a16z Crypto Highlights Stablecoins AI and RWA Trends for 2026

Venture firm a16z crypto has outlined 17 priority areas it believes will shape the crypto industry in 2026. The themes point to a shift away from speculation and toward infrastructure, payments, artificial intelligence and regulated financial integration. The outlook reflects how crypto is increasingly intersecting with traditional finance, enterprise software and policy frameworks. Below are the key takeaways shaping the firm’s 2026 thesis.

Stablecoins Move From Payments to Financial Infrastructure

Stablecoins sit at the center of a16z crypto’s outlook for 2026. The firm expects major progress in on and off-ramps. This makes stablecoins easier and faster to move between banks, fintech platforms and blockchain networks. According to the report, stablecoins already process tens of trillions of dollars in annual transaction volume. That scale now positions them as catalysts for bigger change. Rather than serving only as payment tools. 

Stablecoins could push banks to modernize outdated ledger systems. They still rely on batch processing and legacy software. As a result, new payment scenarios may emerge. These include real-time settlement, programmable transfers and automated transactions tied to smart contracts. Over time, value transfer may become embedded directly into the internet infrastructure. Rather than operating as a separate financial layer.

Real-World Assets and Tokenization Go More “Crypto-Native”

Another major focus area is the tokenization of real-world assets, often referred to as RWAs. While banks and asset managers have shown growing interest in bringing equities, commodities and funds on-chain. a16z crypto argues that most current models simply replicate traditional structures. In 2026, the firm expects tokenization to move beyond mirrored representations of off-chain assets. 

Instead, new models may emerge where assets are originated directly on-chain. While using blockchain-native features such as programmability, composability and real-time settlement. This shift could change how capital markets operate. Especially if legal frameworks evolve to support on-chain ownership, issuance and compliance at scale.

AI, Agents, and the Push Beyond Traditional KYC

Artificial intelligence also features prominently in the 2026 outlook. a16z crypto expects AI to take on more substantive roles, including research, decision-making and automated execution across financial systems. As AI agents become more active, identity standards may need to evolve. The firm highlights a transition from “Know Your Customer” to “Know Your Agent.” Where non-human entities require verifiable credentials to transact securely. This could become a key requirement as automated commerce expands. 

At the same time, privacy is expected to become a core competitive advantage. Rather than an add-on feature, privacy preserving systems. That may define which networks gain long-term adoption, particularly for financial use cases.

Regulation Seen as the Final Unlock

Finally, a16z crypto points to regulation as the missing piece holding back broader adoption. The firm argues that once legal structures align with how blockchain networks actually function, innovation could accelerate quickly. Clearer rules may allow networks to operate more openly, reduce legal uncertainty for developers and shift focus back to product building. If that alignment occurs, 2026 could mark a transition year where crypto moves closer to becoming core digital infrastructure. Rather than a parallel financial system.