Blockchains may need 1B TPS to support AI agent future: Stripe

CoinTelegraph

by Brian Quarmby

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Stripe’s executives, Patrick and John Collison, have predicted that blockchain networks may need to handle up to 1 billion transactions per second (TPS) to accommodate the growing adoption of AI agents. In their annual letter posted on X, they highlighted the potential surge in blockchain activity as AI becomes a primary driver of online transactions. This bold assertion underscores the critical need for scalable blockchain infrastructure to support future technological advancements. The Collisons emphasized that the increasing use of AI agents will significantly boost transaction volumes across various industries. Currently, blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum operate well below this threshold, raising concerns about scalability. The duo suggested that as AI systems automate tasks and conduct transactions independently, blockchain networks must adapt to handle such high demands efficiently. This shift could redefine how businesses operate globally. The implications of this prediction are profound for the cryptocurrency ecosystem. If blockchain networks fail to scale adequately, they risk becoming bottlenecks in an increasingly digital economy. The demand for higher TPS highlights the need for innovation in consensus mechanisms, transaction processing, and network architecture. Solutions like Layer 2 scaling, interoperability protocols, or even new blockchain designs could emerge as critical components of this future. For crypto enthusiasts

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/26/2026