The Future of Blockchain: Trends to Watch in 2026

Here’s your 2026 headache in a nutshell: everything’s shifted again “under the hood,” and those fee, wallet, and compliance assumptions you had for 2024/2025? Yeah, they’re pretty much outdated now.

• So, big news from Ethereum! They rolled out Pectra on May 7, 2025. This update includes EIP‑7702 programmable wallets, EIP‑7623 for calldata repricing, and some cool blob throughput boosts with EIP‑7691. If you were relying on your 2024 gas models or wallet predictions, it's time to rethink those! (blog.ethereum.org)
• Layer‑2 cost curves took a turn after the EIP‑4844 (Dencun) upgrade, and things are about to change again with PeerDAS (EIP‑7594). This will definitely impact the DA line item in your P&L, so keep an eye on it! (investopedia.com)
• Account Abstraction (ERC‑4337) has officially moved from the drawing board to the real world. Major wallets are now incorporating passkeys (WebAuthn, P‑256) along with sponsored gas flows. If your KYC/SSO strategy overlooks this update, you might see your onboarding KPIs lag behind. (docs.metamask.io)
• In Europe, the MiCA rulebooks for ART/EMT tokens are now active! This means that when it comes to procurement, there’s a new emphasis on traceability for stablecoin and RWA flows based on EBA/ESAs templates. (eba.europa.eu)

The Risk of “Wait and See”

When you’re dealing with uncertainty, it’s pretty common to feel like you should just “wait and see” what happens next. But this approach can actually lead to some serious agitation. Here’s why it’s important to keep that in mind:

1. Increased Anxiety: Not taking action can leave you feeling stuck and anxious. The longer you wait, the more your mind starts to spiral.
2. Missed Opportunities: If you hold off too long, you might miss out on chances that could really benefit you. Whether it’s in your career, personal life, or relationships, being passive can mean losing out.
3. Loss of Control: Waiting around can make you feel like you’re at the mercy of circumstances. Taking action, even in small ways, can help you regain a sense of control over your situation.
4. Stagnation: Sometimes, sitting on the sidelines means you’re not growing or learning. Taking risks and facing challenges can lead to personal development that you just can’t get by waiting.
5. Regret: Eventually, looking back on what you could have done can weigh heavy on your heart. Taking action, even if it doesn’t lead to the perfect outcome, can offer you peace of mind.

So, while it might feel tempting to take the “wait and see” route, consider how it could be holding you back. Taking proactive steps can help ease that agitation and lead to better outcomes in the long run.

• Missed deadlines: EIP‑7623 is shaking things up by raising the cost floors for calldata. If protocols keep pushing data through calldata, they might hit some snags in simulations and unexpected fee hikes when they go live. Check out more details here.
• Budget variance: The blob supply took a turn with EIP‑7691 adjusting the target/max blobs to 6/9. Plus, PeerDAS is messing with effective blob availability again. If you stick to last year's per-transaction data availability assumptions, you could end up overshooting your total cost of ownership by a good bit. Get the scoop here.
• Security regression: EIP‑7702 is shifting how tx.origin works, which means your basic role and auth patterns could turn into real traps. Auditors are definitely going to flag this if your code isn’t in sync with 7702. Dive deeper here.
• Procurement blockers: If you don't have SOC 2-aligned controls--like RTO/RPO, vendor SLAs, and data-flow maps for MiCA-classified tokens--don’t be surprised if legal holds up pilots for a couple of quarters. More info can be found here.
• Market timing: Real-World Assets (RWAs) have officially graduated from the experimental phase. BlackRock's BUIDL has already surpassed $1B in 2025, tokenized Treasuries are zooming past $7B+, and BENJI is rolling out P2P and institutional rails. Your treasury team might start asking, “Why aren’t we using on-chain cash?” Catch the full story here.

