2026-01-21 12:23:22

As 2026 approaches, where will the crypto market's trendsetter shift next? Instead of blindly chasing hot topics, it's better to understand which sectors hold real opportunities this year.

**AI and Crypto Integration for Consumer Applications**

The most tangible opportunities are AI applications that can generate direct cash flow. For example, DeFi interfaces operated through natural language or AI wealth advisors with asset management capabilities. Why? Because AI Agents are about to become mainstream economic participants, meaning a large volume of on-chain interactions will be handled by AI. The clear demand that follows is— you need identity protocols (KYA) to recognize these agents, and high-frequency, small-value payment settlement layers (like x402 protocols). Simply put, AI will become the most active "users" on the chain in the future.

**Stablecoins and Tokenization of Real-World Assets**

This sector has enormous prospects. The implementation of the US "GENIUS Act" has provided regulatory certainty, and the use of stablecoins for B2B payments by enterprises has surged. More importantly, RWA (Real-World Assets) are moving from experimental stages to actual commercialization—traditional assets like US Treasuries and credit are beginning to enter the chain on a large scale through tokenization or perpetual contracts. Tokenized US Treasuries are currently the most mainstream use case, backed by real institutional demand.

**Bitcoin Upgrading from Store of Value to Infrastructure**

Stop just holding Bitcoin for appreciation. The story has changed—institutional interest is shifting from simple ETF exposure to using Bitcoin as a secure settlement layer with practical value. VC investment logic is also adjusting, focusing on infrastructure projects that enhance Bitcoin’s functionality rather than issuing new assets on Bitcoin. This is a subtle but significant shift.

**On-Chain Financial Super Apps for Ordinary Users**

Honestly, the barrier to entering Web3 is still too high. Concepts like private keys, wallets, and contract interactions are like hieroglyphs to most people. The real opportunity lies in platforms that hide this complexity and offer a one-stop experience—integrated investment and payment functions, user-friendly interfaces that also meet compliance standards. The core mission of these platforms is to bridge the on-chain and off-chain worlds, allowing ordinary users to access crypto services without understanding any underlying logic. The key to mass adoption is in these platforms.

**Conclusion**

The true money-making opportunities in 2026 are "bridges"—projects that connect crypto with the real world, solve practical efficiency issues, and align with regulatory trends. Capital has already started to cool down, no longer paying for concepts and narratives. What are they looking at now? Actual revenue, a genuine user base, and clear compliance pathways. Projects that incorporate these elements are the ones worth betting on.

DEFI-3,93%

RWA-4,14%

BTC-3,22%

VC29,73%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

7 Likes

Reward
7
8
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

NFTRegretful

· 3h ago

Stablecoins and RWA are indeed making moves, but don't forget that ordinary people simply can't use them. Bitcoin as a settlement layer? Sounds good, but I don't know when it will truly be implemented. AI Agents becoming the most active users on the chain? I buy this logic; it should have been thought of earlier. Honestly, we still need to find projects that truly make money and have real users—stop being fooled by concepts. All current opportunities are in "bridges," and this judgment is correct. High barriers are indeed a problem. When will my mom be able to use Web3 too, haha? Regarding the tokenization of RWA and US Treasuries, are institutions really throwing money at it? Or just making noise? What you said is spot on, but what about execution? It looks simple but is extremely difficult to do. The keywords for 2026 are two: cash flow + compliance pathways; everything else is just stories. I agree with the transition of Bitcoin—from store of value to infrastructure, it’s definitely an upgrade.

View OriginalReply0

gm_or_ngmi

· 4h ago

Stablecoins and RWA are indeed interesting. Tokenization of US debt has now become a mainstream use case, something I hadn't thought of before. If you ask me, the real opportunities are still those super apps that can lower the barriers; otherwise, no matter how much technology there is, it's all in vain. I support the logic of AI Agents becoming on-chain users. Identity protocols must keep up, or everything will get chaotic. Don't just focus on Bitcoin's appreciation; what you're really looking at now is its infrastructure value. The narrative has long since changed. Honestly, those still chasing concepts should wake up. Institutions are focused on real cash flow. RWA is really about to take off. This time, it feels different—it's not just hype.

