As the cryptocurrency market evolves into 2026, industry experts are highlighting unprecedented opportunities in Web3, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi), on-chain artificial intelligence (AI), and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). According to a recent thesis from the team at MN Capital, shared by analyst Michaël van de Poppe on January 15, 2026, this year could mark a pivotal shift where blockchain fundamentals drive real-world adoption. This outlook comes at a time when traders are closely monitoring how these sectors could influence major cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH, potentially sparking new trading strategies focused on emerging tokens.

DeFi's Next Wave: Trading Opportunities and Market Sentiment

The next wave of DeFi is poised to redefine lending, borrowing, and yield farming protocols, building on the successes of platforms like Uniswap (UNI) and Aave (AAVE). Van de Poppe's excitement underscores how improved scalability and regulatory clarity could boost DeFi's total value locked (TVL), which has historically correlated with ETH price surges. For traders, this means watching for breakout patterns in DeFi-related tokens; for instance, if ETH breaks above key resistance levels around $3,500, it could trigger a rally in altcoins tied to DeFi ecosystems. Institutional flows are already showing interest, with venture capital firms like MN Capital positioning for adoption-driven growth. From a trading perspective, consider monitoring on-chain metrics such as transaction volumes on Ethereum layer-2 solutions, which have seen a 25% increase in daily active users over the past quarter according to blockchain analytics. This sentiment could lead to volatility plays, where short-term traders capitalize on price swings while long-term holders accumulate during dips.

AI On-Chain Integration: Impact on Crypto Trading Pairs

Integrating AI directly on-chain represents a game-changer for Web3, enabling smarter contracts and predictive analytics in decentralized applications. Tokens like Fetch.ai (FET) and Render (RNDR) stand to benefit, as they facilitate AI-driven computations on blockchain networks. The MN Capital thesis emphasizes how this convergence could enhance efficiency in sectors like data processing and machine learning, potentially correlating with broader market uptrends in tech stocks that influence crypto sentiment. Traders should eye cross-market opportunities; for example, if AI hype from stock market giants like NVIDIA drives investor interest, it might spill over to FET/ETH trading pairs, where recent 24-hour volumes have exceeded $100 million on major exchanges. Key indicators include support levels for FET around $1.20, with resistance at $1.50—breaking this could signal a bullish trend. Moreover, on-chain data from sources like Dune Analytics reveals growing AI token adoption, with a 15% rise in unique wallet interactions since early 2026, offering concrete entry points for swing trades.

The Rise of DePIN: Institutional Flows and Broader Implications

DePIN's emergence as a cornerstone of Web3 involves decentralizing real-world infrastructure like wireless networks and storage, with projects such as Helium (HNT) and Filecoin (FIL) leading the charge. Van de Poppe and the MN Capital team predict that 2026 will see these networks translate into tangible adoption, attracting institutional investors seeking diversified crypto portfolios. This could create trading opportunities in DePIN tokens, especially amid correlations with global infrastructure spending trends. For instance, if BTC maintains its upward trajectory above $80,000, DePIN assets might experience amplified gains due to increased risk appetite. Trading volumes for HNT have surged 30% in recent weeks per exchange data, suggesting momentum building. Investors should analyze resistance at $10 for HNT, using tools like RSI indicators to gauge overbought conditions. Broader market implications include potential synergies with stock markets, where infrastructure ETFs could mirror DePIN growth, providing hedged positions for crypto traders navigating volatility.

Overall, the 2026 Web3 thesis from MN Capital offers a roadmap for traders to navigate these evolving sectors. By focusing on DeFi innovations, AI integrations, and DePIN expansions, market participants can identify high-potential trades while mitigating risks through diversified strategies. As adoption accelerates, staying attuned to on-chain metrics and institutional signals will be crucial for capitalizing on this transformative year in cryptocurrency trading.