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Here’s why BlackRock believes autonomous AI systems will drive next stablecoin boom

source-logo  ambcrypto.com 23 September 2026 22:25, UTC
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BlackRock’s latest research examines how AI could reshape the role of digital assets as autonomous systems take on more economic activity.

The asset manager believes AI agents will create an additional source of demand for digital assets as AI begins to perform independent economic tasks. The AI agent is capable of purchasing items, moving capital, and settling transactions without human approval.

Therefore, payment rails need to be operational round the clock to allow quick and programmable transfers. Importantly, stablecoins are currently providing part of this infrastructure. With over $11 trillion in adjusted transaction volume in 2025.

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The next step will be beyond payments, as tokenized assets give AI systems access to yield, collateral, and financial markets. This convergence is likely to increase the utility of blockchain from human finance towards machine-driven economic activity.

Stablecoins build AI payment rails

Stablecoins are demonstrating how blockchain rails can also provide the backbone for a machine-based economy. In June, Visa reported an adjusted stablecoin volume of $1.79 trillion, an increase of 63% on a monthly basis and 125% on an annual basis.

Source: BlackRock

Since the number removes bot traffic and repeat transactions, it means that this is likely driven by stronger underlying economic growth. Also, it’s worth noting that transaction size can vary dramatically from one network to another.

For instance, on average, Ethereum [ETH] handles transfers averaging about $45,700. Meanwhile, Solana [SOL], Base, and the BNB chain all support transfer values ranging from approximately $1,200 to $4,200. This range gives stablecoins flexibility for both settlement and frequent payments.

Tokenization then extends that utility into financial markets. This is by allowing stablecoins to serve additional purposes, including providing access to financial markets.

With tokenized RWA value near $39 billion, automated systems could eventually move capital between stablecoins, yield products, and equities, expanding blockchain demand beyond payments.

AI demand still outpaces blockchain adoption

That progress is more visible in payments and tokenized assets compared to the infrastructure needed to operate AI systems. Decentralized compute remains the weakest part of BlackRock’s “machine-economy thesis.”

This is due to the large amount of usage of decentralized computing currently compared to central computing systems used for AI.

Blockchain-based networks such as Akash and Render already connect GPU providers and the AI workloads they serve. However, on both, their economic activity remains small.

Precisely, according to its Q2 2026 reports, Akash generated approximately $276,000 in 30-day lease fee income, while Render reported around $118,000 in recent payments to AI jobs.

Source: Akash Network

Altogether, this shows that blockchain infrastructure is emerging, but AI-driven demand has yet to reach meaningful scale.

Final Summary

  • BlackRock sees AI as a new demand driver for digital assets through stablecoins and tokenized finance.
  • AI-driven blockchain adoption remains early, with decentralized compute and agent payments still at limited scale.
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