Ethereum And Solana Prepare The Ground For A 2026 DeFi Comeback

By
Leon Revencu
January 3, 2026

After a turbulent few years, 2025 turned into a consolidation phase for DeFi, with the largest smart contract networks focused less on flashy launches and more on rebuilding the foundations. Across the ecosystem, major layer 1 chains spent the year improving interoperability tools and experimenting with real world financial use cases such as tokenized assets and onchain credit, rather than chasing speculative yield loops.  

On Ethereum, that reset showed up as a clear rise in institutional participation and steady progress on scaling. New rollup infrastructure, data availability upgrades and maturing liquid staking products made it easier for funds, neobanks and corporates to hold and use ETH without running into the same congestion problems that defined earlier DeFi cycles. Builders increasingly treated interoperability as the next big challenge, working on cross chain messaging and shared liquidity so that Ethereum can act as the backbone for a wider network of rollups and appchains heading into 2026.  

Solana took a different but complementary path. Rather than focusing on new narratives, the network spent much of 2025 stress testing its throughput under real demand and hardening core infrastructure after earlier outages. High volume trading, NFT activity and payments gave developers repeated chances to refine client code, improve validator performance and strengthen tooling for monitoring and recovery. That work is meant to leave Solana better prepared for larger financial flows and more demanding DeFi applications in the coming year.  

Taken together, Ethereum and Solana now look like the twin anchors for a possible DeFi reboot in 2026. One is leaning into institutional adoption, rollup based scaling and interoperability, while the other is focused on raw performance and a hardened single chain execution environment. Both are positioning themselves for deeper real world finance experiments rather than a repeat of the purely speculative yield farming era. For traders, builders and institutions watching from the sidelines, the groundwork laid in 2025 suggests that the next DeFi wave could be defined less by experiments and more by systems that are ready for scale.  

