TLDR
- MoonPay introduced “MoonPay Agents,” a platform enabling AI systems to manage wallets and execute crypto transactions independently
- The platform operates on a non-custodial model with wallet storage occurring locally on user devices
- Following a single identity verification, AI agents gain autonomy to execute trades, swaps, and asset transfers
- Intercontinental Exchange (parent of NYSE) is reportedly exploring an investment opportunity in MoonPay at a $5B company valuation
- Industry forecasts from the World Economic Forum project the AI agent sector could achieve $236 billion in value by 2034
MoonPay Introduces Autonomous Wallet Infrastructure Enabling AI-Driven Crypto Operations
Crypto infrastructure provider MoonPay has unveiled MoonPay Agents, an innovative software solution that grants artificial intelligence systems the capability to maintain digital wallets and execute financial transactions independently.
The platform operates on a non-custodial architecture, ensuring wallet data remains on the end user’s device rather than under MoonPay’s control. After completing a one-time identity verification process and depositing initial funds, control shifts to the AI agent.
Once activated, these agents can independently execute trading operations, perform token swaps, and initiate asset transfers without requiring additional human authorization. The system also accommodates automated recurring purchases and facilitates cross-chain transaction capabilities.
According to MoonPay CEO Ivan Soto-Wright, the innovation addresses a fundamental limitation in AI capabilities. “AI agents can reason, but they cannot act economically without capital infrastructure,” he explained.
Established in 2019, MoonPay has expanded to support more than 30 million individual users alongside 500 corporate clients. This latest offering extends the company’s existing cryptocurrency payment infrastructure to serve autonomous AI systems.
The technology leverages MoonPay’s developer toolkit, known as MoonPay CLI. Integration includes compatibility with x402, an emerging protocol standard designed for machine-to-machine financial transactions in agent-based applications.
When systems require identity authentication, the human operator completes the process initially. Subsequently, the AI agent operates independently within established authorization parameters.
The Race to Build the Agent Economy
MoonPay joins a growing competitive landscape in this emerging sector. Coinbase has similarly developed wallet solutions for AI agents, while Stripe incorporated USDC-enabled agent payment capabilities utilizing the identical x402 protocol.
deBridge has constructed infrastructure supporting non-custodial cross-blockchain operations for artificial intelligence platforms. Meanwhile, Crypto.com’s leadership recently introduced ai.com, a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate autonomous agent execution of financial operations for users.
Ethereum’s development community is advancing ERC-8004, a proposed standard aimed at establishing verifiable on-chain identities for AI agents.
The collaboration between OpenAI and Paradigm on AI-powered smart contract security tools demonstrates the increasing convergence of artificial intelligence and blockchain financial systems.
Market Size and Investor Interest
According to World Economic Forum projections, the worldwide AI agent marketplace could expand to $236 billion by 2034. Research from McKinsey indicates nearly 25% of corporations are currently scaling their AI agent implementations.
On the capital front, Intercontinental Exchange, which operates the New York Stock Exchange, has reportedly engaged in preliminary conversations regarding a potential investment in MoonPay. Sources suggest the company is pursuing financing at a $5 billion valuation.
This attention from a prominent stock exchange operator signals increasing interest from conventional financial institutions in cryptocurrency payment infrastructure solutions.
MoonPay’s platform includes functionality for converting cryptocurrency back to traditional fiat currency, enabling AI agents to facilitate transfers between digital assets and legacy monetary systems.
