DeFi confidence grows with experience as users look toward 2026

Sentiment among DeFi users remains positive heading into 2026, with 72% of respondents globally expressing optimism about the sector’s future. U.S. users reported one of the highest confidence levels at 83%, while sentiment across Asian markets was comparatively more muted, with respondents in Singapore (64%), Taiwan (63%) and in Hong Kong (56%), according to a survey of 8,199 individuals conducted by 1inch, the DeFi ecosystem, in collaboration with Bitget Wallet, Ondo, BOB, DaGama, and SafePal.

1inch believes that as regulatory clarity takes shape and institutional participation continues to grow, users are increasingly optimistic, as the foundations for a financial future DeFi promised become stronger.  While challenges remain, survey responses suggest that concerns about external forces that could significantly undermine the sector have eased.

When analysing the data by DeFi experience, 1inch found that optimism jumps after the first year spent in crypto. The highest levels of optimism for 2026 are found among experienced users, with those holding more than one year of experience showing consistently high positive sentiment of around 73%, compared to just over 60% among newcomers. Overall, the data shows a clear pattern: those who have experienced crypto cycles already, have higher optimism about DeFi’s future. 

Key user priorities and barriers to adoption

The survey also looked into the biggest frustrations of DeFi users, finding that paying gas is the number one annoyance, mentioned by 27% of respondents. Second is security risks with 22%, followed by Failed or slow transactions at 18% and bridges at 14%. 

When analyzing regulatory concern on its own, U.S. users were found to be more at ease, instead focusing more on practical issues such as security, fees, and gas costs. In contrast, non-U.S. respondents placed a greater emphasis on regulation and market structure, often identifying uncertainty around these factors as a key constraint identified by the respondents. However, it is important to note that perceptions of regulation are subjective and sentiment-driven, rather than an assessment of actual regulatory risk.

Finally, when looking at the factors which influence users to try new projects or assets, liquidity was found to be the dominant factor, cited by 56% of respondents. Trust-related fundamentals then followed, with clear backing and custody (39%), legal and regulatory clarity (37%), and transparency and attestations (35%) all playing a major role in user analysis of projects, according to respondents. This was then followed by on-chain functionality, with 31% valuing the ability to trade on-chain. Unsurprisingly, factors such as brand recognition (10%) and “vibes” (4%) had minimal influence over users actual decision, underscoring that while hype plays a part in attracting attention, its impact on conversion is limited. Thus substance over style remains true in DeFi. 

“Confidence in DeFi comes with experience, and experience takes time,” said Sergej Kunz, Co-founder of 1inch. “As the industry looks to grow and onboard new users, we must make the process as seamless as possible—reducing friction around gas fees and bridges, while meeting users’ priorities around liquidity, security and trust.”

Methodology

The data referenced in this report is drawn from a global user survey conducted by 1inch in collaboration with select DeFi ecosystem projects, including Bitget Wallet, Ondo, BOB, DaGama and SafePal. The survey was distributed across partner social channels, collecting a total of 8,199 responses from DeFi users worldwide. Responses were aggregated and analyzed to assess user sentiment, experience levels, and outlook on the future of decentralized finance.