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See also

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November 15, 2025
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November 13, 2025
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November 12, 2025
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November 1, 2025
Ethereum Developers Finalize December 3 Launch Date for Fusaka Upgrade and PeerDAS Rollout
Ethereum developers have confirmed that the Fusaka upgrade will launch on December 3, along with the rollout of PeerDAS, a new data availability system for rollups. The update aims to improve scalability and reduce costs by enhancing how data blobs are handled. These changes support Ethereum’s long-term shift toward a rollup-centric architecture and are expected to boost network performance and developer efficiency.
October 30, 2025
Nvidia Reaches $5 Trillion Valuation as Bitcoin Falls Behind U.S. Equities in 2025
Nvidia reached a $5 trillion market cap, driven by strong demand for AI technologies, making it one of the top-performing assets of 2025. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has fallen behind major U.S. equities in year-to-date returns, despite earlier gains. The shift highlights investor preference for AI-linked stocks over crypto as market momentum focuses on real-world tech infrastructure.
October 29, 2025
PayPal Jumps 15% Following OpenAI Wallet Deal and Strong Q3 Earnings
PayPal shares rose 15% after announcing a partnership with OpenAI to power a new AI-driven payments wallet and reporting strong Q3 earnings. The deal positions PayPal at the forefront of AI-integrated finance, while solid financial results boosted investor confidence. The company is now seen as a key player in the next phase of digital payments innovation.
October 28, 2025
Japan Launches Yen-Pegged Stablecoin Positioned as Asia’s First Truly Global Digital Currency
Japan has launched a new yen-backed stablecoin designed for global use, making it the first of its kind in Asia with full regulatory backing. Issued under Japan’s financial laws and fully backed by yen reserves, the token aims to support cross-border payments and international crypto trading. Its legal clarity and global focus set it apart from other regional stablecoins.
October 27, 2025
North Korea’s AI-Driven Hackers Are Reshaping the Landscape of Crypto Crime
North Korean hackers are now using AI to carry out more advanced and efficient attacks on the crypto industry. These state-backed groups are leveraging machine learning to automate theft, mimic user behavior, and bypass security systems. Experts warn that traditional defenses may no longer be enough, as AI-driven tactics reshape the landscape of crypto crime.
October 25, 2025
Tether Plans New Investments to Expand USAT Stablecoin to 100 Million Americans by December Launch
Tether plans to launch its new USAT stablecoin in December, aiming to reach up to 100 million users in the U.S. The company is seeking fresh investments and partnerships with fintech platforms to speed up adoption. USAT will be backed by U.S. Treasury assets and designed to meet American regulatory standards. Tether hopes to position it as a trusted digital dollar alternative in the domestic market.
October 24, 2025
Tesla Reports $80M Profit From Bitcoin Holdings in Q3
Tesla reported an $80 million profit in Q3 from its Bitcoin holdings, thanks to the recent rise in BTC’s price. Although the company hasn’t made new crypto purchases, the value of its existing assets boosted earnings. The gain highlights how Bitcoin continues to impact Tesla’s financials and shows the growing role of digital assets in corporate treasury strategies.
October 23, 2025
Coinbase Plans to Add Private Transactions to Base, Says CEO Brian Armstrong
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced plans to add private transaction features to Base, the company’s Layer 2 blockchain. The goal is to enhance user privacy while still meeting regulatory requirements. This move aims to give users more control over their financial data and make crypto more practical for everyday use.
October 22, 2025
Bitcoin Drops Below $108K as Liquidations Hit $320 Million Across Crypto Markets
Bitcoin fell below $108,000 as over $320 million in crypto positions were liquidated, mostly from overleveraged long trades. The sharp drop triggered widespread losses across the market, affecting Ethereum and other major altcoins. Analysts point to macro uncertainty and high leverage as key factors behind the decline. Traders are now watching to see if Bitcoin can hold above the $100,000 support level.
October 21, 2025
Hackers Lose $13M in Panic Sell-Off During Market Turmoil
Hackers who previously stole crypto through smart contract exploits lost over $13 million during a recent market crash. In a panic, they sold off their holdings at the worst possible moment, locking in major losses. Despite their technical skills, poor trading decisions and market timing cost them much of their stolen funds.
October 18, 2025
Federal Reserve Officials Hint at Potential Shift Toward Rate Cuts, Says BofA
Federal Reserve officials Christopher Waller and John Williams have signaled a possible shift toward rate cuts, citing easing inflation and the risks of overtightening. Bank of America analysts interpret their recent comments as a sign that the Fed may soon pause or reverse its rate hike cycle. Markets are reacting with cautious optimism as investors look for clearer direction heading into 2026.
October 17, 2025
Connect Hosts Back-to-Back Crypto Events Ahead of Blockchain Life 2025: Pre-Party & Crypto Yacht
Connect is organizing two exclusive networking events ahead of Blockchain Life 2025 in Dubai - a Pre-Party on October 27 and a Crypto Yacht experience on October 28. Both gatherings will bring together speakers, investors, and Web3 leaders for high-value conversations and connections in a more informal setting.
October 20, 2025
Coinbase Launches New Stablecoin Payments Platform to Compete in Digital Finance
Coinbase has launched a new payments platform built around USDC, aiming to simplify global transactions for businesses and developers. The service offers faster, cheaper, and more efficient payments using blockchain infrastructure. It’s part of Coinbase’s push to expand beyond trading and become a key player in stablecoin-powered financial services.
October 16, 2025
Coinbase to Expand Investment in Leading Indian Crypto Exchange