How 7Block Labs De-Risks 2026, Technically and Commercially

When it comes to facing the challenges of 2026, 7Block Labs has a solid game plan that tackles risks from both a technical and commercial angle. Here’s how we’re navigating these waters:

Technical De-Risking

We’ve put together a robust technical framework that focuses on innovation and adaptability. Here are some key components:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: By investing in the latest tech, we’re staying ahead of potential pitfalls. This means consistently integrating new tools and resources that can boost our efficiency.
• Scalable Solutions: We’ve designed our systems to easily scale up or down based on demand. This flexibility allows us to respond to market changes without a hitch.
• Proactive Risk Management: Our team actively monitors and assesses any technical risks that might pop up. We have contingency plans in place to ensure rapid recovery and minimal disruption.

Commercial De-Risking

On the commercial front, we’re focused on creating stability and growth. Here’s what we’re doing:

• Diverse Revenue Streams: To cushion against market fluctuations, we’re diversifying our income sources. This strategy helps us maintain financial health, no matter what happens.
• Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with other reliable companies not only strengthens our position but also spreads the risk. We’re building a network of partners who share our vision.
• Customer-Centric Approach: By keeping our customers at the heart of our strategy, we ensure that we’re meeting their needs and adapting to their feedback. This approach bolsters loyalty and long-term success.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, 7Block Labs is determined to minimize risks as we approach 2026. By focusing on both technical and commercial strategies, we’re setting ourselves up for a successful future. We’re ready to tackle any challenges that come our way while delivering value to our partners and customers.

We’ve got you covered with our team of senior engineers who really understand procurement. Our playbooks make sure that protocol changes sync up nicely with SOC 2 controls, SLAs, and ROI. Here’s what we can do for you:

• web3 development services
• custom blockchain development services
• security audit services
• blockchain integration
• asset tokenization
• smart contract development
• cross‑chain solutions development
• dapp development

Feel free to check out these services we offer!

1. Design your architecture with a “blob-first” approach instead of going for a calldata-first model.

• What changed:
  • EIP‑7691 has upped the blob target and max per block to 6 and 9, respectively, while also tweaking how fees respond. Meanwhile, EIP‑7623 is raising calldata costs for transactions that use a lot of data, which should help to reduce the worst-case EL payloads. The bottom line? We’re prioritizing blobs over calldata for rollup data. (blog.ethereum.org)
  • With EIP‑4844 already slashing L2 DA costs pretty significantly, the next step is PeerDAS (EIP‑7594), which will let nodes sample blob availability instead of downloading everything--this should boost blob capacity and change the fee game. (investopedia.com)
• Our method:
  • We’re going for a multi‑DA design: defaulting to Ethereum blobs, but also throwing in an optional Celestia DA failover with clear service level objectives (SLOs). Celestia’s recent “Ginger” upgrade has trimmed block time down to just 6 seconds and opened up 8MB blocks, with a 2025 CIP set to bump that ceiling up to 128MB--perfect for those bursty ETL payloads and audit trails. (blog.celestia.org)
  • We’re implementing “blob pressure” fallbacks: if the base fee for blobs goes over a certain threshold, we’ll auto-stage batches instead of letting things degrade quietly.
  • Also, we’re providing finance-grade cost curves: think of per-transaction and per-batch DA cost forecasts based on target, saturated, and PeerDAS scenarios.
• Business outcome: This approach leads to more predictable DA unit economics and cuts down on those pesky “fee surprise” escalations when dealing with finances.

2) Elevate Wallets to Production-Grade with EIP-7702 + AA (4337)

To take your wallet to the next level, you’ll want to harness the power of EIP-7702 along with Account Abstraction (AA) from EIP-4337. This combo is a game changer for improving user experience and security.

Why EIP-7702?

EIP-7702 focuses on enhancing the usability of wallets, enabling features that simplify interactions while making them more secure. With this enhancement, developers can create wallets that offer a smoother experience for users, minimizing the hassle that often comes with crypto transactions.

What about Account Abstraction (EIP-4337)?

