Opinion by: Eowyn Chen, CEO of Trust Wallet 

The world is changing. Fundamentals that are often taken for granted in the physical world are now becoming unified as the digital age begins. Identity, payments and access are now converging into one single location: a digital wallet.

Wallets are  

Alongside state-issued IDs, self-custodial wallets already support Web3 identity. For example, it’s now possible to register and use an Ethereum Name Service Web2-style domain for Web3 (like “alice.eth”) via a decentralized application (DApp) browser. That way, apps recognize you without you needing to share a long wallet address.

This is a clear signal of where things are heading, where a wallet is no longer simply a tool for holding digital assets. Wallets now enable users to conduct cross-border transactions securely, preserving their privacy. Things are changing.

Wallets as identity hubs

New decentralized frameworks for identity are helping to structure the crypto wallets of tomorrow, turning them into secure and verifiable identity containers.

Instead of relying on centralized systems or third parties, digital credentials can now be stored and managed directly within user-controlled wallets. These could include government IDs, educational diplomas and medical records.

A well-designed wallet connects to hundreds of DApps. People can participate in multiple ecosystems with a single identity and asset base. Crypto wallets provide a unified, portable solution for digital participation.

As more services and experiences migrate onchain, wallet authentication is set to replace traditional sign-in models. This isn’t just for crypto-native platforms; it’s for any digital ecosystem that prioritizes transparency, minimizes trust and maintains sovereignty.

Just as a physical passport proves citizenship and enables global movement, digital wallets are becoming the preferred credential for online identity and mobility. Trust, security and usability are the critical design principles that stitch this together and are the principles that will onboard the next billion users.

As decentralized systems continue to evolve, wallets do, too. They’re no longer simply a tool. They’re the foundation of digital freedom.

The future won’t ask for usernames — it will ask for a signature.

Opinion by: Eowyn Chen, CEO of Trust Wallet.

This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.