AI's Impact on Blockchain Infrastructure Divides Crypto Executives

Crypto executives are divided on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on blockchain infrastructure. Some believe AI's rapid development will push blockchain technology into widespread use, while others are skeptical about its adoption.

At a recent panel discussion at NEARCON 2026, Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley described AI as an 'unstoppable freight train', citing the pace of its development as unprecedented in the crypto space. According to Horsley, projections based on previous data may already be outdated due to AI's rapid growth.

Horsley argued that public blockchains could benefit disproportionately from AI's rise, suggesting that crypto-native tools offer practical advantages for autonomous agents. He pointed out that stablecoins and on-chain infrastructure could provide guardrails for machine-driven activity, enabling secure and confidential transactions.