Changing the balance of power for virtual currencies: Big Tech's entry disrupts existing financial chains

👋 Everyone who is holding on, are you still breathing?

As we approach the end of 2025, the cryptocurrency market is once again buzzing with hot topics. As Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly Capital predicts,Big Techin 2026crypto walletFintech company launched by integratingL1 BlockchainOn the other hand,EthereumとSolanais expected to further solidify its market leadership and maintain its DeFi market share. With Fortune 100 companies also increasing their own chains, technological innovation is likely to accelerate!

Big Tech Crypto Wallet Launch Could Devastate Fintech L1s as Ethereum and Solana Cement Market Leadership

Background and Issues

Okay, let's pretend we're sitting next to each other at a cafe. The cryptocurrency world is like a party with a bunch of friends. Everyone brings their wallets, they trade, they play games, and hereBig TechWhat would happen if a big name guest like that suddenly showed up? That's the prediction for 2026 now.

First, some background. As Dragonfly Capital's Qureshi says, major tech companies like Apple and Google may incorporate crypto wallets into their apps. Until now, Fintech companies (like PayPal and Revolut) have been trying to launch their own L1 blockchains (Layer 1, essentially the foundational chain) to challenge Ethereum and Solana, but the entry of Big Tech could very well turn the tables.

The challenge is simple. Imagine this. You already have Google Wallet or Apple Pay on your smartphone, right? If crypto functionality were suddenly added to it, fewer people would bother to download a separate Fintech app, right? It's like going to a supermarket far away just to buy a Coke at a convenience store. Convenience wins.

Furthermore, Ethereum is gaining a significant share of DeFi (decentralized finance)60%Keeping it. Solana in 2025$ 1.3BIt's a leader in the blockchain world, generating revenue of 100 million yen. Fintech L1s is likely to struggle to attract users. I'm not joking, but this feels like "a newcomer to Fintech is picking a fight with veteran Ethereum." Lol

But this is not the only issue. There are also significant regulatory barriers. In Japan, using overseas exchanges carries the risk of being outside of legal protection, so be careful. Technically speaking, if the scalability (processing speed) of the L1 chain cannot keep up, users will flee. It's like a congested highway. People will get frustrated and choose shortcuts (Ethereum or Solana).

The core of the technology

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter. The important thing here is how Big Tech wallets will change the market. First, what is L1? Layer 1 is the foundation layer of the blockchain. Ethereum and Solana are like the "road network of a city" that processes transactions. Fintech L1s are trying to build new roads, but Big Tech wallets are like "equipping everyone's cars with navigation systems to efficiently drive on existing roads."

Click the image to enlarge.

Look at the diagram. As you can see in this image, Big Tech wallets are a bridge that connects users with the blockchain. In terms of tokenomics (token economics), the widespread use of wallets will increase the demand for Ethereum's ETH and Solana's SOL. This is because it will be easier to access DeFi and NFTs directly from the wallet. It's a joke, but it's like, "A wallet is a magic door that takes your pocket money and brings it into the world of cryptocurrency."

Let's break down the terminology. DeFi is "borrowing and lending money without going through the bank." Example: In exchange for lending to a friend, you earn interest using a smart contract (automated contract). Solana's strength is speed. If Ethereum is like a "leisurely stroll," Solana sends transactions flying like a "roller coaster." Ethereum has higher gas fees, but they are improving with Layer 2 (expansion road).

See the comparison table for clear differences!

If you look at this table, you can see, right? The entry of Big Tech may push Fintech L1s to the "outside the loop." To put it humorously, Fintech is a tragedy like "a new cafe opens, but then a Starbucks opens next door." Lol

Applications and Market Impact

So, what impact will this actually have? From a user perspective, having a Big Tech wallet means you can use crypto for everyday purchases, like buying NFTs with Apple Pay or saving with DeFi. From a developer perspective, it will make it easier to build apps using Ethereum's smart contracts. Solana is booming thanks to the memecoin (joke currency) boom, and it will increase liquidity across the market.

The impact on the market will be huge. As Fortune 100 companies increase their own blockchains, Big Tech wallets will become "gateways" and draw hundreds of millions of people into the crypto world. Fintech L1s may decline due to a lack of users. Example: In terms of romance, Ethereum and Solana are the "popular ones," while Fintech is like the "trying hard but overshadowed one." The impact will be the accelerated growth of DeFi and the spread of stablecoins. Bitcoin is predicted to reach $150, but this is just a prediction.

What's interesting is the transformation of the banking and fintech sectors. According to Qureshi, regulations are getting stricter while institutional investment is increasing. He humorously notes that "Crypto is no longer just a hobby for nerds, but a field for adults in business suits." However, if you live in Japan, there are risks when using overseas services, so be sure to check local regulations.

Actions by level

It's an action plan! Focus on "understanding and experience" rather than "buying." If you're a beginner, first install a wallet like MetaMask and play around with the testnet. Get a feel for gas prices. For example, it's like practicing driving a toy car.

For intermediate users: Try swapping with Ethereum's DeFi app (Uniswap). Play around with memecoins with Solana's Phantom wallet. But only with small amounts. Remember the risks. If you're a developer, learn Solidity (Ethereum's programming language) and create simple contracts. I joke, "Writing code is like cooking. Even if you fail, you learn."

Overall, make it a habit to follow the news. Check out CoinMarketCap and Crypto News for the latest trends. Experience the dynamism of the market through your own experience!

Future prospects and risks

Is the future bright? With the arrival of Big Tech wallets in 2026, crypto adoption will explode. Ethereum will scale with L2 evolution, and Solana will strengthen with a projected revenue of $1.5B. With the increase in Fortune 100 chains, the banking sector will transition to Web3. Bitcoin is expected to reach $150K, and stablecoin growth is also expected.

However, there are many risks. Technical: Hacking and network outages (Solana has had outages in the past). Legal: DeFi may be restricted due to stricter regulations. Be careful of gambling-related activities in Japan (this article is only an explanation). Operational: High volatility, and losses due to price fluctuations. Example: The risk of vomiting while riding a roller coaster.

The outlook is for decentralization to progress, but there is also the risk of Big Tech monopolizing. A balance is important. Objectively speaking, the market is maturing, but we need to be careful.

My Feelings, Then and Now

In summary, Big Tech's crypto wallet launches threaten Fintech L1s, with Ethereum and Solana solidifying their leadership. Understanding the core of the technology and considering its impact can be exciting, but don't forget the risks. DYOR (Do Your Own Research) is the golden rule! Research and make your own decisions. Let's learn in a fun way, just like Cafetalk.

👨‍💻 Author: SnowJon (WEB3/AI Practitioner/Investor)

Based on the knowledge I gained from the University of Tokyo's Blockchain Innovation Course,
Researches and disseminates information on WEB3 and AI technology from a practical perspective.
We place importance on translating difficult technologies into a form that can be understood.

*AI is used as an auxiliary tool, and the author is responsible for final confirmation and responsibility of the content.

Reference links and sources

• Original News: Big Tech Crypto Wallet Launch Could Devastate Fintech L1s as Ethereum and Solana Cement Market Leadership
• Major Tech Firm Could Launch Crypto Wallet by 2026
• Big Tech Crypto Wallets Coming by 2026
• Solana Tops All Major Blockchains in 2025 Revenue
• Big Tech Will Integrate Crypto Wallets in 2026