Coinbase is pushing deeper into the intersection of AI and crypto with the launch of a new marketplace designed specifically for autonomous agents.

Introducing Agentic.market

The new platform, called Agentic.market, acts like an app store for AI agents, allowing them to discover, evaluate, and use services without needing traditional API integrations.

Built on Coinbase’s x402 payments protocol, the marketplace aims to simplify how AI agents interact with online services and make payments.

What the x402 Protocol Does

The x402 protocol enables AI agents to:

• Make payments using stablecoins
• Access services programmatically
• Operate independently without human intervention

It is named after the HTTP “402 Payment Required” status code, reflecting its focus on enabling native internet payments.

A Marketplace for Autonomous Agents

Agentic.market provides two key layers:

• A web interface for humans to browse services
• A programmable layer for AI agents to integrate tools automatically

AI agents can:

• Search and compare services
• Access “skills” (predefined instructions for using tools)
• Execute transactions using built-in wallets

This allows agents to not only consume services, but also potentially offer services themselves.

Solving a Fragmentation Problem

According to Coinbase, one of the biggest challenges in the AI agent ecosystem has been fragmentation.

Until now, developers relied on:

• Word-of-mouth
• Disconnected platforms
• Manual integrations

Agentic.market aims to centralize this ecosystem, making it easier for agents to operate efficiently.

Growing Adoption of AI Payments

The x402 ecosystem is already seeing traction:

• Hundreds of thousands of AI agents active
• Hundreds of millions in transaction volume

This signals growing demand for machine-to-machine commerce powered by crypto.

Backed by Major Tech and Finance Players

The protocol has attracted support from major companies, including:

• Google
• Microsoft
• Amazon Web Services
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Stripe
• Circle

These companies are backing the development of the x402 Foundation, which will help govern the protocol.

The Bigger Vision: AI-Native Commerce

Industry leaders believe AI agents could soon dominate online transactions.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has predicted that AI agents may soon outnumber humans in online commerce, while Circle’s leadership expects billions of agents to transact onchain within a few years.

A Glimpse Into the Future

The launch of Agentic.market highlights a major shift:

• From human-driven apps → to agent-driven ecosystems
• From manual payments → to autonomous transactions

If adoption continues, platforms like this could become foundational infrastructure for the next phase of the internet.

Bybit is doubling down on Southeast Asia, leading an $8 million Series A funding round for Hata, a fast-growing digital asset platform operating under a dual licensing structure in Malaysia.

Backing a Fully Licensed Crypto Platform

Hata stands out as a dual-licensed exchange, operating under approvals from:

• Securities Commission Malaysia
• Labuan Financial Services Authority

This regulatory positioning allows Hata to offer both trading and custody services, giving it a strong compliance edge in a region where regulation is rapidly evolving.

Funding to Fuel Growth

The new capital will be used to:

• Improve platform liquidity
• Expand its user base
• Develop new digital asset products

Bybit also participated in Hata’s earlier $4.2 million seed round, signaling continued confidence in the platform’s growth trajectory.

Strong Early Traction

Since launching in 2023, Hata has already shown solid momentum:

• 209,000+ registered users
• حوالي $225 million in transaction volume in 2025

This growth highlights rising crypto adoption in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian market.

Malaysia Emerging as a Crypto Hub

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou described Malaysia as a strategically important market, citing:

• High digital engagement
• Growing interest in crypto assets
• Long-term adoption potential

Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional leader in regulated digital asset innovation.

Regulatory Momentum Builds

The investment comes as Malaysia accelerates its crypto and fintech framework.

Key initiatives include:

• A Digital Asset Innovation Hub sandbox
• Experiments with ringgit-backed stablecoins
• Pilot programs for tokenized deposits and cross-border payments

The central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, is actively working with industry players to shape the future of digital finance.

Bybit Expands Global Footprint

Beyond Southeast Asia, Bybit is also growing its presence in other regions, including the Middle East, where it is building partnerships with banks and payment providers.

This latest investment reflects Bybit’s strategy of supporting regulated platforms in high-growth markets.

A Step Toward Mainstream Adoption

By backing Hata, Bybit is helping strengthen compliant crypto infrastructure in Malaysia.

As regulatory clarity improves and adoption rises, platforms like Hata could play a key role in bridging traditional finance with digital assets in the region.

Tether is continuing its aggressive expansion across crypto infrastructure, taking a significant ownership position in a key player supporting Bitcoin mining operations.

Strategic Stake in Antalpha

Tether has acquired an 8.2% stake in Antalpha, making it one of the company’s largest shareholders following its 2025 IPO.

The investment gives Tether control over approximately 1.95 million shares, with chairman Giancarlo Devasini holding voting power tied to the position.

Tether also indicated it may increase or reduce its stake depending on market conditions.

Antalpha’s Role in Bitcoin Mining

Antalpha specializes in Bitcoin-backed lending and equipment financing for mining companies.

Key highlights:

• Loan portfolio of about $1.6 billion
• Strong ties to Bitmain
• Rapid financial growth, with 2025 revenue up 68% year over year

The company plays a critical role in helping miners access capital and scale operations.

Market Reaction and Growth

Following the news, Antalpha’s stock rose about 7.2% in early trading.

The company had previously raised around $49.3 million in its IPO and continues to show strong earnings growth, with net income more than tripling year over year.

Tether’s Expanding Investment Strategy

The move reflects Tether’s broader strategy of reinvesting profits into crypto and adjacent sectors.

Beyond stablecoins, Tether is actively investing in:

• Mining infrastructure
• Artificial intelligence
• Financial services
• Tokenized assets

It has now backed over 120 companies through its venture arm.

Stablecoin Dominance Powers Expansion

Tether is the issuer of Tether (USDT), the world’s largest stablecoin, with a market share of more than 58%.

This dominance provides the company with significant capital to deploy into strategic investments like Antalpha.

Broader Investment Push

Alongside the Antalpha stake, Tether continues to expand into new areas:

• Participated in funding rounds for tokenization platforms
• Invested in digital asset banks and infrastructure providers
• Explored opportunities in real-world assets like gold

The company is also reportedly considering raising capital at a valuation of up to $500 billion, underscoring its rapid growth.

Strengthening Crypto Infrastructure

By investing in Antalpha, Tether is deepening its exposure to the Bitcoin mining ecosystem, a critical layer of the crypto industry.

The move signals a long-term strategy focused not just on issuing stablecoins, but on shaping the broader financial infrastructure that supports digital assets.