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 milestone for cryptocurrency will be driven by artificial intelligence. In a recent interview, Lubin emphasized that autonomous agents can interact, coordinate, and verify transactions on decentralized networks, leveraging crypto infrastructure as the foundation for machine-driven activities. Lubin, who is set to speak at Consensus Miami 2026, expressed his support for the idea that blockchain technology is suited for machine intelligences. However, he does not envision humans being replaced, but rather, increasingly intelligent interfaces will simplify complexity, allowing users to interact with crypto systems through intent rather than manual inputs. In this model, AI serves as the intermediary layer between people and protocols. This vision, however, comes with potential risks. If AI infrastructure remains concentrated among a few large technology firms, it could lead to trouble, Lubin warned. He argued that decentralized systems and cryptography are essential for ensuring accountability, enabling machines to verify each other in transparent environments. As part of this broader shift, products like MetaMask are evolving to reflect the change. Lubin stated that the wallet is being rebuilt as a new type of neobank that users own and control, marking a transition toward a personal money operating system. AI-powered agents could act on behalf of users, managing assets, executing transactions, and navigating the growing decentralized economy. This would allow users 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. He expects companies to seek higher throughput and greater control over their infrastructure, leading to the adoption of corporate chains. However, he emphasized that assets are best issued on Ethereum's base layer, as this ensures their durability and security. Stablecoins, a rapidly growing sector in crypto, are part of this transition but not the ultimate goal. Lubin described them as a stepping stone toward more fully decentralized financial systems, noting that current models rely heavily on centralized issuers. Over time, he expects the growth of decentralized collateral to enable more robust, crypto-native forms of money. Regarding tokenization, Lubin suggested that traditional finance and decentralized finance are converging, combining centuries of financial innovation with newer blockchain-based systems. This convergence will result in a more granular and programmable global economy. When addressing longer-term technical risks like quantum computing, Lubin struck a measured tone. While it is not an immediate concern, he said Ethereum developers have been preparing for years and see it as part of the natural evolution of Ethereum.