Alchemy CEO: Crypto is Better Suited for AI Agents Than Humans

The existing financial system was not designed with machines in mind, but rather around human constraints such as geographical location, sleep patterns, and physical presence. However, as AI agents become more involved in economic activities, this human-centric design is becoming a hindrance, according to Nikil Viswanathan, co-founder of Alchemy. Viswanathan argues that cryptocurrency was essentially built for AI agents, not humans. The traditional banking system has limitations such as operating hours and geographical constraints that are based on human needs, but AI agents do not require these. They can operate around the clock, conduct transactions globally, and do not need physical identities or presence. As AI agents become more prevalent, they will require a financial system that can facilitate seamless, global transactions without the need for intermediaries or physical infrastructure. Viswanathan believes that cryptocurrency provides exactly that - a global, always-on financial layer where value can be transferred as easily as data. The complexity of cryptocurrency, which has long been a barrier for human adoption, is actually a strength when it comes to AI agents, as they can operate natively in code and do not require the same level of abstraction as humans. Viswanathan predicts that in the future, AI agents will sit on top of cryptocurrency infrastructure, handling complexity, managing wallets, and executing transactions, making it easier for people to control their funds. This would result in a more global, programmable, and autonomous financial system.