ether.fi CEO: New crypto banks will drive Ethereum's growth to be achieved by 2026

PANews January 4th News, according to CoinDesk, CEO and co-founder of ether.fi Mike Silagadze forecasts that by 2026, the next phase of Ethereum will be led by financial products familiar to ordinary users rather than speculation. He views 2025 as a turning point for Ethereum, marked by a large influx of institutional participation. Although staking within ETFs remains limited, progress is faster with other institutional tools such as Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs). He revealed that many institutions have begun deploying on ether.fi, calling these early adopters “pioneers at the forefront of technology,” and added that DATs have played a positive role in boosting Ethereum’s price.

Silagadze is optimistic about 2026, believing that Ethereum’s financial ecosystem will continue to mature. He pointed out that the digital digital banking movement is thriving, with many companies entering the field. In his view, digital banking is one of the clear paths to further popularize Ethereum, especially as stablecoins are increasingly integrated into global finance. Compared to ETFs, these platforms allow users to participate more directly in on-chain activities and earn yields. Finally, he emphasized that whether Ethereum can succeed in 2026 depends on its ability to provide practical functionalities at scale.