As Ethereum nears the close of what has been termed a pivotal institutional year, Mike Silagadze, CEO and co-founder of ether.fi, looks forward to 2026 with a vision that emphasizes practical financial products over speculation in the crypto market. In a recent interview, Silagadze discussed the evolution of Ethereum and the burgeoning interest from institutional players, indicating that the coming years will likely see an increased focus on familiar financial tools for everyday users.
Ether.fi, recognized for its restaking platform, is diversifying its offerings to develop crypto-native neobanking products. These innovations aim to blend yield generation with self-custody and on-chain financial services, positioning ether.fi at the forefront of this emerging sector. Silagadze is set to share his insights at CoinDesk’s Consensus Hong Kong conference in February 2026.
Reflecting on 2025, Silagadze characterized it as a watershed moment for Ethereum, highlighted by increased institutional engagement. While traditional staking options remain limited within exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Silagadze pointed out that alternative institutional vehicles, particularly digital asset treasuries (DATs), have quickly gained traction. He noted that several institutions have begun deploying assets through ether.fi, signaling a shift towards more aggressive participation in the Ethereum ecosystem. Citing the influence of these early adopters, he remarked that their investments contributed to a notable increase in ether’s market price during the DAT trend.
The price of ether fluctuated significantly throughout 2025, hitting a low of $1,472 in April. However, as interest in DATs surged, the price soared to $4,832, showcasing the responsiveness of the market to institutional adoption.
Looking ahead, Silagadze expressed enthusiasm for the maturation of Ethereum’s financial landscape, particularly within the context of the growing crypto neobank movement. He observed that numerous companies are entering this space, catalyzing growth and adoption. Silagadze believes that neobanks have the potential to drive sustained user engagement, especially as stablecoins increasingly integrate into global financial systems. In his view, these platforms are more adept than ETFs at exposing users to on-chain activities and associated yields.
Ultimately, Silagadze argues that Ethereum’s success in 2026 hinges on its ability to deliver practical, scalable utility. He envisions a future where the adoption of Ethereum is fueled by neobank-type players, advocating for a shift towards real-world applications such as tokenized stocks and accessible banking services. Silagadze emphasizes the need to expand beyond speculative applications, urging a pivot towards innovations that better serve user needs and foster increased activity in the ecosystem.
