Coinbase Tests AI Agents for Slack and Email as Automation Push Accelerates
Coinbase is rolling out AI agents to assist employees via Slack and email, signaling a deeper shift toward automation and AI-driven workflows in crypto.
By David Walker | Edited by Julia Sakovich
Published:
3 mins readCoinbase is testing AI agents integrated into Slack and email. Photo: Pexels
Coinbase is accelerating its push into artificial intelligence, with CEO Brian Armstrong revealing that the company has begun testing AI agents integrated directly into workplace tools like Slack and email.
The initiative marks a significant step in Coinbase’s broader strategy to embed AI across its operations, with Armstrong suggesting that AI agents could soon outnumber human employees at the firm.
AI Agents Enter the Workplace
According to Armstrong, Coinbase has already deployed two internal AI agents designed to assist staff with day-to-day tasks and decision-making. These agents operate within familiar communication platforms, allowing employees to interact with them as they would with colleagues.
The CEO indicated that the long-term vision is to make it easy for any employee to create and deploy their own AI agents tailored to specific roles or workflows. This could dramatically reshape how teams operate, shifting routine and even complex tasks to automated systems.
The move aligns with a broader trend across the tech industry, where companies are increasingly integrating AI into internal processes to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labor.
Meet Fred and Balaji”
The first two agents introduced by Coinbase are modeled after former company leaders. One, named after co-founder Fred Ehrsam, acts as a strategic advisor, helping employees align priorities and offering executive-level insights.
The second agent is inspired by former CTO Balaji Srinivasan and is designed to challenge assumptions and encourage creative thinking. This “agent of chaos,” as described by Armstrong, is intended to spark innovation by pushing teams to explore unconventional ideas.
Together, these agents represent an early attempt to replicate not just operational tasks but also leadership and creative functions within an AI-driven framework.
A Broader Shift Toward AI-Native Operations
Coinbase has been steadily increasing its focus on AI over the past year. Armstrong previously stated a goal for more than half of the company’s code to be generated by AI, while the firm has also emphasized transforming its workforce into “AI-native” operators.
This shift mirrors wider industry developments, where major technology firms are restructuring around AI capabilities. Automation is increasingly being used to handle coding, customer support and operational workflows, often leading to workforce reductions and new organizational models.
Coinbase is also contributing to infrastructure for AI-driven economies. In 2025, the company introduced the x402 protocol, designed to enable seamless payments between AI agents using both crypto and traditional financial rails.
AI and Crypto Convergence
The integration of AI agents into Coinbase’s operations reflects a growing belief that artificial intelligence and blockchain technology will become deeply interconnected. Armstrong has predicted that AI agents could soon become the dominant participants in online transactions.
Other industry leaders share similar views. Jeremy Allaire has suggested that billions of AI agents could transact onchain within a few years, while Changpeng Zhao has described cryptocurrency as the natural payment system for autonomous agents.
Crypto Startups and Investment Reporter David Walker
David Walker covers venture capital activity, startup ecosystems, and investment trends across the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. His reporting focuses on funding rounds, acquisitions, and the strategic expansion of emerging crypto companies. He frequently analyzes how investors and technology firms are shaping the next generation of decentralized financial platforms. Based in San Francisco, David closely follows venture-backed innovation in digital assets.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs See $1B Weekly Inflows as Institutional Demand Surges
Spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted almost $1 billion in inflows last week, signaling renewed institutional confidence as geopolitical developments influence market sentiment.
By Julia Sakovich
Published:
US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded nearly $1B in weekly inflows. Photo: Pexels
US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds are once again drawing significant institutional capital, with nearly $1 billion in net inflows recorded over the past week. The surge marks the strongest weekly performance since mid-January and extends a three-week streak of positive flows into crypto investment products.
Data shows that investor appetite for regulated Bitcoin exposure is strengthening, even as broader market conditions remain mixed and geopolitical developments continue to shape sentiment.
Strong Weekly Inflows Led by Major Funds
Spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively brought in approximately $996 million in net inflows during the latest reporting period. Over the past three weeks, total inflows have exceeded $1.8 billion, signaling sustained institutional engagement with the asset class.
Leading the charge was BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which attracted roughly $906 million in a single week. The fund remains the dominant player in the market by assets under management and continues to capture the majority of inflows.
Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley’s MSBT recorded $71 million in inflows during its first full trading week after launching earlier this month. The strong debut highlights growing competition among traditional financial institutions entering the crypto ETF space.
Spot Ether ETFs also saw renewed demand, posting $275 million in weekly inflows—their highest level since January—suggesting broader interest across digital asset investment products.
