BlackRock sees AI driving demand for stablecoins and crypto
AI creates new demand for digital asset infrastructure
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has published research stating that the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly boost the use of digital assets. The firm argues that the link between AI and crypto is currently underestimated by the market.
In a whitepaper titled "The Machine-Native Economy," BlackRock researchers suggest that autonomous AI agents will need to make payments and manage resources on their own. Because these agents operate at high speed and volume, traditional banking systems may not be suitable for their needs.
The report identifies two main areas where digital assets could play a critical role: machine-to-machine payments and the tokenization of computing power.
Why AI agents need crypto payments
BlackRock points out that current payment systems often require human involvement for tasks like account setup, verification, and authorizing transactions. They also note that standard merchant fees can make very small, high-frequency transactions too expensive to be profitable.
In contrast, stablecoins—digital coins that are usually pegged to the value of the US dollar—and other cryptocurrencies can facilitate rapid, low-cost transactions that run 24 hours a day. The report states that while many types of digital assets could support this activity, stablecoins are likely to be the primary method for these automated transactions.
The researchers write that these developments position AI as a "structural catalyst" for digital asset adoption, while digital assets serve as the infrastructure for an increasingly autonomous digital economy.
Tokenizing computing power
Beyond payments, BlackRock sees an opportunity in the market for computing capacity. As demand for AI processing power grows, companies are looking for ways to lock in costs and manage risk.
The report suggests that claims on future computing capacity could be represented as tokens. These tokens could be traded or used as collateral for loans. This would allow AI agents to automatically purchase the resources they need to operate.
BlackRock argues this could broaden institutional investor participation and establish the compute market as a new sector for the digital asset ecosystem.
Industry figures align with thesis
BlackRock’s view mirrors arguments made by several leaders in the crypto industry. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has previously stated that AI does not compete with crypto, but rather increases its importance. He argues that AI agents will need programmable money, such as cryptocurrencies, rather than traditional banking rails to function autonomously.
Crypto companies are already developing tools to support this shift. For example, Coinbase introduced the x402 protocol, and Tempo launched a Machine Payments Protocol, both designed to help AI agents pay for online services. Circle released agent wallet and USDC payment tools in May, and OKX published an Agent Payments Protocol to handle recurring payments and escrow services.
What this means for the industry
This research brings the concept of AI-driven crypto demand to BlackRock’s vast base of institutional investors. While the crypto industry has long argued for this connection, BlackRock’s analysis provides a formal framework that could encourage larger financial institutions to consider how AI and digital assets intersect.
The report suggests that as AI becomes more autonomous, the demand for the underlying payment and resource infrastructure will grow, potentially driving long-term adoption of digital assets.
Key takeaways
- BlackRock argues AI growth will drive structural demand for digital assets.
- AI agents require fast, low-cost, and automated payment systems that stablecoins are well-suited to provide.
- Computing power could be tokenized, allowing AI agents to automatically buy and trade processing capacity.
- Crypto executives and firms have already begun building payment protocols for autonomous AI agents.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.
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