Blockchain Trends for 2021
The adoption of blockchain technology for the enterprises will continue to build momentum driven primarily by the demand in the financial services sector, notably driving by the recent boom of decentralized finance (DeFi), crypto-back loan providers, and custodial services for digital assets.
Fuel by Bitcoin crested above $24,000 as an early holiday present, along with other catalysts pending, including Ethereum reaching proof of stake, Cardano’s full decentralization and smart contract rollout to Mainnet by March 2021, central banks of various countries experimenting with the respective central bank digital currencies (CBDC), and recent IPO announcement of Coinbase will certainly push blockchain solutions back into the mainstream, and restart the demand for professionals with blockchain skills in the development and assessment, and auditing of smart contracts of common blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, Corda, and Hyperledger Fabric.
What are our predictions?
Cryptocurrencies will reach mainstream enabling significant growth in individual and corporation wealth. Bitcoin will surge past $100,000 and Ethereum will settle above $3,500 by the end of the year.
More blockchain solutions will emerge beyond decentralized finance driving by corporations placing cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets. Some market leading-corporation will extend their balance sheets beyond crypto investments into yield-farming.
Blockchain users and blockchain platforms will experience unprecedented rise in the number of hacks and phishing attempts with unparalleled level of sophistication never seen before.
Blockchain forensics will emerge as the go-to tool to combat illicit money laundering and to track malicious actors by following the money.
Organizations will double up their effort to seek and retain experience blockchain professionals as they prepare to integrate and execute blockchain strategy into their core business.