Catenaa, Sunday, December 21, 2025- Artificial Intelligence agents and on-chain finance are set to reshape global financial systems in 2026 as stablecoins surge and blockchain-based tools challenge legacy banking infrastructure, Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto arm said.
In a year-ahead outlook, a16z crypto said stablecoins processed an estimated $46 trillion in transactions last year, surpassing volumes handled by major payment networks.
Despite rapid growth, the firm said links between digital dollars and existing payment systems remain underdeveloped, limiting everyday use.
The report said new startups are building payment rails that connect stablecoins with local systems, including QR-based networks and real-time settlement tools.
These links could enable instant cross-border payroll, merchant payments and broader access to digital finance without traditional bank accounts.
A16z also pointed to rising interest in putting real-world assets on-chain, though it said many early efforts mirror existing financial structures.
Synthetic instruments such as perpetual futures were cited as easier to deploy and more liquid, keeping debate alive over whether tokenization or synthetic markets will dominate.
Stablecoin issuance expanded in 2025, and the firm expects credit products to increasingly originate directly on-chain in 2026. It said tokenized deposits, bonds and treasuries allow banks to launch new offerings without replacing aging core systems.
On automation, a16z said intent-based systems and AI agents will drive demand for instant, programmable payments.
The firm added that cryptographic identity tools will be needed as non-human agents take on larger roles in finance.
