Crypto’s infrastructure era arrives, with AI agents poised to reshape demand
Crypto companies are trying to build a second growth engine by turning agents into the next wave of users.
The crypto industry has long struggled to attract mainstream users beyond traders. However, some major firms now believe they have found a solution in AI agents. These agents, powered by artificial intelligence, are being integrated into crypto wallets, stablecoins, and payment networks to serve as users, rather than just a speculative market.
For instance, Kraken is overhauling its app to enable access to AI agents that can monitor markets, identify investment opportunities, and execute trades in real time. Similarly, Coinbase has introduced a tool allowing agents like ChatGPT or Claude to execute crypto trades using natural language instructions. Furthermore, Circle has expanded its Arc blockchain, designed specifically for the agentic economy where AI agents handle more operational and contractual tasks traditionally managed by humans.
This shift represents a significant change for an industry that has previously focused on convincing consumers of crypto's superiority over traditional currencies and payment methods. AI agents are seen as natural users of crypto infrastructure, as they are well-suited for online operations, making digital wallets, programmable money, and always-on payment networks essential rather than merely a behavioral change.
Stablecoins, known for their fixed value and round-the-clock transactions, are becoming increasingly relevant to AI agents as they offer infrastructure for seamless, human-independent payments. This development is particularly relevant given the regulatory environment, which has encouraged traditional financial firms to issue their own stablecoins.
Circle's CEO, Jeremy Allaire, believes that the Arc blockchain will drive adoption of its stablecoin network and expand the transactional activity tied to USDC, the company's flagship stablecoin. Although the crypto market is currently in a bear phase, with Bitcoin prices hovering 40% below its October peak, crypto exchanges are broadening their horizons by incorporating equities, commodities trading, and payments into their offerings.
The emergence of agentic trading could enhance investing decisions and mark a new level of maturity for the crypto industry, distancing it from its earlier wild west days.
Written by urgent.news from CNBC's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
