BlackRock identifies AI as a catalyst for digital asset adoption

BlackRock has released a research paper titled ‘The Machine-Native Economy’, identifying artificial intelligence as a structural catalyst for the adoption of digital assets. The report posits that as AI evolves into ‘agentic AI’—capable of making decisions and executing tasks—it will require a programmable financial infrastructure to operate autonomously.

The firm outlines three primary pillars of this emerging economy:

1. Automated Machine-to-Machine Payments: AI agents will need to settle high-frequency, low-value transactions for data, software, and services. Stablecoins are highlighted as the ideal medium for these 24/7, machine-native payments.

2. Tokenization of Financial Assets: Converting traditional assets into digital tokens allows AI systems to interact with financial products via smart contracts, following pre-set rules without human intervention.

3. Computing Resource Markets: The demand for AI processing power could lead to the tokenization of GPU and cloud capacity. This would allow AI agents to autonomously compare, purchase, and even use computing rights as collateral or financial instruments.

While BlackRock notes that challenges remain regarding regulatory frameworks, identity verification, and technical standardization, the report suggests the relationship between AI and crypto is currently undervalued by the market.