1inch Survey Finds DeFi Optimism High

Why It Matters

High optimism signals growing user confidence, which could attract more capital and institutional participation to DeFi. Addressing friction points like gas fees and security will be crucial for sustaining this momentum.

Key Takeaways

• 72% global optimism for DeFi in 2026.
• US optimism highest at 83%; Asia lower.
• Gas fees top user frustration (27%).
• Liquidity most important factor for trying new projects.
• Experienced users show higher optimism than newcomers.

Pulse Analysis

The latest 1inch survey, conducted with partners Bitget Wallet, Ondo, BOB, DaGama and SafePal, captures the pulse of more than 8,000 DeFi users as the sector moves toward 2026. A solid 72 % of respondents expressed optimism, with the United States leading at 83 % while Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong linger in the low‑to‑mid‑60 % range. Analysts attribute the confidence boost to clearer regulatory signals in key jurisdictions and a steady influx of institutional capital, both of which are reinforcing the long‑term narrative that decentralized finance can complement traditional markets.

Experience emerges as a decisive factor: participants with over a year in crypto report roughly 73 % optimism versus just above 60 % among newcomers. The gap underscores how familiarity with market cycles tempers risk perception. Yet the survey highlights persistent pain points—27 % cite gas fees as the top annoyance, followed by security worries (22 %) and slow or failed transactions (18 %). These frictions, especially on high‑traffic networks, continue to deter casual users and underscore the need for layer‑2 solutions and more robust security audits.

From a product perspective, liquidity dominates decision‑making, with 56 % of users saying it drives them to explore new assets, while trust‑related criteria such as custodial backing, regulatory clarity and transparency each attract roughly a third of respondents. Brands and hype play a minor role, reinforcing the industry’s shift toward substance over style. For DeFi protocols, prioritizing deep liquidity pools, transparent governance and compliance frameworks will be essential to convert optimism into sustainable growth, positioning the ecosystem for a stronger 2026 outlook.