**[Analysis: Crypto-Native Neo-Banks Could Become the Core Engine for Ethereum Growth and Adoption in 2026]** BlockBeats reported on January 5 that as Ethereum completes the critical phase of institutional capital entry through "Digital Asset Treasury (DAT)" in 2025, market attention is shifting to the new driver of adoption in 2026—crypto-native neo-banks. ether.fi CEO Mike Silagadze stated that Ethereum's next phase of expansion will be driven by accessible financial products rather than speculative trading cycles. Analysts believe that these neo-banks will combine self-custody, high-yield stablecoin products, and traditional mobile banking experiences to provide an entry point for a broad user base that is wary of DeFi complexity but seeks returns higher than traditional savings. By shielding users from gas fees, private keys, and cross-L2 operational details, these banks are becoming a critical bridge for Ethereum's mainstream adoption. At the same time, institutional staking and liquid staking form the underlying support. The DAT emerging in 2025 allows enterprises to earn staking yields while holding Ethereum, serving as a more flexible allocation tool beyond spot ETFs. The market anticipates that in Q1 2026, institutional treasuries and retail-focused neo-banks will create a synergistic effect, offering users 4%–5% on-chain yields and driving Ethereum's transition from "speculative applications" to everyday financial infrastructure.