This model could unlock onchain markets tied to everything from private companies and commodities to macroeconomic indicators, appealing to traders seeking more sophisticated ways to hedge and express global macro views.
DeFi and Artificial IntelligenceUnsecured, credit-based lending is another major opportunity, with Coinbase Ventures highlighting the potential to bring portions of the trillion-dollar unsecured credit market onchain using new reputation and risk models. Privacy-preserving infrastructure also features prominently, seen as essential for both institutional participation and everyday users.
FAQ What sectors does Coinbase Ventures see driving crypto growth in 2026? Real-world asset trading, next-gen DeFi, advanced market structure, and AI- blockchain infrastructure top the list. Why are RWA perpetuals favored over traditional tokenization? They enable faster, synthetic exposure to real-world assets without custody or settlement friction. How is DeFi expected to evolve next year?DeFi is shifting toward capital-efficient, credit-based systems with deeper integration of perpetual markets and lending. What role will AI and robotics play in crypto’s future? Blockchain-based AI tools, robotics data markets, and proof-of-humanity systems are expected to expand crypto beyond finance.
