What is “agentic finance” in crypto?

Agentic finance refers to financial systems where autonomous AI agents execute trading, payments, and DeFi strategies without direct human control. These programs can analyse markets, move capital, and execute transactions on blockchain networks automatically. Wall Street analysts say this model could reshape how financial activity happens on-chain. The concept links artificial intelligence with blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

Why is Wall Street paying attention to AI agents in crypto?

Institutional investors see AI agents as a potential driver of the next crypto market cycle. Bitwise Asset Management CIO Matt Hougan described agentic finance as a “big emerging catalyst” because automated systems could increase blockchain usage. If AI-driven payments and trading expand, they could boost transaction volume and demand for crypto infrastructure. That possibility is attracting attention from asset managers and fintech firms.

How much of crypto trading is already controlled by AI systems?

Analysts estimate that AI-driven trading systems already account for about 60% to 80% of global crypto trading volume. Some projections suggest that share could rise toward 90% as algorithmic trading becomes more dominant. These systems operate continuously and can react to market signals much faster than human traders. That speed gives AI systems a strong advantage in liquid markets.

Why do AI agents have an advantage in crypto trading?

AI agents can analyse liquidity, price movements, and order book data in real time. Because they operate 24/7, they can execute trades instantly without emotional decision-making. This reduces human errors and can improve capital allocation across markets. As a result, many trading strategies are increasingly automated.

What role could AI agents play in crypto payments?

Some industry leaders believe AI agents will eventually handle most machine-to-machine payments. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao said AI programs could make far more transactions than humans in the future. These payments could include buying APIs, cloud computing services, or on-chain data feeds. Crypto networks are well suited for these automated, programmable transactions.

How could agentic finance affect the next crypto bull market?

Supporters argue that AI-driven activity could significantly increase on-chain transactions and capital flows. More automated trading, DeFi participation, and micro-payments could create persistent demand for blockchain networks. Bitwise’s Matt Hougan suggested this trend could become a catalyst for the next bull market. However, this is an opinion and not guaranteed to occur.

Which blockchain networks could benefit from the AI agent economy?

The article suggests networks such as Ethereum and Sui are positioning themselves as infrastructure layers for AI-driven financial activity. Ethereum is widely used for DeFi and smart contracts, which autonomous agents can interact with. Sui focuses on programmable finance and fast micro-payments. Both could support the infrastructure needed for machine-based financial transactions.

How do AI trading systems compare with retail traders?

The article notes that AI-driven quantitative funds reported an average return of 52% in 2025, while 84% of retail traders lost money during the same period. This highlights the speed and data-processing advantages of automated trading systems. However, performance varies widely across strategies and market conditions. AI systems are not guaranteed to outperform in every environment.

Cryptocurrency

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Wall Street eyes AI agents as crypto catalyst

Written by Liezl GambePublished Mar 13, 2026, 12:00 AMLast Updated May 7, 2026, 3:23 AM

Wall Street analysts are increasingly focusing on “agentic finance,” a model where autonomous AI programs manage trading, payments, and financial activity on blockchain networks.

Bitwise Asset Management chief investment officer Matt Hougan said the trend could become a key catalyst for the next crypto bull market as institutions adopt automated financial systems.

“When you have a company like Stripe saying the future is agentic finance and it’s built on blockchain, that’s a pretty good catalyst,”

Said Bitwise CIO, Matt Hougan.

Analysts estimate that AI-driven systems already account for roughly 60% to 80% of global crypto trading volume, with projections suggesting the share could approach 90% as algorithmic trading expands.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has also argued that autonomous agents could eventually make vastly more transactions than humans, using crypto networks for payments and on-chain services.

Supporters say AI systems can locate liquidity faster, allocate capital more efficiently, and operate continuously without human intervention, potentially increasing on-chain activity and demand for blockchain infrastructure.

Platforms including Ethereum and Sui are positioning themselves as infrastructure layers for this emerging “agent economy,” where AI agents execute micro-payments, trades, and financial operations autonomously.