Alchemy CEO: Cryptocurrency Was Designed for AI, Not Humans

The traditional financial system was created with human limitations in mind, such as geographical constraints, sleep patterns, and physical presence. However, with the emergence of AI agents as economic players, this human-centric design is becoming a hindrance. Alchemy co-founder and CEO Nikil Viswanathan argues that cryptocurrency was, in fact, built for AI agents rather than humans. The existing financial infrastructure is based on human needs, with banks operating during specific hours, payments tied to countries, and credit cards requiring physical identity and presence. In contrast, AI agents operate around the clock, are not bound by geographical locations, and do not require physical interactions. As AI agents increasingly engage in transactions, the need for a more compatible financial system becomes apparent. Viswanathan believes that cryptocurrency, with its global, always-on nature, is better suited to meet the needs of AI agents. The complexity of cryptocurrency, which has long been a barrier for humans, is actually a strength when it comes to AI agents, as they can operate natively in code. According to Viswanathan, the shift towards AI-driven finance will be similar to the transition from the postal system to the internet, where communication became faster and more efficient. In the future, AI agents will manage complexity, handle transactions, and optimize capital flows in real-time, making it easier for people to control their funds. This will result in a more global, programmable, and autonomous financial system, with AI agents operating at the core, and humans interacting with it through a user-friendly interface.