Coinbase CEO refutes the argument that crypto enthusiasts should turn to AI, stating that cryptocurrency is an indispensable universal infrastructure

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong tweeted in response to the viewpoint "If you're in the cryptocurrency space, turn to AI," stating that this is a flawed way of thinking and a zero-sum game mentality. Brian Armstrong emphasized that cryptocurrency is a universal technology, an infrastructure, just like electricity or the internet. It does not compete with the next hot technology because it supports the latter. It is "both-and," not "either-or." Artificial intelligence, as a major trend, does not diminish the importance of cryptocurrency. On the contrary, it makes cryptocurrency even more important.

AI agents require their own financial infrastructure, and ultimately their daily trading volume will far exceed the total of all human trading volumes. They cannot open bank accounts, cannot wait three days to receive remittances, and they cannot reside in just one country. They need real-time programmable money (which is exactly what cryptocurrency is). Agents need to hold funds and make payments themselves. Coinbase was the first to launch the x402 protocol, Base, and USDC, which now support the vast majority of payments for agents. Agents will also participate in trading and act as financial advisors. They will raise or borrow funds for ongoing new projects. They will also save users from the tedious tasks of tax planning, portfolio rebalancing, and bill payments.