The crypto universe is preparing to experience a decisive year, driven by promising innovations and growing threats. Indeed, the possible approval of an ETF based on Solana could mark a major breakthrough, which would offer institutional investors new access to cryptos. At the same time, rapid advances in artificial intelligence are redefining trading practices, while similar technologies are fueling cyberattacks on an unprecedented scale. Against this backdrop of upheaval, 2025 stands out as a pivotal year for the industry, where promises of increased adoption must contend with ever more complex security risks.
A decisive step for Solana with the arrival of an ETF
One of the key moments expected for 2025 could be the approval of an ETF (exchange-traded fund) based on Solana in the United States, a development that crystallizes the attention of investors. Several big names in asset management, such as Grayscale, VanEck and Bitwise, have submitted their applications to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A first decision is expected in January, which could constitute a decisive change for the crypto market.
This prospect triggers palpable enthusiasm among industry experts. Alex Svanevik, CEO of crypto intelligence platform Nansen, expressed his optimism in a post on social network X (formerly Twitter) on November 27. There's describe a Solana ETF listed in the United States as a potentially transformative event, capable of making 2025 “the mother of all bull markets”. This sentiment is shared by Alejo Pinto, founder of Lumio and former head of blockchain growth at IBM. According to him, “an ETF approval could significantly propel the value of Solana, as this opportunity still remains undervalued by the market”.
The effects of this anticipation are already beginning to be felt. In December 2024, the price of Solana jumped to $230, fueled by growing investor enthusiasm. Some analysts, like those at Bitwise, go so far as to set a target of $750, which reflects the high expectations surrounding this innovation.
Such a move follows the path set by Brazil, which approved its first ETF Solana in August 2024. This initiative set a significant precedent for other jurisdictions, and shows that such proposals can lead to concrete results. In the United States, approval could increase Solana's visibility among investors, but also facilitate institutional adoption of this blockchain, which would thus strengthen its positioning against Ethereum, often considered its main competitor.
The rise and perils of AI in the crypto universe
The year 2025 could also be a major milestone for the adoption of artificial intelligence in the crypto sector. Additionally, the rise of AI-powered trading bots is gradually transforming financial markets and providing real-time analysis and execution capabilities. These technological tools, capable of processing massive volumes of data with unequaled precision, represent an increasingly efficient alternative to human strategies. Jawad Ashraf, CEO of Vanar Blockchain, says: “These AI agents will outperform human investors in accuracy and efficiency, which will create a more automated and less human-centric trading environment.” With a combined valuation of $42 billion, AI-related cryptos are triggering growing interest from investors.
However, rapid advancements in AI come with significant security risks to the crypto ecosystem. In 2024, cyberattacks caused an estimated $2.3 billion in losses, a 40% increase from the previous year. This phenomenon is partly explained by the use of AI technologies in increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Some of the most critical methods include authorized payment fraud (APP), which tricks victims into authorizing fraudulent transactions themselves, and pig butchering, where scammers manipulate their targets over the long term to siphon off their funds. through fake crypto investments.
Deddy Lavid, CEO of cybersecurity company Cyvers, emphasizes the urgency of a tailored response to these threats: “fighting these threats will require advanced detection systems, stricter regulation and increased consumer awareness.” In addition, the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks could push the authorities to strengthen legislative frameworks and control tools, an essential project to protect a booming sector.
These developments raise fundamental questions about the balance between technological innovation and security in the crypto ecosystem. If AI promises to revolutionize markets, it also redefines the contours of trust and vigilance necessary for the sustainability of the industry. The future will depend on the ability of players to combine these technological advances with a resilient infrastructure in the face of emerging threats.
The growing adoption of ETFs and advances in artificial intelligence are fundamentally transforming the crypto ecosystem. These developments promise to accelerate the growth of the sector and pose new challenges, particularly in terms of digital security. As institutional investors open up to these innovative technologies, strengthening protection mechanisms becomes essential to preserve confidence in a constantly changing environment.
Maximize your Tremplin.io experience with our 'Read to Earn' program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.
