What new things will emerge in crypto in 2026?
A recent tweet from a16z listed 17 "big ideas," and I personally resonated with the following three:
1. Privacy Public Chains
Privacy chains will possess stronger network effects than general-purpose public chains. Cross-chain token transfers are easy, but cross-chain transfers of "secrets" are very difficult. This stickiness will lead to a more likely "winner-takes-all" scenario in privacy public chains.
2. AI Agent Economy
On one hand, the shift from KYC to KYC means agents are starting to build trust credentials; on the other hand, there's a need to support micropayments (mentioned X402) and a new attribute system for real-time payments to each entity that helps the agent complete tasks.
3. The Emergence of Staking Media
KOLs and media outlets wanting to prove the credibility of their statements can stake tokens, which readers can then verify. Staking media will complement traditional media.
The article also discusses stablecoins, prediction markets, US regulation, and other ideas; those interested can read it.
twitter.com/DeFiTeddy2020/stat...
