BlackRock Says AI Will Boost On-Chain Payment Demand

BlackRock's report, 'The Machine-Native Economy,' identifies artificial intelligence as a primary driver for the future adoption of digital assets and stablecoins. The firm argues that traditional payment systems are ill-suited for autonomous AI agents, which require near real-time, low-cost, and programmable settlement capabilities. Stablecoins are positioned as the preferred transaction layer, with projections estimating their circulating market value will exceed $300 billion by September 2026. The report highlights emerging payment protocols like Coinbase's x402 and Stripe's agent commerce tools as critical infrastructure for machine-to-machine settlements. Furthermore, BlackRock explores the potential for tokenizing standardized computing power to facilitate automated procurement and financing for AI infrastructure. This shift threatens traditional clearing channels that rely on human authorization and merchant fees, while favoring public chain settlement layers. Ultimately, the analysis frames the integration of AI and digital assets as a structural evolution that will redefine how value is transferred in a machine-native economy.