a16z Crypto’s Call for 2026: Stablecoins Will Surpass Visa

The company suggests that digital wallets could eventually process payments on a scale that can compete with global card networks.

Venture capital firm a16z Crypto has outlined its key expectations for the digital asset sector in a post shared on X on January 1, pointing to major shifts in payments, privacy and blockchain use cases in 2026.

The list portrays a future where stablecoins will rival global card networks, privacy tools will become a key competitive advantage and crypto companies will move beyond trading as markets prepare for a possible recovery.

The main story: a vision that goes beyond action

The detailed list of the company framed 2026 as a crucial year for mature blockchain applications. A central theme is the evolution of stablecoins from a niche crypto tool to a core component of global finance.

a16z suggested that these digital dollars could bring about a long-awaited modernization of banking infrastructure, stating that “the internet is becoming the bank.” This implies a future where digital wallets and decentralized networks handle payments and asset management on a scale that rivals traditional giants.

Additionally, a16z identified privacy as “the most important moat in crypto.” This marks a significant shift in the narrative, suggesting that the ability to conduct verifiable yet confidential transactions will become a primary feature that attracts users, rather than just transparent speculation.

This outlook came at a time when crypto markets have shown unusual calm, with analysis from Santiment showing that trading activity for major assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) has fallen to annual lows, with many altcoins losing momentum by the end of 2025.

Macro signals point to a rotation towards crypto in 2026

While short-term rates appear subdued, several analysts see conditions for a stronger next year. For example, market observers pointed out that the Federal Reserve would end quantitative tightening and cut interest rates three times in 2025, with further cuts expected in 2026. Lower funding costs and looser liquidity have historically favored risky assets, including digital currencies.

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Another analyst, Bull Theory, compared Bitcoin’s current lull to mid-2020, when gold and silver first rose before capital later flowed into crypto. Precious metals are setting records again, which some take as a sign that liquidity will rotate next instead of leaving the markets.

However, altcoins remain mixed. Solana (SOL) held close to $126 through December even as spot trading slowed, though recent ETF inflows suggest institutions are still paying attention. Other major tokens, such as Cardano (ADA) and Dogecoin (DOGE), ended the year lower, reflecting limited retail interest.

Against this backdrop, a16z’s focus on payments, privacy and practical uses of blockchain suggests that the next phase will be less dependent on speculation and more on whether crypto can prove its worth in the everyday financial world as 2026 unfolds.