- Public service blockchain.
- Interoperability between CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) and commercial banks’ off-chain systems.
- Asset registration and taxation systems running on blockchain.
- Verifiable data and transparent audits
On-chain AI
For the past few years, AI has been integrated into various sectors, including digital finance. However, up until now, AI has only been used for conversation or idea generation, without the ability to execute actions. On the other hand, Web3 lacks intelligent automation tools.
By combining AI with blockchain, we will see blockchain-based autonomous agents that can act, pay, and make decisions on their own. Users can have on-chain assistants that provide financial advice and execute actions automatically.
With this integration, we will see:
- AI agents that trade autonomously.
- AI that subscribes to services and makes payments.
- AI that performs tasks and claims airdrops for users.
- AI that automatically manages on-chain positions.
- Projects that use AI for automated governance.
CeDeFi Financial Institutions
2023-2024 is the era of DEX (Decentralized Exchange). However, in 2025-2026, there will be a reversal. Users will return to using CEX because:
- Gas fees on DEX are still high.
- Users prefer the trading experience on CEXs.
- CEX is getting on-chain and becoming CeDeFi.
CEX may evolve into a super app that can serve as a gateway to the crypto world.
Web3 Enterprises
Crypto will be increasingly integrated into enterprises. Blockchain will become the core infrastructure of a business because:
- International payments need to be faster and cheaper.
- Supply chain finance has to be transparent.
- AI requires on-chain data sources.
- Companies need decentralized ledgers.
- Hybrid models between private and public blockchains are maturing.
- Tokenization of real-world assets requires connectivity with enterprise assets.
Blockchain Privacy Solutions
Privacy is commonplace in traditional financial systems, but blockchain has always pushed for transparency. All incoming and outgoing transactions are recorded on the blockchain.
However, if public blockchains are to be more integrated with financial systems, a robust privacy infrastructure is mandatory.
Evidence of this is seen in the drastic increase in the value of Zcash (ZEC) in Q4 2025. Zcash is a decentralized cryptocurrency similar to Bitcoin but with privacy-preserving features.
Emerging Crypto Technology in 2026
The development of blockchain technology will greatly influence crypto trends this year.
Modular Blockchains
Modular blockchain infrastructures will become increasingly popular next year. A modular blockchain separates the core functions of blockchain, such as consensus, execution, and data availability.
This is a solution to the scalability issues of monolithic blockchains. With modular blockchain infrastructures, developers can create customized and efficient networks for specific needs. Teams can also launch execution layers without building a complete layer 1 blockchain.
Zero-knowledge Proof (ZKP)
Zero-knowledge proof is a cryptographic method for proving knowledge of data without revealing the data itself. This enhances privacy and enables faster and lighter transactions, especially in layer 2 blockchain networks and systems that emphasize privacy.
Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)
BaaS technology will simplify blockchain adoption through scalable cloud-based solutions. Companies no longer have to manage complex infrastructure. Instead, they can simply use tools to run smart contracts, host dApps (Decentralized Apps), and manage data securely.
Growing Sectors in 2026
So far, crypto and blockchain technology have been deeply integrated into the financial world. However, in 2026, crypto and blockchain will experience rapid growth in these sectors.
Healthcare
- Storing patient identities on the blockchain.
- Easier and more secure patient data transfer.
- Blockchain can be integrated with the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).
- Easy tracking of medical equipment supply chains.
Financial Technology
- Tokenization of real-world assets, such as bonds and money markets.
- Implementation of CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) on a state-regulated shared blockchain network.
- Deposit tokens pegged 1:1 to traditional deposits.
Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain can provide a verifiable AI framework. Model versions, datasets, and performance benchmarks will be recorded on the blockchain.
- Blockchain can be combined with privacy technologies, such as MPC (multiparty computation), zero-knowledge proof, and confidential computing, enabling AI to analyze data without leaking raw information.
- Blockchain serves as the backbone of AI governance.
- Smart contracts are enhanced with AI.
Potential Crypto Regulations in 2026
The United States, as one of the leading countries in the crypto industry, has taken various steps towards crypto’s legal clarity in 2025, for example, by passing the GENIUS Act on stablecoins.
Other countries have also passed crypto legislation. For example, earlier this year, the United Kingdom has just recognized crypto as property.
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) issued Peraturan Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (POJK) Number 23 Year 2025, which expands the scope of digital financial assets to include derivatives.
In 2026, crypto regulations in various countries will continue to evolve. Financial services may begin to report digital assets in their cash books or start transacting on the blockchain. Clearer crypto regulations also mean that capital accumulation can be done on-chain through token creation by startups and large companies.
Currently, these possibilities are still speculative. However, with increasingly clear crypto regulations, crypto’s asset class will be elevated.
Crypto Market Predictions for 2026
In 2026, the following crypto markets are predicted to experience significant growth.
Prediction Market
One of this year's top crypto trends is the prediction market, which has begun attracting investors' attention. Large institutions are even entering and building their own prediction markets. For example:
- Polymarket returned to the US market in November with a focus on sports betting.
- Trump Media & Technology Group will enter the prediction market business.
In 2026, prediction markets are expected to become more mainstream. However, there is still a large gap between on-chain and off-chain markets, so the prediction market sector must focus on bridging them in 2026.
Stablecoins
2026 is predicted to be the year of stablecoin regulation. The United States, the European Union, Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong will focus on establishing:
- Stablecoin issuance limits (reserves, audits, licenses)
- On-chain circulation regulations
- Interoperability between banks and stablecoins
- Wallet standards (KYC/KYT)
In 2026, the world of stablecoins will no longer be “USDT vs USDC,” but rather a competitive race between national-scale, commercial, and industrial stablecoins.
Real-World Asset Tokenization
By the end of 2025, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization is no longer a concept, but rather this year's crypto trend. 2026 will be the first year of RWA's full-scale expansion, where it will cover:
- Corporate bonds
- Real estate income rights
- Commodities, such as gold and oil
- Invoices
- Private equity
- Supply chain finance
The essence of real-world asset tokenization is on-chain global asset circulation.
Conclusion
Entering 2026, crypto will grow to be more widespread and scalable. It will continue to integrate with financial and even state institutions. Increasingly clearer regulations will also support the growth of these digital assets.
How is Indonesia responding to crypto’s rapid growth? Learn about the latest crypto regulations in Indonesia through the article Indonesia’s Crypto Regulations in 2025: A Complete Guide for Token Researchers.
