BlackRock Predicts AI Agents Will Fuel Crypto Demand

BlackRock, the $15 trillion Wall Street giant, has released a report suggesting that artificial intelligence (AI) agents could soon become a major driver of demand for cryptocurrencies. The report, titled "The Machine-Native Economy," highlights how AI models are increasingly favoring bitcoin and stablecoins for transactions and long-term value preservation. As AI agents take on tasks like booking travel and purchasing data, they require payment systems that operate 24/7 and can handle microtransactions.

The report argues that traditional payment systems, such as card networks and automated clearing houses, are inefficient for AI-driven commerce due to human-driven onboarding, fees, and slower settlement times. In contrast, crypto-native blockchain infrastructure is well-suited for high-frequency, low-value transactions that occur around the clock. The Bitcoin Policy Institute's research, cited in the report, found that controlled simulations generally favored stablecoins for everyday payments and bitcoin for long-term value preservation.

BlackRock has been a long-time proponent of bitcoin and other crypto applications, particularly those involving asset tokenization. The Securities and Exchange Commission approved BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust in 2024, which has since become the most successful bitcoin ETF in the U.S., managing over $67 billion in assets. The firm has also previously stated that bitcoin represents a unique asset class, often used by investors as a hedge against potential debt crises.