DeFi Outlook 2026: 1inch Survey Finds Growing Confidence Among Experienced Users Despite Persistent Friction Points

Decentralized trade (DEX) aggregator 1inch has printed a brand new survey on decentralized finance (DeFi) utilization, carried out in collaboration with Bitget Wallet, Ondo, BOB, DaGama, and SafePal. The survey, which included 8,199 respondents globally, signifies that total sentiment within the DeFi group stays optimistic because the sector strikes into 2026.

According to the findings, 72% of contributors expressed optimism about the way forward for decentralized finance. Confidence was significantly sturdy amongst US respondents, with 83% reporting a optimistic outlook, whereas sentiment in Asian markets was extra measured, with 64% of contributors in Singapore, 63% in Taiwan, and 56% in Hong Kong expressing optimism.

1inch interprets these outcomes as a mirrored image of rising confidence in DeFi as regulatory frameworks turn into clearer and institutional involvement expands. While challenges stay, survey responses counsel that fears of exterior elements considerably disrupting the sector have diminished.

The survey additionally revealed that optimism correlates with expertise within the crypto area. Respondents with a couple of 12 months of DeFi participation reported the very best ranges of optimistic sentiment, round 73%, whereas newcomers confirmed optimism ranges barely above 60%. The information highlights a transparent development: customers who’ve weathered earlier cryptocurrency cycles are typically extra assured concerning the sector’s long-term prospects.

User Priorities And Adoption Barriers In The DeFi Ecosystem

The survey additionally examined the first frustrations reported by DeFi customers, revealing that transaction charges, or fuel, are the commonest supply of annoyance, cited by 27% of respondents. Security dangers adopted at 22%, with failed or delayed transactions at 18%, and cross-chain bridges at 14%.

When regulatory considerations had been analyzed individually, a regional distinction emerged. US contributors expressed relative consolation concerning regulation, as a substitute prioritizing sensible challenges resembling safety, transaction prices, and fuel charges. By distinction, respondents outdoors the US emphasised regulatory uncertainty and market construction as important constraints. It is vital to notice, nevertheless, that these perceptions are sentiment-driven and don’t essentially mirror precise regulatory danger.

The survey additionally explored the elements that encourage customers to discover new initiatives or belongings. Liquidity emerged because the main consideration, cited by 56% of respondents. Trust-related fundamentals had been additionally extremely influential, together with clear challenge backing and custody at 39%, authorized and regulatory readability at 37%, and transparency with attestations at 35%. 

On-chain performance, resembling the flexibility to commerce instantly on-chain, was valued by 31% of customers. In distinction, superficial elements like model recognition (10%) and total “vibes” (4%) had minimal impression on decision-making. These outcomes counsel that whereas advertising and marketing and hype could entice consideration, customers finally prioritize substance over model when evaluating alternatives within the DeFi ecosystem.

“Confidence in DeFi comes with expertise, and expertise takes time,” mentioned Sergej Kunz, Co-founder of 1inch, in a written assertion. “As the trade seems to be to develop and onboard new customers, we should make the method as seamless as potential—decreasing friction round fuel charges and bridges, whereas assembly customers’ priorities round liquidity, safety, and belief,” he added.

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