According to ChainCatcher, as Ethereum enters a critical phase in 2025 for institutional capital to enter through "Digital Asset Vaults (DAT)," market attention is shifting to new adoption drivers in 2026—crypto-native banks. Mike Silagadze, CEO of ether.fi, stated that Ethereum's next phase of expansion will be driven by accessible financial products rather than speculative trading cycles. Analysts believe that these new banks will combine self-custody, high-yield stablecoin products with a traditional mobile banking experience, providing an entry point for a broad user base that is wary of DeFi's complexity but seeks higher returns than traditional savings. By abstracting away gas fees, private keys, and cross-L2 operations, these new banks are becoming a key bridge for Ethereum's path to mainstream adoption. At the same time, institutional staking and liquid staking form the foundational support. The DAT trend, which emerged in 2025, allows businesses to earn staking rewards while holding Ethereum, serving as a more flexible allocation tool compared to spot ETFs. The market expects that in the first quarter of 2026, institutional vaults and new banks targeting retail users will create a synergistic effect, offering users 4%–5% on-chain yields and propelling Ethereum from a "speculative application" to a daily financial infrastructure.
2026 Ethereum Growth to Be Driven by Crypto-Native Banks
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Summary
Ethereum news highlights 2026 as a pivotal year, with crypto-native banks leading the next wave of adoption. Following the 2025 rollout of Digital Asset Vaults (DAT), the focus now shifts to accessible financial products. Ether.fi CEO Mike Silagadze says these banks will blend self-custody, high-yield stablecoins, and mobile banking. Gas fees, private keys, and L2 operations will be hidden from users, making Ethereum more user-friendly. Institutional staking and DATs laid the groundwork in 2025, enabling businesses to earn rewards while holding ETH. By Q1 2026, institutional and retail banks are expected to offer 4%-5% yields, embedding Ethereum into daily finance. With the Ethereum price today showing steady interest, 2026 could mark a major shift in real-world usage.
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