Alchemy CEO Claims Crypto Was Designed for AI Agents, Not Humans

The existing financial system was created with human limitations in mind, such as geographical constraints, sleep patterns, and physical presence. However, with AI agents increasingly participating in economic activities, this human-centric design is becoming a hindrance, says Nikil Viswanathan, co-founder of crypto firm Alchemy. Viswanathan argues that cryptocurrency was, in fact, built for AI agents rather than humans. The traditional banking system, with its operating hours and country-specific payments, is designed with humans in mind. In contrast, AI agents operate around the clock, are not bound by geographical locations, and do not require physical identity or presence. As AI agents begin to transact and assist with tasks, the need for a more efficient and global financial system becomes apparent. According to Viswanathan, cryptocurrency provides the native infrastructure for AI agents to operate seamlessly, allowing for frictionless transactions across borders and at any time. The complexity of traditional finance, including currency exchanges, intermediaries, and fees, is a significant barrier for AI agents. In contrast, cryptocurrency offers a global, always-on financial layer that enables value to move as easily as data. Viswanathan believes that the underlying architecture of cryptocurrency, which has long been a challenge for humans, is actually a strength when it comes to AI agents. The shift from crypto tools being built primarily for humans to being used by AI agents is comparable to the transition from the postal system to the internet. Just as email is more powerful than the postal system because it is designed for computers, cryptocurrency is more suited for AI agents. Looking ahead, Viswanathan envisions a future where AI agents sit on top of crypto infrastructure, handling complexity, managing wallets, and optimizing capital flows in real-time. This would result in a more global, programmable, and autonomous financial system, with AI agents operating finance and humans using the interface.