Crypto Sector Seeks Early Access to Frontier AI Models Amid Rising Threat

The crypto sector is calling for early access to frontier AI models to help network developers protect against sophisticated attacks. An open letter signed by companies like Anchorage Digital, BitGo, and Kraken urges leading AI labs to offer trusted access programs for qualified defenders of open-source financial infrastructure.

The letter warns that without dedicated programs, open-source advocates cannot compete with criminals already using advanced AI to launch persistent attacks. The request comes as the crypto industry faces a growing threat from sophisticated actors, including possible foreign adversaries, who are leveraging AI capabilities to breach digital and financial infrastructure.

In April 2026, hackers stole more than $634 million from cryptocurrency platforms, the highest monthly total since the Bybit hack in February 2025. The letter argues that AI is transforming the economics of security research, allowing both defenders and adversaries to accelerate complex technical work.