2025 : A Pivotal Year For Crypto, Solana, and AI

The crypto world is preparing to experience a decisive year, driven by promising innovations and growing threats. Indeed, the potential approval of an ETF based on Solana could mark a major advance, offering institutional investors a new way to access cryptos. At the same time, the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are redefining trading practices, while similar technologies are fueling cyberattacks of unprecedented scale. In this context of upheaval, 2025 emerges as a pivotal year for the industry, where the 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 anticipated for 2025 could be the approval of an ETF (exchange-traded fund) based on Solana in the United States, a development that captures the attention of investors. Several major 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 represent a decisive change for the crypto market.

This prospect is triggering palpable enthusiasm among industry experts. Alex Svanevik, CEO of the crypto intelligence platform Nansen, expressed his optimism in a post on the social network X (formerly Twitter) on November 27. He describes a Solana ETF listed in the U.S. as a potentially transformative event, capable of making 2025 “the mother of all bull markets.” This sentiment is echoed by Alejo Pinto, founder of Lumio and former head of blockchain growth at IBM. According to him, “an ETF approval could significantly boost the value of Solana, as this opportunity remains underrated by the market.”

The effects of this anticipation are already being felt. In December 2024, the price of Solana surged to $230, fueled by increasing investor enthusiasm. Some analysts, like those at Bitwise, even set a target of $750, reflecting the high expectations surrounding this innovation.

Such an approach follows the path set by Brazil, which approved its first Solana ETF in August 2024. This initiative set a significant precedent for other jurisdictions, demonstrating that such proposals can lead to concrete results. In the United States, an approval could increase Solana’s visibility among investors but also facilitate the institutional adoption of this blockchain, thus strengthening its positioning against Ethereum, often considered its main competitor.

The rise and perils of AI in the crypto world

The year 2025 could also be a major milestone for the adoption of artificial intelligence in the crypto sector. Moreover, the rise of AI-powered trading bots is gradually transforming financial markets and providing real-time analysis and execution capabilities. These technological tools, able to process massive data volumes with unparalleled precision, represent an increasingly effective alternative to human strategies. Jawad Ashraf, CEO of Vanar Blockchain, remarks on this point: “These AI agents will surpass human investors in accuracy and efficiency, creating a more automated and less human-centered trading environment.” With a combined valuation of $42 billion, AI-related cryptos are attracting growing interest from investors.

However, the rapid advancements in AI come with significant risks for the crypto ecosystem’s security. In 2024, cyberattacks resulted in estimated losses of $2.3 billion, a 40 % increase compared to the previous year. This phenomenon is partly attributed to the use of AI technologies in increasingly sophisticated fraudulent schemes. Among the most critical methods are authorized payment fraud (APP), which pressures 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 the cybersecurity company Cyvers, emphasizes the urgency of an appropriate response to these threats: “Fighting these threats will require advanced detection systems, stricter regulations, and increased consumer awareness.” Furthermore, the growing sophistication of cyberattacks could prompt authorities to strengthen legislative frameworks and control tools, an essential task to protect a rapidly expanding sector.

These developments raise fundamental questions about the balance between technological innovation and security in the crypto ecosystem. While AI promises to revolutionize the markets, it also redefines the boundaries of trust and vigilance necessary for the industry’s sustainability. The future will depend on the ability of players to combine these technological advances with a resilient infrastructure against emerging threats.

The growing adoption of ETFs and advancements in artificial intelligence are profoundly transforming the crypto ecosystem. These changes promise to accelerate sector growth and pose new challenges, particularly regarding digital security. As institutional investors embrace these innovative technologies, strengthening protective mechanisms becomes essential to maintaining trust in a constantly evolving environment.