Geopolitics Driving Market Sentiment
Analysts point to geopolitical developments as a key factor behind the recent inflows. Hopes for de-escalation between United States and Iran have contributed to a “risk-on” environment, encouraging institutional investors to increase exposure to assets like Bitcoin.
The current ceasefire between the two nations is set to expire soon, with ongoing negotiations creating uncertainty about the next phase of the conflict. While optimism around a potential agreement has supported markets, reports of continued tensions have kept volatility elevated.
This dynamic has led investors to cautiously position themselves in Bitcoin ETFs, balancing optimism with risk management.
Institutional and Retail Demand Dynamics
Market participants note that institutional investors are playing a leading role in driving ETF inflows, while retail demand is gradually improving. The availability of regulated investment vehicles like ETFs has made it easier for large capital allocators to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset.
However, analysts caution that sustained momentum will depend on broader macroeconomic conditions. In particular, expectations around interest rate policy from the Federal Reserve remain a key factor influencing long-term flows into crypto markets.
Lower rates could further boost demand for risk assets, including Bitcoin, while tighter monetary conditions may limit upside potential.
A Sign of Maturing Crypto Markets
The recent surge in ETF inflows underscores the growing integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems. Products offered by firms like BlackRock and Morgan Stanley are bridging the gap between institutional investors and digital assets, contributing to greater market stability and liquidity.
While short-term price movements in Bitcoin and Ether remain sensitive to external factors, the steady inflow of capital into ETFs suggests a longer-term trend of increasing adoption.
As institutional participation continues to expand, Bitcoin ETFs are likely to play an increasingly central role in shaping the trajectory of the crypto market.
Polymarket Eyes $15B Valuation in New $400M Funding Round
Polymarket is in talks to raise $400 million at a $15 billion valuation, reflecting growing investor appetite for prediction markets despite regulatory uncertainty.
By Matthew Clarke | Edited by Julia Sakovich
Published:
Polymarket is seeking $400M in new funding at a $15B valuation. Photo: Pexels
Polymarket is reportedly in discussions to raise $400 million in fresh capital at a $15 billion valuation, signaling continued momentum for the fast-growing prediction markets sector.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the funding round could expand further, potentially reaching $1 billion if additional strategic investors join. The move comes amid a surge of institutional interest in platforms that allow users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events.
Institutional Capital Flows into Prediction Markets
The reported raise follows a significant investment wave into prediction markets. Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, recently invested $600 million into Polymarket, highlighting growing confidence from traditional finance players.
Despite the strong valuation target, Polymarket would still trail its main rival Kalshi, which was valued at approximately $22 billion in its most recent funding round. The competition between the two platforms reflects the rapid evolution of the sector into a major new category within financial markets.
Prediction markets have gained traction by offering contracts tied to a wide range of outcomes, including elections, economic indicators and cultural events. Monthly trading volumes across platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi now regularly exceed $10 billion, according to industry data.
Expanding Role of Wall Street Firms
The growing scale of prediction markets has drawn attention from major financial institutions seeking to diversify their offerings. Exchanges and trading firms are increasingly exploring ways to integrate event-based contracts into their existing product suites.
For instance, Nasdaq has taken steps toward launching binary-style contracts tied to the Nasdaq-100 index, while Cboe Global Markets is preparing its own prediction-style products. Meanwhile, CME Group has partnered with FanDuel to expand into event-driven markets beyond traditional finance.
More recently, firms like Charles Schwab and Citadel Securities have also expressed interest in entering the space, underscoring its growing legitimacy as a financial tool rather than a niche experiment.
Regulatory Challenges Remain
Despite rapid growth, prediction markets continue to face regulatory scrutiny in the United States. Critics argue that some event-based contracts resemble unlicensed gambling, particularly when tied to sports or entertainment outcomes.
Kalshi is currently involved in a legal dispute with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which has challenged the platform’s operations within the state. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how prediction markets are regulated nationwide.
Legal experts have suggested that the issue could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially establishing a precedent for the classification of event contracts and their treatment under financial law.
A Defining Moment for the Sector
Polymarket’s potential fundraising round highlights both the promise and uncertainty surrounding prediction markets. On one hand, surging volumes and institutional backing point to strong growth potential. On the other hand, unresolved regulatory questions continue to shape the sector’s trajectory.
If Polymarket successfully secures new funding at the reported valuation, it would further cement its position as a leading player in a market that is quickly moving from the fringes of finance into the mainstream.
