Goldman Sachs Backs Canton Network; M&A Head Forecasts $5B+ Deals in 2026
Goldman Sachs joins 42 super validators on the Canton Network, a permissionless blockchain for institutional finance privacy, as Visa expands tokenized asset issuance and onchain settlement connectivity. GS’s global M&A head forecasts record leveraged buyouts and $5+ billion deals in 2026 from massive investor capital pools.
1. Robust M&A Market Outlook
Stephan Feldgoise, Goldman Sachs’s head of global M&A, highlighted massive pools of public and private capital driving demand for leveraged buyouts and deals exceeding $5 billion, projecting sustained deal flow in 2026 despite AI-driven valuation uncertainties.
2. Canton Network Blockchain Participation
Goldman Sachs is one of the financial backers of the Canton Network, a permissionless blockchain supported by 42 super validators; Visa recently joined to enhance onchain settlement and tokenized asset issuance capabilities for institutional clients.
3. Strategic Implications for Goldman Sachs
By backing the Canton Network, Goldman Sachs positions itself to capture new revenue from blockchain infrastructure, while robust M&A activity is expected to boost its advisory and underwriting fee income throughout 2026.