AI Agents Will Run on Crypto | Ram Kumar

Ram Kumar of OpenLedger argues AI and crypto should be treated as one industry, with blockchain solving centralization and privacy issues in AI. He says open-source models will drive innovation and OpenLedger is moving from enterprise clients like PwC and Siemens to a no-code consumer product. On killer apps, he expects AI agent payments to use crypto first because agents cannot clear KYC or open bank accounts, followed by agentic trading enabled by exchanges. The conversation frames AI-crypto convergence as a long-term adoption tailwind. - Ram Kumar discusses AI and crypto convergence at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium 2026. - He argues crypto and blockchain can solve AI centralization and privacy issues. - Open-source models are viewed as important for innovation, while OpenLedger plans a no-code B2C product. - OpenLedger's enterprise clients include PwC and Siemens. - Agentic payments are expected to be the first killer app because AI agents cannot open bank accounts or pass KYC. - Agentic trading is seen as the next major area, with exchanges enabling AI-assisted trading. - Existing crypto technology companies may benefit from AI integration as part of technology evolution.