Account Abstraction (EIP-4337) takes things a step further by allowing for more flexibility in how transactions are processed. It enables smart contracts to handle user accounts, which means users can interact with dApps in a more intuitive way. Basically, it opens the door for wallets to function more like traditional accounts, reducing the technical barriers for newcomers.

To sum it up

By integrating EIP-7702 and EIP-4337, you can create wallets that are not only production-grade but also user-friendly and secure. This combo is essential for developers who want to offer a seamless experience to their users while pushing the envelope on what wallets can do.

• What’s New:
  • Pectra’s EIP‑7702 lets Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) temporarily hand over execution to some smart logic. So, you get these cool programmable wallets without needing to change addresses. Plus, it plays nice with the existing Account Abstraction (AA) infrastructure like bundlers and paymasters. Check it out on the Ethereum blog.
  • MetaMask Smart Accounts now support passkeys (WebAuthn P‑256) as signers. This means you can enjoy passwordless single sign-on experiences and even use sponsored gas. More info can be found in the MetaMask documentation.
  • Between 2024 and 2025, we saw a surge of tens of millions of ERC‑4337 smart accounts being rolled out; the Safe and 4337 ecosystems alone hit over 19.7 million deployments in just 2024! This means your onboarding process can take advantage of sponsored gas and recovery without the hassle of creating custom wallet builds. Dive into the details on Rhinestone's blog.
• Our Approach:
  • We’re all about implementing a mix of 7702 and 4337 accounts with passkeys, along with policy-based paymasters (imagine gas being paid with stablecoins) and recovery flows that your IT team has approved.
  • We’ll also make sure everything aligns with SOC 2 standards: this means checking device posture, throttling sign-ins, sending audit events to SIEM, and keeping admin roles separate.
• Business Results: Expect to see a boost in conversion rates thanks to no more seed phrases and the magic of sponsored gas. Plus, you’ll likely have lower support tickets and fewer transaction failures.

3) Roll Out a 2026 Security Baseline That Looks Ahead to New Opcodes and EOF

Let’s get ready to ship a 2026 security baseline that keeps an eye on upcoming opcodes and the Ethereum Object Format (EOF). This baseline should not only ensure we're secure but also be equipped to handle the new tech coming our way.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Understanding New Opcodes: It's crucial to stay updated on the opcodes that might be introduced as we move forward. They can significantly impact security, so planning for these changes is key.
• EOF Adaptation: Embracing EOF is going to be another big step. This format aims to improve the efficiency and security of smart contracts, so incorporating it into our security model is essential.

This way, we can ride the wave of innovation while keeping our systems safe and sound.

• What’s new:
  • EIP‑5656 MCOPY is a game-changer as it slashes the gas cost of memory copies (think 256 bytes for about 27 gas instead of the 96+ with the old opcode). Plus, EIP‑1153 introduces TLOAD/TSTORE, which really helps with those transient storage patterns. On the Solidity front, version 0.8.26 and up brings improvements to the Yul IR optimizer and has better handling for custom error reverts. And let’s not forget version 0.8.29, which rolls out an experimental EOF backend. (eips.ethereum.org)
• How we roll:
  • We’ve got some gas-smart coding standards in play: using MCOPY for tight loops, sprinkling custom errors throughout, packing data efficiently, avoiding dynamic arrays in those high-traffic areas, and sticking to CEI as our default.
  • Staying aware of 7702: We never bank on tx.origin assumptions, so we stick to explicit validator contracts and scoped delegation.
  • Tooling up: We use Foundry for invariants and fuzz testing, Slither and Kontrol for security checks, and we’re all about formal properties on value-flow. We also lean on OpenZeppelin Contracts 5.x patterns and keep a solid audit trail. (contracts.openzeppelin.com)
• Business impact: We’re seeing gas savings without pushing any debt risks, cleaner audits, and we’re cutting down on remediation cycles.

4) MEV‑Aware Execution and Intent Routing

When we talk about MEV (Miner Extractable Value), it’s all about making sure our transactions are handled in a way that’s fair and efficient. MEV-aware execution helps us navigate the tricky waters of transaction ordering and ensures we’re not falling victim to front-running or other kinds of manipulation.

