The Imperative of Intent-Based Infrastructure for AI Agents in Web3
Adrian Brink, co-founder of Anoma, argues that AI agents must connect with intent-based blockchain systems to support Web3’s core values: decentralization, sovereignty, verifiability, and resilience. Without this, AI agents might repeat Web2’s centralized problems, like security holes and privacy issues, which could harm the decentralized spirit of crypto. Anyway, intent-centric setups allow decentralized markets where AI agents compete, giving users control over their data and assets. This not only makes interactions smoother but also helps with complex tasks like cross-chain deals, key for advancing DeFi.
- Unlike centralized AI models that often work as black boxes with unclear outputs, intent-based systems offer transparency and accountability.
- For example, agents from IBM and OpenAI don’t ensure user sovereignty, while decentralized intent systems enable trustworthy and strong operations.
- On that note, blending this with wider trends, AI and blockchain integration through intents fits with moves toward more decentralization and innovation, seen in projects like Swarm Network and Planck that aim to make AI clearer in crypto.
AI agents need intent-based blockchain infrastructure to ensure users fully control their data and assets.
Adrian Brink
Funding and Innovations in Decentralized AI Protocols
Swarm Network’s recent $13 million funding, with $10 million from NFT agent licenses and $3 million from backers like Sui and Ghaf Capital, shows growing investment in decentralized AI. This money supports systems that turn off-chain data into verifiable on-chain info, boosting transparency and reliability in AI work.
- Early uses, such as Rollup News checking over 3 million posts from 128,000 users, show decentralized AI’s real value in fact-checking and data verification.
- NFT licenses act as incentives, rewarding holders for running agents and keeping the network honest, which encourages community involvement and matches decentralized ideas.
- In contrast to centralized AI, criticized for opacity and monopoly, decentralized frameworks like Swarm’s provide more accountability and fewer single points of failure.
- For instance, centralized systems have ignored shutdown commands, posing big risks that decentralized protocols reduce.
This trend ties to the crypto market’s positive view on innovative AI solutions that favor decentralization, likely driving more adoption and investment in similar projects.
Decentralized AI protocols ensure greater accountability and reduce risks associated with centralized systems.
Context from Swarm Network funding article
AI Agents Transforming Blockchain Ecosystems
AI agents, or autonomous bots that handle tasks alone, are becoming vital in blockchain ecosystems, especially on Ethereum. They use tech like HTTP 402 and EIP 3009 to do transactions without people, enabling things like automatic e-commerce payments and content creation.
- Developers Kevin Leffew and Lincoln Murr from Coinbase think AI agents could be Ethereum’s biggest users, changing how transactions work and boosting efficiency.
- Examples from Hyperbolic Labs and Prodia Labs show AI agents using HTTP 402 for services from language models to auto-content, highlighting their flexibility and efficiency gains.
- Compared to human transactions, which are slower and mistake-prone, AI agents offer better speed and accuracy.
- However, they also bring up security and ethics worries, like more market swings from auto-trading, needing safeguards and careful use.
This change is part of a bigger shift, as with Kraken buying Capitalise.ai for natural language trading automation, pointing to more accessible and efficient blockchain interactions with a neutral market effect.
AI agents are emerging as fundamental components of decentralized finance, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
Shamir Ozery
Strategic Acquisitions and AI Integration in Crypto
The crypto sector is seeing more buys of AI startups to improve trading, security, and compliance. Key cases include Kraken’s purchase of Capitalise.ai for trading automation, Chainalysis getting Alterya for fraud spotting, and Tether‘s joint bid with Rumble for Northern Data, showing a focus on AI for an edge.
- AI tools change crypto trading through sentiment analysis and automation, with platforms like Capitalise.ai allowing no-code strategies.
- In security, AI helps with real-time threat detection, tackling vulnerabilities that led to big losses, like over $3.1 billion in exploits and scams in 2025.
- Unlike partnerships that offer flexibility but less control, acquisitions allow deeper integration and customization.
- For example, xPortal’s buy of Alphalink for AI interfaces underlines the industry seeing AI as crucial for growth, with firms racing for tech leads in a fast market.
These buys have a neutral market impact, showing ongoing innovation not sudden changes, and fit economic trends where owning advanced tech is key to leading, possibly making crypto more user-friendly and secure.
Crypto firms race to snap up AI startups to boost their technological edge and improve services.
Nate Kostar
Challenges in Converging AI and Cryptocurrency Systems
Merging AI with crypto systems faces big hurdles, like regulatory uncertainty, privacy concerns, and higher market volatility risks. AI-related exploits jumped 1,025% since 2023, highlighting weaknesses that need clear and ethical AI to keep trust.
- Evidence from events like the Embargo ransomware group moving $34 million since April 2025 stresses the need for strong security steps.
- Efforts like Kerberus making a crypto antivirus by acquiring Pocket Universe aim for united defenses, but careful use is key to avoid over-reliance and AI mistakes.
- Compared to traditional security, which is steadier but slower, AI gives dynamic, real-time protection but makes accountability trickier.
- Balancing innovation with reliability is vital, as with Kerberus’s four-month plan for a minimal product, showing a thorough way to ensure it works.
Fixing these challenges is crucial for crypto’s growth, with teamwork like global seizures of ransomware funds showing coordination’s importance. Beating regulatory and privacy issues will help build a safer ecosystem and wider use of AI in crypto.
Addressing privacy and security is paramount in the integration of AI with cryptocurrency systems.
Nate Kostar
Future Outlook for Decentralized AI in Crypto
The future of decentralized AI in crypto looks bright, with projects like Swarm Network and Planck making AI more open and clear. Predictions say AI agents will lead in ecosystems like Ethereum, enabling self-running transactions and better efficiency across fields.
- Instances like Clanker making $34.4 million in fees via AI memecoin creation show automation can lower barriers and open up crypto participation.
- AI in security, such as Kerberus’s antivirus work, points to tougher and easier-to-use platforms.
- Unlike centralized AI that can stifle creativity, decentralized models foster collaboration and new ideas.
- But challenges like ethical AI use and risk control remain key, needing frameworks for transparency and trust-building.
These steps have a neutral impact, adding to gradual betterment not sudden shifts. As AI and blockchain come together, they should unlock chances in areas like health and finance, driving long-term growth and making crypto more inclusive and secure for everyone.
Despite challenges, the potential for innovation and growth in AI-crypto convergence is immense.
Nate Kostar
Synthesis and Broader Implications for the Crypto Market
Integrating AI agents with intent-based blockchain, as Adrian Brink suggests, is a key step in keeping Web3 values amid tech advances. This method ensures decentralization, sovereignty, and verifiability, fighting risks from centralized AI.
- Backing from funding like Swarm Network’s $13 million raise and buys like Kraken’s Capitalise.ai grab show the industry’s push for AI integration.
- These moves improve user experience, security, and access, matching trends toward innovation and maturity in crypto.
- Hurdles like regulatory issues, privacy problems, and AI exploits need careful handling and ethics.
- Yet, the neutral market effect means these are part of steady progress, not disruption.
Looking forward, AI and blockchain merging should drive big advances, making crypto ecosystems more efficient, safe, and open. Constant adaptation and tech investment will be essential to tap this synergy’s full potential.
Intents are critical infrastructure for ensuring that AI serves users, not the existing powers that be.
Adrian Brink
