Solana’s Lily Liu: Crypto Should Focus on Finance, Not Social Apps
Solana’s leadership just caused a bigger conversation about where crypto is heading, after Solana Foundation president Lily Liu said blockchains should stop trying to copy gaming platforms or social networks and focus again on finance.
Her comments arrived as bitcoin slipped below $70,000 and altcoins moved lower alongside it, putting pressure on ideas that depended on constant speculation.
When markets cool down, projects built around real usage tend to hold attention longer because builders and investors look for tools that solve clear problems.
Liu wrote on X that blockchains were designed for open financial markets rather than replacing the entire internet, and she explained that crypto delivers the most value when it moves money faster and reduces costs instead of attaching tokens to existing apps without a strong reason. The timing connects to a wider moment where enthusiasm fades and attention turns toward practical use cases that people rely on every day.
What Does “Blockchains Are For Finance” Mean
A blockchain works like a shared financial ledger that anyone can verify, which makes it especially useful for payments, trading, and lending without traditional intermediaries. That role differs from forcing games or social apps to run entirely on-chain, where the benefits often remain unclear.
Blockchains have always been and always will be tech for finance. Their core purpose is financialization.
That’s why architecting a chain to protect unification of liquidity is more important than practically anything else.
I am happy the misadventures around things like gaming…
— Lily Liu (@calilyliu) February 5, 2026
Liu also criticized the older “read, write, own” narrative that claimed ownership tokens automatically create value, pointing out that ownership only works when real financial activity exists behind it. For beginners, this perspective offers a simple filter, where projects that improve how money moves, trades, or earns yield stand on stronger footing than ideas built around buzzwords.
DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2026
Why This Change Matters For Solana Users
Solana built its reputation on speed and low fees, and those strengths become more important in financial use cases where delays and high costs frustrate users. Activity across decentralized finance on Solana continues to draw capital because traders and developers need fast settlement and predictable costs.
We already see this direction in action. Stablecoins and tokenized funds run on Solana rails, moving value like digital cash. Recent examples include Solana stablecoin payments and tokenized finance on Solana.
Stablecoins and tokenized assets already use Solana’s infrastructure to move value efficiently, giving the network a clearer direction tied to real financial activity. For everyday users, chains focused on finance tend to see more consistent usage compared to projects driven mainly by trends.
Industry Leaders Narrow Their Focus
This conversation extends beyond Solana. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has also encouraged a return to core goals like scaling and usability, with less attention on experiments that confuse users.
Across the crypto space, the tone leans toward building reliable financial tools while broader markets remain under pressure.
Even during downturns, large institutions continue to explore tokenization and on-chain settlement, suggesting ongoing interest in blockchain infrastructure despite short-term price swings.
DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in February2026
Risk Check Focus Does Not Remove Volatility
A clearer direction does not reduce price swings, and tokens like SOL still move quickly when market sentiment changes. Downturns test patience, which makes risk management essential.
If you invest, treat it as a high-risk space and use funds you can leave untouched for longer periods. Strong narratives from industry leaders can guide development, though they never guarantee price outcomes.
DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025
Follow 99Bitcoins on X for the Latest Market Updates and Subscribe on YouTube for Daily Expert Market Analysis
The post Solana’s Lily Liu: Crypto Should Focus on Finance, Not Social Apps appeared first on 99Bitcoins.
About The Author
