Crypto Designed for AI, Not Humans, According to Alchemy CEO

The current financial system was built with human limitations in mind, such as geography, sleep patterns, and physical presence. However, with the emergence of AI agents as economic participants, this human-centric design is becoming a hindrance. Alchemy co-founder Nikil Viswanathan suggests that cryptocurrency was actually designed for AI agents, not humans. Banks have limited hours due to human constraints, payments are tied to countries, and credit cards rely on physical identity. In contrast, AI agents operate around the clock, are location-independent, and don't require physical presence. As AI agents begin to transact, they need a system that allows for seamless, global, and programmable transactions. Viswanathan believes that cryptocurrency provides exactly that, offering a global financial layer where value can move as easily as data. The complexity of cryptocurrency, which has long been a barrier for humans, is actually a strength for machines. AI agents operate natively in code and can interact directly with cryptocurrency's underlying architecture. Viswanathan compares this shift to the transition from the postal system to the internet, where communication became faster and more efficient. He envisions a future where AI agents sit on top of crypto infrastructure, handling complexity and managing transactions, allowing people to control their funds more easily. This would result in a more global, programmable, and autonomous financial system.