Ethereum Co-Founder Joseph Lubin Highlights the Risks of AI Domination by Big Tech

The next significant turning point for crypto is likely to emerge from advancements in artificial intelligence, according to Joseph Lubin, CEO of Consensys and co-founder of Ethereum. In a recent interview, Lubin outlined a future where autonomous agents can seamlessly transact and interact on decentralized networks, leveraging crypto infrastructure for machine-driven activities. Lubin, who is set to speak at Consensus Miami 2026, expressed his support for the idea that blockchain technology is particularly suited for machine intelligences, but emphasized that this does not necessarily mean humans will be replaced. Instead, increasingly sophisticated interfaces will simplify complexity, allowing users to engage with crypto systems through intent rather than manual inputs, effectively positioning AI as an intermediary layer between people and protocols. However, this vision also comes with significant risks, particularly if AI infrastructure remains concentrated among a few large technology firms, which could lead to trouble, as warned by Lubin. He stressed the importance of decentralized systems and cryptography in ensuring accountability and enabling machines to verify each other's actions in transparent environments. Products like MetaMask are evolving to reflect this shift, with Lubin describing the wallet as a new kind of self-owned and controlled neobank, part of a transition toward a personal money operating system. This system could potentially be managed by AI-powered agents acting on behalf of users, handling assets and navigating the growing decentralized economy. The rise of corporate chains on Ethereum is another significant development, with Lubin anticipating that companies will seek higher throughput and greater control over their infrastructure, leading to the increased adoption of corporate chains. Despite this, he believes that assets are best issued on Ethereum's base layer to ensure durability. Stablecoins, while part of this transition, are seen as a stepping stone toward more fully decentralized financial systems, with current models still reliant on centralized issuers. Over time, Lubin expects the growth of decentralized collateral to enable more robust and crypto-native forms of money. The convergence of traditional finance and decentralized finance is also expected, combining centuries of financial innovation with newer blockchain-based systems to create a more granular and programmable global economy. Lubin adopted a measured tone when discussing longer-term technical risks like quantum computing, stating that while it is not an immediate concern, Ethereum developers have been preparing for it over the years, viewing it as part of the natural evolution of Ethereum.