Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino envisions a future where AI agents dominate digital transactions—and their preferred currencies will be Bitcoin and USDT. Speaking on The Block’s Big Brain podcast, Ardoino projected that within 15 years, there will be over one trillion autonomous AI agents, each equipped with self-custodial wallets and powered by blockchain-based assets.
Machine-to-Machine Economy Will Need Crypto
Ardoino explained that **AI agents—autonomous bots interacting without human input—**are poised to reshape global commerce. As these agents evolve, they will require secure, fast, and decentralized means of transaction. Traditional banking systems, he said, won’t be compatible.
“I don’t think JPMorgan will open a bank account for any AI agent,” Ardoino stated. “So I think AI agents will use stablecoins and Bitcoin to transact.”
Why Bitcoin and USDT Will Lead
According to Ardoino, Bitcoin offers a decentralized and censorship-resistant base layer, while USDT provides price stability and global liquidity—making them ideal for autonomous economic activity.
- USDT is already the most-used stablecoin, with over $155 billion in circulation, according to The Block.
- The U.S. Treasury Department confirmed in a recent study that most crypto transaction volume flows through stablecoin pairs.
- Tether’s new wallet-development kit (WDK), launched in November 2024, aims to simplify self-custody integration for developers building on this vision.
Tether Expands into AI Infrastructure
Tether isn’t just speculating—it’s investing in AI infrastructure. The company has made strategic moves into:
- Data centers
- Wallet software
- An upcoming AI platform built for seamless integration of digital assets in autonomous environments
This expansion aligns with the company’s vision of becoming a backbone of the future machine economy.
Policy Tailwinds Could Accelerate Adoption
Ardoino’s comments come as Congress debates two major stablecoin bills that could pass by end of summer 2025. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, regulatory clarity could propel the stablecoin sector to over $2 trillion in value by 2028.
This legislative progress adds further momentum to Ardoino’s forecast, especially as governments and institutions begin recognizing stablecoins as legitimate components of the financial system.
Conclusion: Crypto and AI Are on a Collision Course
As AI agents become more prevalent, their need for decentralized, programmable, and accessible currencies will grow. Tether’s USDT and Bitcoin, already embedded deeply in the crypto economy, are likely contenders to serve this new wave of machine-native finance.
With one trillion AI wallets predicted by 2040, the fusion of AI and crypto could define the next chapter of digital innovation—and reshape how value moves across the internet.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.