets and blockchain networks will evolve into payment hubs capable of handling transactions at the level of global card companies.

Stablecoins, Growing to the Level of Global Card Networks

The core theme of the report is ‘mainstreaming of stablecoins.’ a16z predicts that 2026 could be a turning point where stablecoins grow to the level of global card networks. This implies that digital dollar-based stablecoins could serve as a catalyst for modernizing traditional banking systems.

The report states, “Digital wallets will lead global payments beyond simple asset management,” suggesting that blockchain-based financial ecosystems could replace existing infrastructure. This shift aligns with the idea that ‘the internet will act as a financial institution.’ Notably, discussions around stablecoin legislation in the U.S. are progressing, making it increasingly likely that stablecoins will be adopted as official payment methods within the regulatory framework.

Privacy Features Rise as a Core Competitive Edge

a16z pointed out ‘personal information protection technology(privacy)’ as a key factor determining the competitive advantage of cryptocurrencies. The report states, “By 2026, verifiable yet privacy-preserving transaction structures will be a key factor in attracting users.”

This approach differs from the previous emphasis on ‘transparency,’ where all transaction details were publicly accessible. Now, the ability to efficiently conceal information will determine the sustainability of services. Technologies such as zero-knowledge proofs(ZK) and zero-knowledge rollups are becoming central to privacy enhancement across smart contracts and DeFi services.

Quiet Market Signals

According to analysis, recent trading volumes of Bitcoin(BTC) and Ethereum(ETH) have fallen to their lowest levels in a year, with a noticeable decline across altcoins.

However, some analysts interpret this not as a sign of stagnation but as a preparatory phase for a rebound in the second half of the year. Investors are paying attention to the fact that after the U.S. Federal Reserve(Fed) cut interest rates three times in 2025 and ended quantitative tightening, further rate cuts are expected in 2026. Falling interest rates tend to boost risk asset appetite, potentially injecting liquidity back into the cryptocurrency market.

Some analysts compare the current Bitcoin trend to the gold and silver markets of mid-2020. Back then, metals rallied first, followed by a gradual flow of liquidity into cryptocurrencies. Given the recent rise in gold prices, there is speculation that cryptocurrencies could also regain attention.

Diverging Performance in the Altcoin Market

In the altcoin market, performance varies by project. Solana(SOL) maintained around $126 throughout December, continuing to attract institutional investors. Recent inflows into ETFs support this trend. Conversely, prices of assets like Cardano(ADA) and Dogecoin(DOGE) declined toward the end of the year, indicating lower retail investor interest.

Amid this transitional market phase, a16z’s analysis suggests focusing on structural changes rather than short-term price movements. Specifically, the next rally in cryptocurrencies will likely be driven by concrete use cases that complement or replace existing financial systems, such as payments, privacy, and asset tokenization.