Charles Schwab and Citadel Securities Explore Entry into Prediction Markets
Financial giants Charles Schwab and Citadel Securities are considering prediction markets, signaling growing institutional interest in event-based trading beyond traditional assets.
By Michael Turner | Edited by Julia Sakovich
Published:
Charles Schwab and Citadel Securities are evaluating entry into prediction markets. Photo: Pexels
Charles Schwab and Citadel Securities are both weighing potential entry into Charles Schwab prediction markets, highlighting rising institutional interest in a sector that blends finance, data, and event-driven trading.
Executives from both firms have recently signaled that while no immediate move is planned, prediction markets are firmly on their strategic radar. Their cautious approach reflects both the opportunities and regulatory uncertainties surrounding this rapidly expanding segment.
Growing Interest in Prediction Markets
Prediction markets allow participants to trade on the outcome of real-world events, ranging from economic indicators to elections. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen explosive growth, with combined monthly trading volumes reaching tens of billions of dollars in recent months.
This surge has caught the attention of traditional financial institutions looking to expand beyond conventional asset classes. For firms like Schwab, which already offers a wide range of investment products, prediction markets could represent a natural extension into event-based financial instruments.
CEO Rick Wurster said the company is likely to explore such offerings in the future, noting that integrating them into Schwab’s platform would be relatively straightforward. However, he also emphasized that current client demand appears limited, suggesting any rollout would be measured rather than immediate.
Avoiding Gambling-Like Offerings
Both Schwab and Citadel are signaling a clear intention to avoid prediction markets tied to sports, entertainment, or other gambling-like activities. Wurster stressed that Schwab’s focus remains on long-term wealth building, and offerings perceived as speculative betting would not align with that mission.
This distinction is increasingly important as regulators scrutinize the sector. Some US authorities have raised concerns that certain prediction market platforms may resemble unlicensed sports betting operations. Lawmakers have also questioned whether these markets adequately prevent insider trading.
By steering clear of controversial categories, traditional firms may seek to position prediction markets as legitimate financial tools rather than speculative platforms.
Citadel Sees Hedging Potential
At the same time, Citadel Securities is exploring how prediction markets could fit into its broader trading and market-making operations. President Jim Esposito noted that while liquidity in the sector remains limited, it is expected to grow significantly.
Rather than focusing on retail speculation, Citadel appears more interested in event contracts tied to macroeconomic or geopolitical risks. These instruments could allow investors to hedge exposures in ways that traditional derivatives cannot easily replicate.
For example, contracts linked to elections or policy decisions could provide a direct mechanism for managing uncertainty that impacts financial markets. Esposito suggested that such tools could become increasingly valuable as global risks become more complex and interconnected.
A New Frontier for Financial Markets
The potential entry of major firms like Schwab and Citadel underscores the evolving role of prediction markets within the broader financial ecosystem. Once considered niche or experimental, these platforms are increasingly being viewed as complementary to traditional trading instruments.
However, challenges remain. Regulatory clarity, liquidity depth, and market integrity will all play crucial roles in determining how quickly institutional adoption accelerates.
French Minister Urges Banks to Scale Euro Stablecoins and Tokenized Deposits
France is pushing European banks to expand euro-pegged stablecoins and tokenized deposits, aiming to strengthen regional digital finance and reduce dependence on dollar-based systems.
By Emily Carter | Edited by Julia Sakovich
Published:
France is pushing European banks to expand euro-pegged stablecoins and tokenized deposits. Photo: Pexels
Roland Lescure has called on European banks to accelerate the development of euro-pegged stablecoins and tokenized deposits, warning that the region risks falling behind in digital finance due to its reliance on US-dominated payment systems.
Speaking at a crypto conference in Paris, Lescure emphasized that the current scale of euro-denominated stablecoins remains far too small compared to their dollar-backed counterparts. He described the imbalance as “not satisfactory,” highlighting the urgent need for European financial institutions to strengthen their position in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.
Europe Seeks Greater Monetary Independence
The push reflects growing concern among European policymakers about the dominance of US dollar-linked stablecoins in global markets. Tokens such as Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) together account for the vast majority of stablecoin supply, which now exceeds $300 billion globally.
By contrast, euro-pegged alternatives remain relatively niche. Assets like EURC, EURS, and Société Générale’s EURCV collectively represent less than $1 billion in market capitalization, underscoring the gap between European and US digital currency adoption.
Lescure’s remarks signal a broader ambition to reinforce Europe’s financial sovereignty by fostering domestic digital payment rails. Expanding euro-based stablecoins could reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure while improving efficiency in cross-border transactions and digital commerce.