Coinbase is increasing its investment in one of India’s largest crypto exchanges, aiming to strengthen its position in the growing Indian market. The move supports the exchange’s expansion strategy and prepares it for upcoming regulatory changes. With strong user adoption in India, the partnership could help Coinbase scale its presence across Asia.
October 15, 2025
Tether and Circle Face Growing Pressure as Stablecoin Rivals Emerge
Tether and Circle, the dominant stablecoin issuers, are now facing increased competition from new decentralized and regulated alternatives. Emerging projects and evolving global regulations are challenging their market share, pushing both companies to adapt. As the stablecoin space grows, success will depend not just on liquidity, but also on transparency, compliance, and innovation.
October 14, 2025
Crypto Market Eyes Q4 Recovery After $500B Sell-Off Shakes Confidence
After a $500 billion market crash, the crypto sector is showing signs of recovery heading into Q4. Bitcoin and Ethereum have rebounded, leverage has cooled, and long-term holders are accumulating again. While risks remain, many traders are hopeful for a year-end rally as market conditions begin to stabilize.
October 13, 2025
Binance to Compensate Users After Sudden Crashes in wBETH, bnSOL, and Ethena’s USDe
Binance will compensate users affected by sudden price crashes in wBETH, bnSOL, and Ethena’s USDe, which caused unexpected liquidations. The exchange cited market volatility and liquidity issues as the cause and is reviewing the incident to improve safeguards. Eligible users will be reimbursed, and Binance plans to enhance protections for trading less liquid assets.
October 12, 2025
$16 Billion in Long Positions Liquidated as Crypto Market Suffers Major Sell-Off
Over $16 billion in crypto long positions were liquidated in a single day as a wave of selling hit both traditional and digital markets. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins saw sharp declines following a Wall Street sell-off triggered by rising bond yields and global uncertainty. The sudden crash caught many leveraged traders off guard, leading to widespread losses and increased volatility across the crypto space.
October 11, 2025
Bitcoin Falls Below $119K After Trump Signals New Tariffs on China
Bitcoin dropped below $119,000 after Donald Trump suggested new tariffs on Chinese imports, sparking market-wide caution. The threat of renewed trade tensions led investors to pull back from riskier assets, including crypto. While Bitcoin remains strong in the long term, its short-term price is reacting to global political and economic uncertainty.
October 10, 2025
JPMorgan Expects Limited Inflows for Solana ETFs Even if Approved by SEC
JPMorgan analysts predict that Solana ETFs may see only modest inflows even if approved by the SEC. While Solana is gaining traction as a blockchain, it still lacks the institutional familiarity of Bitcoin or Ethereum. Past technical issues and cautious investor sentiment could limit early demand. However, ETF approval would still mark a positive step for Solana’s growth and the broader crypto investment landscape.
October 9, 2025
U.S. Senators Receive 250,000 Letters Urging Protection of Stablecoin Yields
Over 250,000 letters have been sent to U.S. senators urging them to protect yield-generating stablecoins. Supporters argue these digital assets offer accessible alternatives to traditional savings, especially for underserved communities. The campaign comes as lawmakers debate how to regulate stablecoin yields amid rising scrutiny. The public response highlights growing demand for clear, innovation-friendly policies in the digital finance space.
October 8, 2025
Bitcoin Pushes Higher as Dollar Weakens and Bond Market Flashes Caution
Bitcoin is climbing higher as the U.S. dollar weakens and bond yields drop, signaling caution in traditional markets. Investors are turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against economic uncertainty, with rising trading volume and renewed interest from institutions. The current macro environment is boosting confidence in crypto as an alternative store of value.
October 7, 2025
U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Second Week, Impact Spreads Across Markets and Services
The U.S. government shutdown has entered its second week, halting key services and delaying economic data and regulatory decisions. Agencies like the IRS and SEC are affected, creating uncertainty in both traditional and crypto markets. With no resolution in sight, concerns are growing over the potential economic fallout if the political deadlock continues.
October 6, 2025
Tether Plans Tokenized Gold and Treasury Venture, Eyes $200M Raise with Antalpha
Tether is planning a new venture with Antalpha to launch tokenized gold and U.S. Treasury products, aiming to raise $200 million. The project will offer blockchain-based assets backed by real-world value, targeting both crypto and institutional investors. This move marks Tether’s broader push into financial infrastructure and the growing market for real-world asset tokenization.
October 4, 2025
Marathon Holdings Mines 736 Bitcoin in September, Treasury Now Holds Over 52,000 BTC
Marathon Holdings mined 736 bitcoin in September, bringing its total holdings to 52,580 BTC. The company continues to expand and optimize its mining operations while maintaining a long-term strategy of holding most of its mined assets. With Bitcoin’s recent price increase, the value of its treasury has grown significantly, reinforcing Marathon’s position as a major player in the crypto mining sector.
October 3, 2025
Bitcoin Surges Past $120K as Traders Anticipate October Rally
Bitcoin has broken above $120,000, sparking optimism for a strong October rally. Traders see this milestone as a sign of growing momentum, supported by steady accumulation and improved macro sentiment. With rising open interest and stable funding rates, the market appears positioned for further gains as the final quarter of the year begins.
October 2, 2025
Ethereum’s Fusaka Upgrade Clears Key Testnet Milestone, Eyes Mainnet Launch
Ethereum’s upcoming Fusaka upgrade has successfully passed testing on the Holesky testnet, moving it closer to a planned mainnet launch in December 2025. The upgrade focuses on improving blob data handling to support cheaper and more efficient layer 2 transactions. With testing complete, developers will now prepare for final audits and broader network coordination. Fusaka plays a key role in Ethereum’s long-term plan to scale through rollups and modular design.
