Franklin Templeton Sees AI Agents Driving Blockchain Demand
Vexoda Newsroom
Investment giant Franklin Templeton believes that autonomous AI agents will significantly increase the demand for blockchain protocols. This shift could impact various cryptocurrencies and their adopt
In a recent blog post, Sandy Kaul from Franklin Templeton's digital assets team highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) agents as the next 'killer' use case for blockchain technology. According to Kaul, these AI-driven systems will drive up demand for blockchain networks capable of handling machine-to-machine micropayments efficiently.
Kaul emphasized that traditional card networks like Visa are unsuitable for this application due to their high fees and long settlement times—typically ranging from one to three business days. In contrast, blockchain platforms such as Aptos, Solana, and BNB Chain can settle transactions almost instantaneously, making them more suitable for the agentic economy.
The argument is supported by a joint report published last week by Visa and investment thesis platform Artemis. They noted that traditional payment infrastructure was not designed to support AI agents' needs for near-zero fees and faster settlement times. This gap highlights the potential of blockchain technology in facilitating micropayments between autonomous systems without significant delays.
Visa's crypto division has already taken steps towards integrating AI into its operations, launching an AI tool that allows same-day payments from AI agents. Additionally, machine payment protocols like x402 developed by Coinbase have shown early signs of adoption, with over $15 million in adjusted volume across millions of transactions since May 2025.
The broader implications of this trend are significant for the cryptocurrency market and traders. As more applications emerge that rely on AI agents, there will likely be increased demand for blockchain solutions capable of handling these micropayments efficiently. This could lead to a revaluation of certain cryptocurrencies known for their fast transaction speeds and low fees.
Traders should keep an eye on developments in the AI agent space, particularly those involving blockchain protocols that can support high-frequency transactions with minimal costs. The integration of AI into financial systems could also drive innovation across various sectors, potentially opening new opportunities for investors.
Source: Cointelegraph. Summarized and rewritten by the Vexoda Newsroom. This is market news, not financial advice.