Neobanks to Fuel Ethereum's 2026 Growth, Says ether.fi CEO

Ethereum is entering 2026 with a focus on expanding its financial ecosystem, driven by the emergence of crypto-native neobanking platforms. ether.fi CEO and co-founder Mike Silagadze highlighted this trend during an interview with CoinDesk, emphasizing that neobanks are poised to play a key role in Ethereum's next phase of growth.

Silagadze noted that 2025 marked a turning point for Ethereum, with increased institutional adoption and the rise of digital asset treasuries (DATs) contributing to price fluctuations. As ether moved from a low of $1,472 in April to $4,832 during the DAT trend, the network demonstrated its ability to attract institutional capital.

The neobanking movement is seen as a clear path to long-term adoption, especially as stablecoins gain traction in global finance. These platforms are better suited to introduce users to onchain yield and financial services compared to ETFs, according to Silagadze. He believes that Ethereum's utility and accessibility will determine its success in 2026.

Why Did This Happen?

Ethereum's transition into a more mature financial platform has been supported by the growth of institutional interest and new product offerings. The ether.fi CEO pointed to the success of DATs as a key driver of price movement in 2025. These vehicles allow institutions to deploy capital on Ethereum, increasing demand for ether and supporting its price.

The trend has been supported by broader developments in the crypto ecosystem. For example, Ethereum-based companies are exploring new ways to engage users through restaking platforms, yield-bearing products, and self-custody solutions. ether.fi has expanded its focus to include these types of financial services, reflecting the broader shift in the market.

How Did Markets React?

Market participants have shown optimism about Ethereum's potential in 2026, particularly as neobanking platforms continue to innovate. ether.fi is set to launch new financial products at Consensus Hong Kong in February 2026, where Silagadze will discuss the role of neobanks in scaling Ethereum's adoption.

The company has seen increased adoption from institutions, with early adopters already deploying capital through ether.fi's platforms. This trend highlights the growing appeal of Ethereum as a base for financial infrastructure, especially as stablecoins become more embedded in global financial systems.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring the development of Ethereum's neobanking ecosystem. Silagadze believes that these platforms will play a crucial role in driving user activity and expanding the network's reach. The success of ether.fi's new products will be an important indicator of Ethereum's ability to attract a broader user base.

In addition, market observers are watching how Ethereum competes with other blockchain networks like Solana, which is also making strides in real-world asset tokenization and institutional adoption. While Ethereum leads in tokenized RWA value, Solana's rapid growth in this space could challenge Ethereum's dominance.

The broader crypto market is also watching for regulatory developments in 2026, particularly as the SEC's new generic listing standards open the door for more crypto ETFs and ETPs. However, experts like James Seyffart of Bloomberg warn that many of these products may not last beyond 2027 due to lack of demand.

As Ethereum moves forward, the focus will remain on delivering practical utility and user adoption. The success of neobanking platforms like ether.fi will be a key factor in determining whether Ethereum can maintain its position as a leading blockchain for financial innovation according to the CEO.