Coinbase co-founder and CEO Brian Armstrong stated that AI agents will use USDC and Base for real-time payments in a post on X. Armstrong argued that crypto and AI are complementary technologies, describing blockchain as general-purpose infrastructure that could support the financial activity of autonomous software. He rejected the idea that crypto companies must abandon blockchain to chase the artificial intelligence boom, stating that AI agents may eventually need to earn, hold, and spend money without waiting for human approval at every step, while traditional banking systems were not designed for software that operates around the clock.
Armstrong Describes AI Agents' Need for Machine-Speed Money
Armstrong stated in his post on X that "AI being a megatrend takes nothing away from crypto. If anything, it makes crypto more important." He predicted that AI agents will eventually complete more transactions each day than all humans combined. According to Armstrong, these programs may pay for data, computing power and digital services, and could also trade assets, rebalance portfolios, settle bills and help users manage taxes. Armstrong stated that agents cannot easily open bank accounts or wait several days for wire transfers, and that crypto networks can offer programmable payments that settle at any hour and across borders. "They need real-time programmable money," Armstrong said. Armstrong is positioning USDC, Coinbase's Base blockchain and the x402 payments protocol as core infrastructure for this market, stating that those tools already power most agent-driven payments, although he did not provide supporting figures in his post. X402 allows software to pay for online resources through machine-readable payment requests.
Coinbase Develops Agentic Finance Infrastructure Stack
Coinbase calls its broader strategy "Agentic Finance" (AiFi). The company is developing tools that allow AI systems to access wallets, make payments and carry out financial instructions within limits set by users. Armstrong stated he expects agents to act as traders and financial advisers, and suggested they could borrow or raise capital for projects they undertake independently. Recently, the company rolled out AI agent payments for businesses in USDC via Coinbase Business and called it a "high conviction bet." The company is also developing tools such as Agentkit, Coinbase for Agents and onchain identity standards designed to help autonomous programs transact safely.
Investors and Developers Support Armstrong's Thesis
The post drew support from investors and crypto developers. Startup investor Jason Calacanis summarized the thesis stating that crypto companies should use AI rather than pivot away from their existing businesses. Other commentators pointed to rising agent traffic on Base and growing use of x402 as early evidence of demand. They also highlighted tools such as Agentkit, Coinbase for Agents and onchain identity standards designed to help autonomous programs transact safely. Armstrong acknowledged that the vision carries unresolved questions around security, accountability and regulation.
FAQ
What did Brian Armstrong say about AI agents and crypto payments?
Brian Armstrong stated in a post on X that AI agents will use USDC and Base for real-time payments. He argued that crypto and AI are complementary technologies, with blockchain serving as infrastructure that could support the financial activity of autonomous software. Armstrong said that "AI being a megatrend takes nothing away from crypto. If anything, it makes crypto more important."
What is Coinbase's Agentic Finance strategy?
Coinbase's Agentic Finance (AiFi) is a strategy focused on developing tools that allow AI systems to access wallets, make payments and carry out financial instructions within limits set by users. The company recently rolled out AI agent payments for businesses in USDC via Coinbase Business. Coinbase is positioning USDC, its Base blockchain and the x402 payments protocol as core infrastructure for AI agent transactions.
Why does Armstrong believe AI agents need crypto for payments?
Armstrong stated that AI agents need real-time programmable money because they may eventually need to earn, hold, and spend money without waiting for human approval at every step. He argued that agents cannot easily open bank accounts or wait several days for wire transfers, while crypto networks can offer programmable payments that settle at any hour and across borders. Traditional banking systems were not designed for software that operates around the clock.