Intent Routing is an essential part of this. It’s like a GPS for your transactions, guiding them through the network in a way that optimizes outcomes while keeping everyone’s interests in mind. By leveraging various strategies, we can ensure that each trade or transaction gets the best possible treatment.

To dive deeper, here are some key points to consider:

• Fairness: The goal is to create a level playing field for all users, minimizing the chances of bad actors profiting at the expense of others.
• Efficiency: We want transactions to go through smoothly and quickly, which ultimately benefits everyone.
• Transparency: With clearer paths and intent routing, users can feel more secure knowing how their transactions are being handled.

It's all about ensuring that the system works to our advantage while maintaining integrity and trust. So, next time you're making a transaction, remember the importance of both MEV-aware execution and intent routing!

• What changed:
  • Flashbots is all about promoting SUAVE and Rollup‑Boost to help decentralize builders and keep MEV in check for rollups. Just a heads up--research on enshrined PBS (EIP‑7732/ePBS) highlights potential centralization issues if things aren’t designed well. So, avoid relying on naive mempool assumptions. Check it out here: (flashbots.net).
  • Intent‑based OFAs like CoW Protocol and UniswapX are allowing pro solvers to compete in meeting user goals off-mempool, all while providing MEV protection. Learn more here: (docs.cow.fi).
• Our method:
  • We’re going to stick with private routing or batch auctions for user actions that have value at stake.
  • If you're running a rollup or appchain, make sure to integrate builder APIs (or Rollup‑Boost) along with straightforward policies for order flow, reorg protection, and audit logging.
• Business outcome: Expect to see fewer sandwiched swaps, improved execution quality, and cleaner compliance records.

5) Real-World Assets (Cash and Credit) in Production

When it comes to real-world assets like cash and credit, think of them as tools you can use to pull different levers in your treasury strategy.

• What’s new:
  • BlackRock’s BUIDL has surpassed $1B in 2025 and is now multi-chain, while tokenized Treasuries are sitting pretty with around ~$7-8B+ in AUM this year. Franklin’s BENJI has rolled out P2P transfers and USDC rails, enabling almost real-time transactions. (coindesk.com)
• How we do it:
  • We create workflows that can be audited (and keep MiCA in mind where it matters), along with monitored on/off-ramps and a clear separation of funds.
  • We also combine custody features, limits, and kill-switches with CFO dashboards that keep tabs on yield versus operational friction.
• Business result: earn yield on cash that’s just sitting around, plus get same-day mobility and less hassle with counterparties and settlements.

Compliance and Procurement Alignment from Day One

Making sure that compliance and procurement are on the same page right from the start is super important. Here’s why:

1. Streamlined Processes: When both teams work together from the beginning, it helps avoid bottlenecks later on. Everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, which makes things flow more smoothly.
2. Risk Mitigation: By aligning procurement with compliance, you can quickly identify any potential risks. This proactive approach helps you address issues before they escalate, keeping your projects on track.
3. Cost Efficiency: Working hand in hand helps in spotting cost-saving opportunities. Compliance insights can help procurement teams make smarter buying decisions that align with regulations and standards.
4. Stronger Relationships: Building a culture of collaboration between compliance and procurement teams fosters a sense of teamwork. When everyone’s pulling in the same direction, it creates a more positive working environment.
5. Easier Audits and Reviews: Having your compliance and procurement ducks in a row makes audits much simpler. If both teams are aligned, gathering necessary documentation and evidence becomes a breeze.

Getting compliance and procurement in sync from day one sets a solid foundation for successful projects down the line. So, prioritize that collaboration early on!

• We’ve got the SOC 2 / ISO 27001 control mapping all set for each component, including wallets, DA, proving, and order flow.
• For MiCA, we’ve integrated ART/EMT templates into the data model that cover everything from provenance and redemption flows to issuer and CASP responsibilities. Check out the details over at eba.europa.eu.
• And don’t forget about SLAs and SLOs! We’ve set thresholds for blob DA, established fallback policies, and prepared RTO/RPO for indexers, along with pre‑approved incident runbooks.

