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.

A New York lawmaker has introduced a proposal aimed at preparing Americans for the economic impact of artificial intelligence, including the possibility of widespread job displacement.

A New “AI Dividend” Concept

Alex Bores unveiled a plan to create an “AI Dividend,” a system that would provide direct payments to US citizens if automation significantly reduces employment.

The idea is simple in principle: if AI drives massive productivity gains and concentrates wealth, a portion of that value should be redistributed to the public.

How the Program Would Work

The proposed dividend would be funded through a mix of mechanisms, including:

• Taxes on AI usage
• Equity stakes in major AI companies
• Broader tax reforms targeting capital versus labor

Payments would only be triggered if AI begins to meaningfully displace workers, positioning the program as a safeguard rather than a permanent entitlement.

Beyond Direct Payments

The plan also includes funding for:

• Workforce retraining and education
• Transition support for displaced workers
• Oversight and safety infrastructure for AI systems

This broader approach aims to help workers adapt rather than rely solely on financial assistance.

Rising Concerns Over AI Job Losses

The proposal comes amid growing debate about AI’s impact on employment.

Some estimates suggest automation is already affecting the labor market, with thousands of jobs reportedly lost each month due to AI-driven efficiencies.

Major companies like Amazon, Meta, Intel, and Microsoft have all reduced workforces while increasing investment in AI.

Not Everyone Agrees on the Risk

Despite these concerns, some analysts argue the threat may be overstated.

Morgan Stanley recently noted that AI’s impact on jobs has been “modest so far,” pointing out that past technological shifts often created new roles even as they eliminated others.

However, there is still uncertainty about whether AI could break from historical patterns.

Political and Economic Implications

The AI Dividend is part of Bores’ campaign platform as he runs for Congress, meaning its future depends on both political support and broader legislative momentum.

If adopted, it could mark a major shift in how governments:

• Tax emerging technologies
• Distribute economic gains
• Address automation-driven inequality

A Safety Net for the AI Era

Bores framed the initiative not as a penalty on innovation, but as a form of economic insurance.

The proposal reflects a growing recognition that as AI reshapes industries, policymakers may need new tools to ensure the benefits are shared more broadly across society.

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.