View OriginalReply0

ExpectationFarmer

· 4h ago

To be honest, these projects are either just hype concepts or just talk on paper. How many truly have cash flow? RWA definitely has potential, but the threshold is there, and retail investors still need to stay on the sidelines. The AI Agent approach sounds good, but I'm afraid it might be the next false demand. You know well enough that capital has a knack for fabricating stories. I haven't seen any projects that truly bridge the on-chain and off-chain gap. Everyone talks about simplifying user experience, but in the end, it's still various pitfalls waiting for you. By 2026, we'll see who can really make money. Don't be fooled by the narratives.

View OriginalReply0

gas_fee_therapist

· 4h ago

Talking about narratives again? The real money is still in cash flow. --- I believe in RWA; tokenization of US debt has indeed taken off, but I don't know which project will survive until next year. --- AI Agents for on-chain interaction sound great, but who currently has an Agent generating income? --- Super apps have been talked about for years, but it's just various wallets with a UI slapped on. --- Bitcoin as a settlement layer? If VC really thought that way, they wouldn't still be chasing Meme coins. --- The B2B volume growth of stablecoins is real, I agree, but who will take the top spot is still unclear. --- High barriers are true, but user education is even more difficult than product development. --- Right now, capital wants real revenue, but most projects don't even have users. --- Bridge projects sound good, but the problem is that all these "bridges" are still burning money.

View OriginalReply0

FomoAnxiety

· 4h ago

Stablecoins and RWA are indeed promising, but those entering now should be prepared for potential setbacks.

View OriginalReply0

P2ENotWorking

· 4h ago

Another article on "Opportunities in 2026"... Sounds good, but isn't it all about RWA and stablecoins? Wake up, everyone. The AI Agent hype has long been over, and the real money is still in those grounded infrastructure projects that have low barriers and quick results. Bitcoin as a settlement layer? Sounds plausible, but I wonder if institutions will really buy into it... Super apps for ordinary users sound wonderful, but who can actually achieve it? Easy to say. As for compliance, honestly, it all depends on who can first navigate the policy red lines. Capital has indeed become more cautious.

View OriginalReply0

OffchainWinner

· 4h ago

Stablecoins and RWA are really about to take off, institutional demand is right there --- AI agents as the most active users on the chain? Sounds high-level, but how many can actually be implemented? --- As nice as it sounds, it still depends on those big projects having real funds --- The private key wallet manual is indeed a nightmare for most people... someone really needs to make this thing simple --- Bridge projects sound the most practical, but now everyone claims to be a bridge, how to tell them apart? --- Bitcoin transforming from a hoarder's coin to infrastructure? Nice story, but can it really be achieved? --- Optimistic about RWA landing, but Bitcoin still needs more observation --- Now is the time to invest in infrastructure; waiting until next year to react will be too late --- I’m optimistic about the concept of AI wealth advisors. If someone creates a usable one, I’ll go all in --- Regulatory certainty is coming, capital should indeed calm down and screen projects. I agree with this judgment

View OriginalReply0

MidnightTrader

· 4h ago

Stablecoins and RWA are indeed worth paying attention to, but honestly, no matter how big the institutional demand is, it depends on who can truly implement it. However, the idea that AI Agents are the most active users on-chain... still feels too idealistic. For now, just keep an eye on projects with real revenue, and avoid the fake ones. Infrastructure upgrades for BTC are definitely more promising than just holding coins. --- Another "super app," but Web3 has never truly produced a super app before. Can this time break the deadlock? --- Basically, it's about waiting for regulatory certainty + real cash flow; everything else is just stories. --- RWA tokenization of US bonds is a real demand, I believe that, but who in the ecosystem can really benefit from this still depends on future developments. --- Private keys and wallets are really the biggest barriers. If it weren’t for these, the technology would have been widely adopted long ago. --- Bridge projects sound good, but every time they say that, they’re often exploited. Be cautious. --- Combining AI and crypto, the core issues are still gas fees and efficiency. Can protocols like x402 solve these? Not very sure. --- It's 2026 and we're still talking about consumer-level adoption... maybe we should just wait and see.

View OriginalReply0