Trends to Actually Watch (and Plan For) in 2026

As we peek into the future, it’s clear that 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year packed with innovation and change. Here’s a closer look at some trends that are worth keeping an eye on, along with tips on how to prepare for them.

1. Remote Work Evolution

Remote work isn’t just a temporary fix anymore; it’s becoming a permanent way of life for many. Companies are increasingly adopting hybrid models, offering flexibility for employees. So, if you’re running a business or thinking about your career path, consider:

• Emphasizing flexibility in your work policies.
• Investing in digital tools to enhance collaboration.
• Fostering a strong online company culture to keep everyone engaged.

2. Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is more than a buzzword--it's a necessity. From eco-friendly packaging to renewable energy sources, businesses that prioritize sustainability will likely thrive. Here’s how you can get ahead:

• Evaluate your supply chain for greener options.
• Implement sustainability initiatives within your organization.
• Engage your customers with transparent practices.

3. AI Integration in Daily Life

Artificial intelligence is making its way into everyday tasks, and it’s not slowing down. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, here’s what you should think about:

• Explore AI tools that can boost efficiency in your work.
• Stay updated on AI developments to leverage them for your goals.
• Educate yourself and your team about the ethical implications of AI.

4. Health and Wellness Focus

Wellness is taking center stage, with a growing emphasis on mental health and holistic approaches to well-being. To stay relevant in this trend, consider:

• Creating wellness programs for employees.
• Promoting mental health resources within your community.
• Incorporating wellness into your offerings, whether you’re in healthcare, education, or beyond.

5. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is no longer just for cryptocurrencies. Its potential for transparency and security is being explored in various sectors. Think about how you might benefit:

• Consider blockchain solutions for secure transactions.
• Stay informed about developments in blockchain applications.
• Network with others in the tech space to explore collaborations.

6. Personalization in Marketing

Consumers expect personalized experiences these days. With data analytics becoming more sophisticated, brands can offer tailored content and recommendations. To stay competitive, you should:

• Invest in data analytics to understand your audience.
• Design personalized campaigns that speak directly to your consumers’ needs.
• Utilize feedback to continuously improve your engagement strategies.

7. Augmented and Virtual Reality

AR and VR technologies are transforming how we interact with the digital world. From immersive shopping experiences to virtual meetings, the possibilities are endless. Here's how to prepare:

• Experiment with AR/VR in your marketing efforts.
• Explore training opportunities using VR for skill development.
• Stay innovative and think about how these technologies can enhance your customer engagement.

Conclusion

As we gear up for 2026, keeping an eye on these trends can help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a business owner, a professional, or just someone curious about the future, these insights could guide your strategies and decisions. Let’s embrace the changes and get ready for an incredible journey ahead!

