The users of blockchain will be AI agents, NEAR co-founder says

CoinDesk

by Margaux Nijkerk

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR Protocol, predicts that AI will become the primary interface layer for online interactions, including cryptocurrency. He envisions a future where AI agents handle blockchain tasks like payments, asset management, and governance, while abstracting away complex elements such as wallets, transaction hashes, and explorers. Polosukhin argues that this shift will make blockchain infrastructure invisible to users, with AI serving as the front-end operating system for everything online. Polosukhin’s perspective contrasts with crypto’s recent focus on speculative trends like DeFi, NFTs, and trading bots. Instead of competing directly with AI platforms, he believes crypto’s role will be as a neutral settlement layer beneath them. Blockchain will provide essential financial rails—such as settlement, ownership verification, and programmable incentives—that enable AI to manage tasks seamlessly. Polosukhin critiques the crypto industry for prioritizing technical solutions over problem-solving. He points to DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) as an example of failure due to a lack of clear purpose. He suggests that governance tools, including AI-assisted voting agents, should only exist if tied to specific economic or coordination needs. Additionally, he blames the crypto community’s fixation on memecoins and scams for alienating serious AI researchers. The convergence of AI and blockchain could redefine online infrastructure, with AI systems handling tasks like bill payment, service allocation, and capital management. Blockchain’s strength lies in its ability to provide neutral, programmable financial coordination, which aligns perfectly with AI’s role as an operating system for the internet. This integration could transform crypto from a niche financial tool into an invisible yet essential layer beneath the AI-driven digital economy. For crypto enthusiasts, this convergence matters because it positions blockchain as a foundational technology rather

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 3/3/2026