Bank-Led Initiatives Gain Momentum
The minister expressed strong support for a consortium formed by major European banks, including ING, UniCredit, and BNP Paribas, which is working to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin in the second half of 2026. He described the initiative as a step in the right direction and encouraged further collaboration across the banking sector.
In addition to stablecoins, Lescure urged banks to explore tokenized deposits. These instruments are seen as a way to combine the stability of regulated banking with the efficiency of distributed ledger technology.
Tokenized deposits could enable faster settlement, programmable payments, and improved liquidity management, making them attractive for both financial institutions and corporate users.
Demand Signals Mixed but Growing
While some research suggests limited current demand among European banks, other data points to increasing adoption of stablecoins globally. Surveys indicate that a growing share of individuals are holding or planning to acquire stablecoins, often using them for payments, savings, or as a bridge between traditional and digital assets.
At the same time, improvements in blockchain-based foreign exchange pricing are narrowing the gap with traditional banking systems. In several corridors, stablecoin-based transactions are approaching parity with interbank FX rates, suggesting that the technology is becoming increasingly competitive.
A Strategic Moment for Europe
Lescure’s call comes at a pivotal moment as regulatory clarity improves across the European Union and financial institutions explore new digital asset strategies. The development of euro-denominated stablecoins and tokenized deposits could play a key role in shaping the region’s financial future.
As competition intensifies globally, Europe’s ability to scale its own digital currency ecosystem may determine whether it remains a key player in the next generation of financial infrastructure.
Kraken Parent Payward to Acquire Bitnomial in $550M Deal to Expand US Derivatives Footprint
Payward, the parent of Kraken, is acquiring Bitnomial in a deal worth up to $550 million, securing key regulatory licenses to expand its crypto derivatives business in the US.
By Daniel Brooks | Edited by Julia Sakovich
Published:
Kraken’s parent company Payward plans to acquire Bitnomial for up to $550 million. Photo: Pexels
Payward, the parent firm of Kraken, has agreed to acquire Bitnomial in a deal valued at up to $550 million, marking a major step in its expansion into the regulated US derivatives market.
The transaction, which includes a mix of cash and stock, values Payward at approximately $20 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Once completed, the acquisition will provide Payward with a fully licensed infrastructure to operate crypto derivatives in the United States.
A Strategic Bet on Regulated Infrastructure
Bitnomial, based in Chicago, holds a rare combination of regulatory approvals that allow it to operate a complete derivatives stack. These include licenses as a designated contract market, a derivatives clearing organization, and a futures commission merchant. Securing these permissions independently can take years, making Bitnomial an attractive acquisition target.
Founder and CEO Luke Hoersten highlighted the firm’s history of innovation in the US crypto derivatives space. Bitnomial has been among the first to introduce regulated perpetual futures, enable crypto-native settlement, and list products such as XRP and Solana futures under regulatory oversight.
For Payward, acquiring this infrastructure accelerates its ability to offer compliant derivatives products in one of the world’s most tightly regulated markets. The move reflects a broader industry trend toward regulatory alignment as firms seek long-term growth and institutional participation.
Expanding Kraken’s Multi-Asset Strategy
The acquisition also strengthens Kraken’s push beyond traditional crypto trading into a broader multi-asset platform. According to co-CEO Arjun Sethi, the company plans to leverage Bitnomial’s licenses to roll out new US-based offerings, including spot margin trading, perpetual futures, and options under regulatory supervision.
Payward is also building out a business-to-business strategy through its services division, aiming to provide banks, brokerages, and fintech companies with access to crypto and derivatives markets through a single integration. This includes services such as tokenized equities, staking, and fiat on- and off-ramps.
The deal follows a series of recent acquisitions by Kraken as it diversifies its offerings. These include the purchase of a traditional finance derivatives platform, NinjaTrader, and investments in tokenization infrastructure, signaling a convergence between crypto-native and traditional financial systems.
Positioning for Global Growth
Payward already operates regulated derivatives businesses in Europe and the United Kingdom, and the Bitnomial acquisition adds a critical US component to its global footprint. The timing also aligns with growing institutional interest in digital asset derivatives, which are seen as key tools for hedging and price discovery.
The move comes shortly after Deutsche Börse disclosed a $200 million purchase of Payward shares, underscoring confidence from traditional financial players. Although the stake was acquired through a secondary transaction, it reflects increasing crossover between legacy finance and crypto markets.
As competition intensifies, securing regulatory approvals and infrastructure is becoming a defining factor for major players. With this acquisition, Payward positions itself to compete more directly in the evolving global derivatives landscape while laying the groundwork for a potential future public listing.