• PeerDAS (EIP‑7594) in production pipelines: We're looking to refresh our fee model and keep an eye on blob basefee versus sampled throughput. Action: Treat blob capacity like it can stretch a bit; integrate thresholds into batchers to keep things smooth. (eips.ethereum.org)
• Programmable wallets as a standard: With 7702 and passkeys becoming essentials for enterprise user experience, it's all about getting ahead of the curve. Action: Plan for AA/bundler operations right from the get-go; centralize the paymaster policy to keep it organized. (blog.ethereum.org)
• OP Stack Superchain scale: The rise of numerous OP Chains with Base leading the charge means we need to think about cross-chain governance, quotas, and how we allocate costs. Action: Embrace a unified “tenant” approach for your apps across all OP Chains to streamline everything. (messari.io)
• Uniswap v4 hooks and app‑specific sequencing: As programmable liquidity continues to flow toward v4, it's clear that if you're calculating liquidity mining while only considering v3 AMMs, you might be setting yourself up for a rude awakening with your CAC>LTV math. Action: Run a pilot on v4 using MEV-aware hooks to get a feel for the new landscape. (blockworks.co)
• ZK proving toolchains maturing: With faster provers like Plonky3 making significant strides, we're seeing proof latency shrink--it's time to rethink what's happening on-chain versus off-chain. Action: Establish a “ZK coprocessor” model with clear SLAs so everything is measurable. (polygon.technology)
• RWA integration in the back‑office: On-chain money market funds and treasuries have come a long way--they're operational tools now, not just proofs of concept. Action: Link your treasury policy to programmatic systems with role-segregated approvals to keep it all running smoothly. (ft.com)
• Multi‑DA rollup for a compliance‑sensitive marketplace:
  • Primary DA: Got Ethereum blobs with budgets set for 6‑blob targets. Just so you know, back-pressure kicks in at basefee X.
  • Secondary DA: Celestia (8MB/6s, with plans in the CIP‑38 roadmap to ramp up to 128MB) handles the non-critical analytics payloads. Result: We’re seeing a 30-60% drop in the average DA spending compared to calldata‑first designs, and it stays pretty predictable even during peak times. (blog.celestia.org)
• Enterprise wallet rollout:
  • We’ve packed 7702 smart features into this without needing any address migration. Plus, we’ve got passkeys for workforce devices, and paymasters can limit spending based on organization unit and time of day. Result: This means a smoother onboarding experience, fewer failed transactions, and a nice clean separation for SOX compliance. (blog.ethereum.org)
• Gas optimization pass on Solidity:
  • We're swapping out those in-house memcopy loops with MCOPY; we’re shipping 0.8.26+ along with an IR optimizer and auditing for anything that might be 7702‑unsafe in terms of authorization. Result: You’ll notice some real gas savings in the hot paths, and we’ve steered clear of risky inline assembly. (eips.ethereum.org)
• MEV‑aware execution:
  • We’re routing swaps through batch auctions (CoW) or private relays for any high-value flows. And if you're building an OP‑Stack chain, don’t forget to integrate builder extensions with clear audit trails. Result: This should help lower execution slippage and cut down on complaints about those “mysterious” price moves. (docs.cow.fi)
• Treasury on‑chain:
  • We’re integrating BUIDL/BENJI to manage idle cash with some solid policy enforcement and real-time reporting. Result: This gives you operational yield and agility in settling vendor payouts and handling collateral flows. (coindesk.com)

Best Emerging Practices to Standardize in Your Org

In today’s fast-paced world, organizations are always on the lookout for ways to streamline processes and boost efficiency. Here are some top emerging practices that you might want to think about standardizing in your organization.

1. Agile Methodologies

Agile isn’t just for tech teams anymore. It’s all about flexibility and collaboration. By adopting agile practices, you can enhance communication across departments and respond to changes more swiftly.

Key Takeaway:

• Iterate often: Break projects into smaller tasks, so you can adapt as needed.

2. Remote Work Flexibility

The pandemic showed us that remote work can be super effective. Embracing a hybrid model can help you retain top talent and improve work-life balance.

Key Takeaway:

• Set clear expectations: Provide guidelines on availability and communication styles.

3. Employee Well-Being Programs

Investing in mental and physical health can pay off big time. Consider launching initiatives that promote well-being, like fitness challenges, mental health days, or mindfulness workshops.

Key Takeaway:

• Create a supportive environment: Encourage open conversations about mental health.

4. Continuous Learning Culture

Encourage your team to keep their skills sharp with ongoing training and development opportunities. This not only helps employees grow but also keeps your organization competitive.

Key Takeaway:

• Offer diverse learning options: Think workshops, online courses, or mentorship programs.

5. Data-Driven Decision Making

Harness the power of data! By using analytics to guide decisions, your team can identify trends and make informed choices that drive success.

Key Takeaway:

• Invest in the right tools: Look for user-friendly data platforms that everyone can access.

6. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Creating a diverse workforce can lead to richer ideas and better problem-solving. Set up initiatives that focus on hiring practices, employee resource groups, and awareness training.

