Venture capital firm a16z has outlined 17 key trends expected to shape the crypto industry in 2026. The firm anticipates a deep integration of stablecoins, real-world assets (RWA), and payment infrastructure with traditional finance. Additionally, AI agents are expected to merge with crypto-native identity, payments, and governance, driving the concept of "internet banking." Privacy, security, and decentralized communication are projected to become foundational capabilities, while new applications like prediction markets and verifiable computing are set to accelerate. Improvements in regulation and market structure are also seen as potential catalysts for unlocking greater blockchain potential.