October 1, 2025
Woman Convicted in UK Over $6.9 Billion Bitcoin Fraud Scheme
A Chinese woman has been convicted in the UK for leading a $6.9 billion bitcoin laundering scheme linked to a global crypto scam. She managed large-scale transfers of illicit funds using digital wallets to hide their origin. The case involved international cooperation and is one of the biggest crypto-related convictions to date. Sentencing is expected soon and could influence how future crypto crimes are prosecuted.
September 30, 2025
Leveraged Bitcoin Longs Surge as Traders Bet on Market Rebound
Leveraged long positions on Bitcoin are rising again, signaling renewed confidence among traders expecting a market rebound. Despite recent volatility and external pressures, open interest in bullish futures is climbing. While these positions carry higher risk, they reflect a growing appetite for upside as sentiment shifts toward cautious optimism.
September 29, 2025
Tether and Circle Dominate Stablecoin Market, But New Players Are on the Horizon
Tether and Circle remain the dominant forces in the stablecoin market, generating billions in volume and revenue. However, industry experts believe competition is on the way, with new players exploring alternative models like decentralized stablecoins and regional solutions. As the market evolves, trust, innovation, and regulation will shape which stablecoins thrive in the next phase of digital finance.
September 29, 2025
Vitalik Buterin Criticizes EU’s Chat Monitoring Plan, Calls It a Threat to Privacy
Vitalik Buterin has criticized the EU’s proposed chat control law, warning that mandatory scanning of private messages could harm user privacy and security. He believes the legislation risks turning messaging apps into surveillance tools and weakening encryption. The proposal has sparked backlash from privacy advocates and the tech community, who fear it could set a dangerous precedent.
September 27, 2025
KuCoin Faces $14M Legal Action in Canada Over Registration and Compliance Failures
KuCoin is facing a $14 million enforcement action in Canada for operating without proper registration and failing to follow anti-money laundering rules. Authorities claim the exchange provided services to Canadians without complying with national regulations. The case highlights Canada’s stricter stance on crypto oversight and the growing global pressure on unregistered platforms.
September 26, 2025
Nine European Banks Collaborate to Launch MiCA-Compliant Euro Stablecoin
Nine major European banks are teaming up to launch a euro-backed stablecoin that complies with the EU’s new MiCA regulations. The stablecoin will be fully backed and aimed at both retail and institutional users, with a focus on faster payments and cross-border efficiency. By working together, the banks aim to offer a secure, regulated digital euro alternative and strengthen their role in the future of digital finance in Europe.
September 25, 2025
Hyperliquid’s New USDH Stablecoin Records $2M+ Volume Shortly After Launch
Hyperliquid launched its own stablecoin, USDH, which quickly surpassed $2 million in trading volume shortly after going live. Built on Hyperliquid’s custom Layer 1 blockchain, USDH is designed to offer fast, low-cost transactions within the platform. The stablecoin is part of a broader push to enhance liquidity and user experience across the ecosystem. Its early momentum signals strong interest from traders and market participants.
September 24, 2025
Bitcoin Enters Seasonal Slump as Week 38 Delivers Sharp Drop
Bitcoin fell sharply during the 38th week of the year, a period that has historically brought weak performance. The drop was influenced by seasonal patterns and broader market caution, including rising interest rates and risk-off sentiment. Investors are now watching for a possible rebound in the final quarter, which has often brought stronger momentum in the past.
September 23, 2025
Coinbase Sets Sights on Becoming a Global Financial Super App
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong revealed plans to transform the platform into a global financial super app, offering services like payments, lending, and investments alongside crypto trading. The goal is to create an all-in-one financial hub, especially in markets where traditional banking is limited. With tools like its Base blockchain and stablecoin integration, Coinbase aims to make decentralized finance accessible to a mainstream audience worldwide.
September 21, 2025
ETF Path Clears as Crypto Listings Become Easier Under New Guidelines
Crypto ETF listings in the U.S. have become easier as the SEC provides clearer guidelines and streamlines the approval process, especially for futures-based products. Issuers no longer need to file complex exemptions for many fund types, speeding up launches. While spot bitcoin ETFs still face hurdles, the overall environment for crypto-related ETFs is becoming more predictable and accessible.
September 20, 2025
Ethereum Targets December for Fusaka Upgrade as Focus Shifts to Scaling Blobs
Ethereum developers have scheduled the Fusaka upgrade for December 2025, aiming to improve the network’s scalability by enhancing blob capacity. Blobs are used to store large data efficiently, especially for layer 2 rollups. This upgrade builds on previous efforts like Dencun and continues Ethereum’s push toward a more modular, rollup-friendly infrastructure. Testing is already underway ahead of the mainnet launch.
September 19, 2025
BNB Surges to $1,000 Amid Speculation Over DOJ Settlement and CZ’s Possible Return
BNB hit a new all-time high of $1,000 as speculation grows around Binance nearing a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The rally is also fueled by rumors that founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) might return to a more active role. With Binance maintaining its dominance in trading and ecosystem activity, investors see renewed confidence in the exchange’s future.
September 18, 2025
Crypto Access Expands as Traditional Finance Embraces Digital Assets
Traditional finance is embracing crypto as major firms like Franklin Templeton and Bitwise integrate digital assets into platforms used by financial advisors. Tools such as model portfolios, SMAs, and crypto indices are making it easier for advisors to offer clients regulated, diversified exposure. Education and compliance support are also improving, helping crypto become a standard part of long-term investment strategies.
September 17, 2025
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