From privacy and the digital euro to strategic cryptocurrency reserves, Fintech CEOs have plenty of predictions for 2025. SPACE ID director of business development Harrison Seletsky believes 2025 will see privacy come into focus as the EU launches the digital euro and organizations battle data leaks. He also expects to see a proliferation of AI agents launching financial products and says NFTs are coming back – but not like in 2021.
“I’ve seen several developments in 2024 that I expect to accelerate in 2025,” Seletsky began. “Firstly, privacy is becoming a more important consideration not only for crypto users but for centralized entities and even governments. We can see this in Europe’s blueprints for the digital euro, which target a “cash-like” level of privacy.”
“There are also increasing concerns over data breaches, with anyone from AT&T to major healthcare providers experiencing data leaks this year. So a renewed focus on decentralized data storage and cybersecurity is on the agenda for 2025.”
Like many, Seletsky also sees the rise of AI agents. Already, we’ve witnessed the success of meme coins and other projects backed by AI, like GOAT and AI16Z, and he believes we’re going to see a lot more of this.
“Not only will AI agents launch meme coins, but they will be able to create entire DeFi ecosystems,” Seletsky said. “This will, however, increase the risks of fraud, and the question of authentication will become crucial. Similarly, we’ll see a greater need for humanity checks as it becomes harder and harder to distinguish between human and AI.”
Seletsky also envisions a revival and maturation of the NFT market. While people will continue to speculate on NFTs (though not to the same extent they do with meme coins), they will increasingly be used for more utility-based purposes, such as for identity verification or proof of ownership. Quietly, they will become an important part of everyday transactions, like buying tickets, doing KYC or owning gaming items.
“But don’t expect a resurgence of the 2021 NFT boom,” Seletsky concluded. “The market is maturing, and so will NFTs.”
Chirp founder and CEO Tim Kravchunosky said 2025 will be pivotal for crypto as Donald Trump implements a Bitcoin reserve. He also sees the ecosystem maturing, with the focus shifting from meme coins to sectors with real-world utility, like GameFi, DePIN and AI.
“Another year has come to an end, and it has seen lots of positive developments for crypto,” Kravchunovsky said. “As we head into 2025, it will be a historic year for digital assets as the US adopts Bitcoin as a national reserve currency. Despite the ongoing uncertainty around this, I’m convinced this will happen sooner rather than later – likely within a few months of President-elect Donald Trump being inaugurated.”
“The beginning of next year will also see an acceleration in new token launches across the crypto ecosystem. This might make it harder for investors to pick the winners, so fundamentals and a long-term outlook will become more important in 2025.”
As the industry matures, Kravchunovsky expects to finally see a shift from speculating on meme coins to investing in projects that add real value. GameFi, DePIN and AI will be some of the winning narratives in 2025 because they create a crucial link between blockchain and the real world.
“It’s going to be an exciting year to be a crypto project, and we’re thrilled to be building on the ecosystem’s most exciting blockchain: Sui,” he concluded.