HashKey, in collaboration with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's Digital Finance Lab, released its Top Ten Trends Observations for the Digital Asset Industry in 2026.

HashKey Holdings Limited (hereinafter referred to as "HashKey" or the "Company", stock code: 3887.HK), in conjunction with the Digital Finance Lab of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, jointly released the "Top Ten Trends in the Digital Asset Industry in 2026". This observation is based on the results of industry research and market surveys, aiming to objectively present the main focus areas of industry participants on the future development of digital assets and provide a research reference framework for industry development.

This industry trend observation was jointly initiated by HashKey and the Digital Finance Lab at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. HashKey's research team provided research support on macroeconomic environment and industry structural changes; the Digital Finance Lab at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was responsible for questionnaire design, a 7-day independent survey, and statistical analysis of the results.

According to the survey results, the top ten trends that industry participants are highly focused on in 2026 include:

1. AI agents are expected to evolve into on-chain executors with autonomous decision-making capabilities, able to independently complete order placement, settlement, position management, and risk control within the smart contract framework, becoming truly native on-chain trading participants. (Support rate: 86.8%)

2. Asset tokenization is accelerating across the board, and the large-scale on-chaining of securities has become a significant milestone for the industry. On-chain registration and clearing infrastructure will be gradually improved and integrated with DeFi. (Support rate: 84.6%)

3. The infrastructure for stablecoin deposits and withdrawals has been comprehensively upgraded, enabling stablecoins to accelerate their connection to and integration into the real-world financial system and enter into real-world business activities; banks and large financial institutions will leverage stablecoins to achieve more product innovation and business expansion. (Support rate: 79.4%)

4. Hong Kong is accelerating the improvement of its digital asset regulatory system, with stablecoin licensing, normalized asset tokenization, and secondary market circulation expected to be implemented (support rate: 77.3%).

5. Competition between offshore and onshore exchanges is intensifying, but compliance and transparency will become irreversible competitive barriers (support rate: 74.2%).

6. With global liquidity recovering, digital assets still possess strong market allocation value, but a comprehensive boom is not expected. Fund attention will remain focused on core high-quality assets such as BTC/ETH. (Support rate: 64.7%)

7. Staking enters the "institutional era," with DAT and ETFs becoming mainstream, while Liquidity Staking (LSD) faces regulatory pressure (support rate: 63.6%).

8. Industry mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity will accelerate significantly, with infrastructure and compliance assets becoming the focus of acquisitions (support rate: 62.1%).

9. High-performance scaling and compliant privacy are becoming mainstream in public blockchains, with next-generation privacy solutions such as ZK and FHE becoming standard for institutional-grade infrastructure (support rate: 55.3%).

10. Global regulation will further intensify the race, forming a global competitive landscape around stablecoin clearing, tokenized assets, and institutional access (support rate: 55.2%).

The survey results show that the integration of AI and blockchain, asset tokenization, and stablecoin infrastructure received high support, reflecting the industry's continued focus on the deep integration of blockchain technology and finance. Meanwhile, over 70% of respondents supported improvements in the regulatory system and changes in market structure, indicating that the industry's focus is gradually shifting towards institutional development, compliance frameworks, and long-term sustainable development paths. HashKey will continue to monitor long-term structural trends in the digital asset industry and conduct relevant business research within a compliant framework.

Disclaimer: The content of this report is based solely on joint industry research conducted by HashKey and the Digital Finance Lab at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It aims to objectively present the general observations and expectations of industry participants and does not represent a commitment to the company's future market trends, asset prices, or business performance. Percentage data cited in this report are from independent survey samples and are for reference only.

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor should it be construed as, an offer, solicitation, invitation, advice, or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe for, or otherwise trade any digital assets, securities, or financial products. This report also does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, accounting, or other professional advice and should not be used as a basis for decision-making. Any descriptions of products, services, promotions, or plans are for general informational purposes only. Participation in any products, services, or promotions mentioned is subject to applicable terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements.

This report is limited to academic discussion and data sharing on industry technology trends and regulatory developments. It does not involve any financial forecasts, operating objectives, or undisclosed material business developments of the Company or its affiliates, nor does it reflect the official position or commitments of the Company or its affiliates. This report may contain forward-looking statements or indicative information, and actual results may differ materially from these statements. HashKey Holdings Limited assumes no obligation to update such information.

About HashKey Holdings Limited

HashKey Holdings Limited (“HashKey” or the “Company”, stock code: 3887.HK) is a mature, comprehensive digital asset company in Asia with a global presence. It builds a digital asset ecosystem by providing end-to-end financial infrastructure, technology, and investment management. The Company offers transaction facilitation services, on-chain services, and asset management services through its licensed digital asset platform.