Key Takeaway:

• Foster an inclusive culture: Celebrate diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

7. Streamlined Communication Tools

With so many tools out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Standardize on a few key platforms for communication, project management, and file sharing to keep everything organized.

Key Takeaway:

• Choose tools that integrate well: Look for seamless connections to minimize friction.

Conclusion

Standardizing these practices can set your organization up for long-term success. Start with small changes, and gradually build momentum. The effort you put in today will pay off in the future!

• Think of “data availability” as a product SLO:
  • Set up alerts for blob basefee, fill rate, and batch deferrals. Also, make sure to budget for any quirks from the PeerDAS era. (eips.ethereum.org)
• Create a solid 7702/AA security checklist:
  • Avoid using tx.origin; implement strict delegation registries; require device attestation for passkeys; and let policy-driven paymasters handle sponsor gas. (blog.ethereum.org)
• Make MCOPY, transient storage, and custom errors your go-tos:
  • Use MCOPY for duplication; rely on custom errors to manage revert costs; keep an eye on the maturity of transient storage support; and get ready for EOF adoption. (eips.ethereum.org)
• Keep MEV hygiene in mind for user flows:
  • Lean towards batch auctions or private routing; if you're running the sequencer, consider adding fair-ordering commitments and share your builder policies. (docs.cow.fi)
• Build a RWA compliance playbook:
  • Outline your MiCA ART/EMT obligations; ensure you have on-chain audit trails and redemption processes; and pre-approve issuers based on EBA templates. (eba.europa.eu)

What to Do in Q1-Q2 2026

As we dive into 2026, it’s a great time to plan out your goals and activities for the first half of the year. Here's a rundown of things you might want to consider:

Set Personal Goals

1. Health and Fitness:
   • Start a new workout routine or join a fitness class.
   • Consider a nutrition plan that suits your lifestyle.
2. Learning:
   • Pick up a new skill or hobby. Check out platforms like Coursera or Udemy for online courses.
   • Read a few books you've been meaning to get to. Make a list!

Career Development

• Networking:
  • Attend conferences or workshops relevant to your field. This is a great way to meet new people and expand your professional circle.
  • Update your LinkedIn profile and engage with your network.
• Skill Enhancement:
  • Take a certification course to boost your resume. Websites like edX have a ton of options.

Seasonal Activities

Winter Fun (Q1)

• Outdoor Activities:
  • Hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding.
  • Go ice skating at a local rink.
• Relaxation:
  • Cozy up with a good movie or your favorite book by the fire.
  • Try out new recipes; it's the perfect time for hearty meals!

Spring Awakening (Q2)

• Gardening:
  • Start a garden or plant some flowers. It's a rewarding way to get your hands dirty!
• Spring Cleaning:
  • Refresh your space-donate items you no longer need and organize clutter.

Travel Plans

• Make travel arrangements for a long weekend getaway. Consider using sites like Skyscanner for deals.
• Plan a road trip to explore nearby hidden gems.

Stay Informed

Keep an eye on the news and upcoming events in your area. Subscribing to local newsletters can help you stay updated!

Resources

• Books: Here are some titles that might catch your interest.
  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • Educated by Tara Westover
• Podcasts: Check out some great podcasts like "How I Built This" or "The Daily" for interesting stories and insights.

Final Thoughts

Make the most of Q1 and Q2 of 2026! With a bit of planning and a sprinkle of spontaneity, these months can be both productive and enjoyable.

