ether.fi CEO: New crypto bank will drive Ethereum's growth in 2026

PANews reported on January 4th, citing CoinDesk, that ether.fi CEO and co-founder Mike Silagadze, looking ahead to 2026, stated that Ethereum's next phase will be led by financial products familiar to ordinary users, rather than speculation. He sees 2025 as a turning point for Ethereum, marked by a large influx of institutional investors. While staking within ETFs remains restricted, other institutional tools such as Digital Asset Treasurys (DATs) are progressing faster. He revealed that many institutions have already deployed on ether.fi, calling these early adopters "pioneers at the forefront of technology," and added that DATs have played a positive role in driving Ethereum's price.

Silagadze is optimistic about 2026, believing the Ethereum financial ecosystem will continue to mature. He points out that the crypto-banking movement is booming, with numerous companies entering the field. In his view, digital banking is one of the clear paths to drive the continued adoption of Ethereum, especially with the increasing use of stablecoins in global finance. Compared to ETFs, these platforms allow users to participate more directly in on-chain activities and earn rewards. Finally, he emphasizes that Ethereum's success in 2026 depends on its ability to provide practical functionality at scale.