Artificial intelligence is shaking up nearly every industry, but in finance, it’s doing something even bigger: forcing a rethink of how the system operates. AI agents—automated tools that can make decisions, execute trades, and manage data at lightning speed—are becoming essential in financial markets. But there’s a catch: these agents are operating way too fast for traditional financial infrastructure to keep up.
John D’Agostino, head of institutional strategy at Coinbase, explains that the current financial systems—built decades ago—simply weren’t designed for this kind of machine-speed operation. These systems were made for people, not autonomous AI making thousands of rapid decisions per second. In contrast, blockchain and crypto technology are designed for speed, transparency, and global access—everything AI agents need to thrive.
Imagine trying to run a race in flip-flops while your competitor has high-performance running shoes. That’s what AI agents are doing when they’re forced to operate within outdated finance systems. Blockchain offers a faster, smarter track: real-time settlements, transparent transactions, and scalable architecture. Developers are already using AI agents to build and manage Web3 apps and tokens—without human help.
But speed isn’t everything. Trust in data is just as important. AI agents don’t pause to double-check—they act instantly. If the data is wrong, things can spiral quickly. This is where blockchain shines. It acts as a verified, tamper-proof “truth layer,” giving AI agents dependable data to base decisions on.
D’Agostino calls blockchain “an infinitely scalable source of truth.” Combined with AI, it enables powerful, autonomous systems that can safely handle massive financial responsibilities.
He also believes digital assets like Bitcoin are increasingly relevant in a tech-driven world. Unlike gold, Bitcoin is programmable and borderless, offering unique advantages. As interest rates decline, more investors may explore Bitcoin—not all at once, but gradually. Large institutions will likely enter carefully, starting small and scaling slowly to avoid market disruption.
In short, AI agents are pushing finance into the future—and blockchain might be the only road that can get us there safely and efficiently.
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