Licensed to Shill: What's in Store for 2026 – Stablecoins, the Future of DeFi.. and a Return of NFTs? | Blockcast 84

Licensed to Shill opens 2026 with a forward-looking conversation on the forces shaping the next phase of digital assets.Takatoshi Shibayama (Head of APAC, Ledger), Nikhil Joshi (COO, Emurgo), and Lisa JY Tan (Founder & Managing Director, Economics Design) share their expectations for the year ahead – where crypto infrastructure is maturing, where speculation is giving way to utility, and where new risks are emerging.They dig into the rise of stablecoins, AI-driven payments and customer service, and how personalization is reshaping consumer expectations. The discussion moves through regulation and compliance across jurisdictions, the impact of US policy shifts, and the growing importance of financial literacy as financial services become increasingly retail and software-driven.Real-world assets, prediction markets, NFTs beyond the hype cycle, and the role of SMEs in pushing practical adoption all feature as the panel weighs what’s likely to matter – and what’s likely to fade – in 2026.Chapters04:49 – Geopolitical Implications of Stablecoins12:45 – The Role of Money in a Tech-Driven World17:13 – Taxation and Non-Fiat Currency22:37 – Service Differentiation in a Tech-Driven Market31:06 – Financial Literacy and Education37:11 – Regulatory Challenges in Asset Tokenization50:17 – The Future of Prediction Markets01:00:30 – The Clarity Act and Its Implications01:11:38 – The Future of NFTs: Comeback and Utility?More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.Reach us at [email protected].