Ethereum Co-Founder Joseph Lubin Highlights the Risks of AI Control by Major Tech Firms

According to Joseph Lubin, CEO of Consensys and co-founder of Ethereum, the next significant development in crypto will be driven by artificial intelligence. In a recent interview, Lubin noted that autonomous or semi-autonomous agents can perform transactions, coordinate, and verify each other on decentralized networks, utilizing crypto infrastructure as the foundation for machine-driven activities. Lubin, who is set to speak at Consensus Miami 2026, expressed sympathy for the idea that blockchain technology is suited for machine intelligences but does not envision humans being replaced. Instead, he foresees increasingly intelligent interfaces simplifying complexity, allowing users to interact with crypto systems through intent rather than manual inputs, with AI serving as the intermediary layer between people and protocols. However, if AI infrastructure remains controlled by a few large tech firms, it could pose significant risks. Lubin emphasized the importance of decentralized systems and cryptography in ensuring accountability and enabling machines to transparently and verifiably 'check on one another.' The evolution of products like MetaMask reflects this shift, with the wallet being rebuilt as a 'new kind of neobank that you own and control,' part of a transition toward a 'personal money operating system.' AI-powered agents could manage assets, execute transactions, and navigate the growing decentralized economy on behalf of users, essentially allowing individuals to carry their personal financial system in their pocket. Lubin also pointed to structural changes in the Ethereum ecosystem, including the rise of 'corporate chains' as companies seek higher throughput and greater control over their infrastructure. While he expects assets to be issued on Ethereum's base layer for durability, he noted that stablecoins are part of a transition toward more fully decentralized financial systems, serving as a 'stepping stone' toward more robust, crypto-native forms of money. On tokenization, Lubin suggested that traditional and decentralized finance are converging, combining centuries of financial innovation with newer blockchain-based systems to create a more granular and programmable global economy. Despite these developments, Lubin adopted a measured tone on technical risks like quantum computing, stating that Ethereum developers have been preparing for years and view it as part of the natural evolution of Ethereum.