• Kick off a 3-week Architecture Sprint to reassess fees under EIP-7623/EIP-7691 and get ready for PeerDAS. What you’ll need to deliver: a blob-first cost model, fallbacks, and a monitoring plan. Check out our blockchain integration for more info.
• Let's pilot 7702 along with passkeys for a small group and a policy paymaster. Your deliverables here will include SOC 2 control mapping, SSO alignment, and AA runbooks. Don't forget to leverage our smart contract development.
• Time to boost security: we should adopt MCOPY patterns, introduce custom errors, and implement 7702-aware authentication; also, let's work on fuzz/invariants and prepare a plan for EOF migration. For this, you can engage our security audit services.
• For MEV-aware order flow, let’s make sure to stick with intent-based execution for those high-value actions. Be sure to document your builder/relay choices and SLAs.
• On the treasury side, we need to integrate tokenized funds with our finance policy and dashboards. Take advantage of our asset tokenization services.
• Finally, let's get compliance on track: we'll need MiCA templates, data residency guidelines, vendor SLAs, and incident runbooks. Make sure to align with procurement on this!

Go-to-market Metrics That Matter

When it comes to launching a product or service, understanding the right go-to-market metrics can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the key metrics you should keep your eye on.

1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

This one’s a biggie! CAC tells you how much you’re spending to bring in each new customer. It includes all the sales and marketing expenses. Keep this number in check to ensure you’re not overspending.

2. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

CLV gives you an idea of how much revenue you can expect from a customer over their entire relationship with your company. It’s all about understanding that some customers are worth more than others!

3. Churn Rate

Churn rate is the percentage of customers who stop using your product over a certain period. A high churn rate can signal trouble, so it’s essential to keep an eye on this metric and figure out why some customers are leaving.

4. Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)

For subscription-based businesses, MRR is a key metric. It shows the predictable monthly income you can rely on. Tracking this helps you forecast growth and stability.

5. Sales Conversion Rate

This metric focuses on how many leads actually turn into paying customers. A low conversion rate could highlight issues in your sales process or marketing strategy.

6. Customer Engagement

Are your customers actively using your product? Tracking engagement metrics can help you understand if they’re finding value or if they need a little nudge to get more involved.

7. Net Promoter Score (NPS)

NPS measures customer loyalty and satisfaction. It’s a straightforward way to gauge how likely your customers are to recommend you to others, which can be a goldmine for growth.

8. Average Revenue per User (ARPU)

ARPU helps you understand how much revenue you’re getting from each user. It can give insights into pricing strategy and customer value.

Conclusion

Keeping tabs on these go-to-market metrics is crucial for any business looking to make a mark. By understanding and analyzing these numbers, you’ll be better equipped to adjust your strategies and drive growth.

For more details, check out this resource that dives deeper into these metrics!

Remember, it’s all about knowing what to track and why it matters! Keep these metrics in mind as you navigate your go-to-market strategy.

• Cost-to-serve: Ever since the Dencun/EIP-4844 upgrade, the costs for Layer 2 (L2) data availability (DA) have taken a nosedive. With Pectra ramping up blob supply and adjusting calldata prices, teams that switched to blob-first pipelines are enjoying double-digit savings on DA and seeing better margins on their L2 throughput. Check it out here.
• Throughput headroom: The OP Superchain is really expanding, now featuring tons of OP Chains, with Base leading the pack. If you’re crafting your growth strategy, think about multi-chain deployment instead of just focusing on “an L2.” You can read more on this here.
• Conversion KPIs: Using passkeys along with account abstraction (AA) wallets can seriously lower drop-off rates (no more seed phrases!) and reduce the costs of failed transactions through sponsored gas. This can definitely boost your customer acquisition cost (CAC) to lifetime value (LTV) calculations. Learn more about it here.
• Asset velocity: Tokenized treasuries are now hitting multi-billion dollar levels, thanks to institutional players like BlackRock and Franklin. With this setup, finance departments can score some nice yield while keeping their operations flexible. Here's more on that.
• Security MTTR: By adopting standard patterns like OZ 5.x, incorporating invariants and fuzz testing, and being 7702-aware in authentication, teams can cut down on audit rework and reduce incident mean time to recovery (MTTR). This is exactly what SOC 2 compliance and procurement teams are looking for. Dive into the details here.

Looking for a partner who can jump from debating EIP parameters in one meeting to signing off on SOC 2 evidence in the next? That’s exactly what we do! We’re all about building for the real world, not just chasing trends.

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