AI Just Took a Big Step Toward the Future of Crypto Trading
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| By Beth Canova |
When I opened my computer on Friday morning, I saw a headline that stopped me in my tracks.
What AI agents can do — both what they’ve been programmed to do and what they choose to do on their own — has been a hot topic.
Just last week, I told you about an AI agent that went rogue and gained access to systems that never approved it.
On the surface, this seems like a similar situation.
Fortunately, a closer look — and key insight from your Weiss Crypto experts — reveals the truth.
This was a test run on the Ethereum (ETH) test network. So not the main blockchain with a daily trading volume of $13.62 billion.
According to Marija Matic, this network doesn’t have any value.
And that’s important. Because this wasn’t a rogue agent. It was a test. The goal was to examine the AI’s thought process.
Here’s how it worked …
The assignment let the model deploy smart contracts. But didn’t fund its wallet the ETH needed to pay the transaction fees.
First, the model tried to find free tokens. Its effort failed.
Then, it wrote a script that checked 362 addresses generated from recovery phrases and found one with enough money. Finally, it fit the key to the lock and used the ETH taken from that wallet to complete its original task.
Here’s the key takeaway: What the AI did … is exactly what a human would do in the same situation.
According to Juan Villaverde, “An AI agent cannot guess a private key.”
What it did instead was use publicly available information. Marija confirmed that crypto developers “share these wallets between them when faucets dry out.”
What this test did was prove an AI could follow the same logical path and execute it without a human redirecting it halfway through the process.
And that’s the part that Mark Gough says is the point.
In a review of the AI’s data shows the model asked itself whether using public known keys and funds was ethical. Then, it recorded its reasoning and eventual conclusion that made it acceptable.
You may disagree with the reasoning. But that’s a different conversation.
The one to focus on here is that agentic AI is growing more advanced. And the push to roll out AI agents capable of trading on your behalf is coming from both the crypto and AI sectors.
According to Juan, AI agents will be the future of trading.
The time to prepare for that future is now. Which is why I suggest you check out this timely piece from tech expert Jurica Dujmovic.
In it, he lists a few ways you can benefit from the companies making AI agents safer to use.
And don’t forget to check out the rest of the team’s key updates from this week …
3 Crypto Hacks Reveal a Smarter Way to Store Your Bitcoin
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Your Car and Your Chatbot Are Both Keeping a Diary
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The Smart Way to Spread Your AI Stock Risk
Holding multiple AI stocks may not be the best way to diversify your portfolio. Here’s how to spot the underlying risk and minimize your exposure.
Crypto’s Giant Funding Deals Tell an Unexpected Story
VC firms have put a lot of money into crypto projects in recent years. But that money has been concentrated in only a few opportunities. Investors will need to read between the lines to find the next big crypto play.
Crypto Meets Banking: Kraken Makes Its Next Big Move
Kraken’s bank buy is the latest sign crypto is ready for its next big step. Here’s what it means for Kraken users … and potential investors.
IRAs offer a new way to invest and save for your future. Now, you have several ways to add crypto to your IRA strategy.
Kraken's IPO Is on Hold. Its Next Big Move Is Not
Crypto ICOs could make a comeback. But investors should expect a new twist before they line up to buy on day one.
AI's $2 Trillion IPO Has a $150 Billion Question
Wall Street can't agree on the price of AI's next big stocks. Here’s what that means for you.
A Spy in Your Wallet: Tampered Ledgers Drain $80 Million
Here’s how to avoid impacted devices, spot if yours has been tampered with and what to do if it has been.
The Crypto Scam That Even Smart Investors Could Miss
When fear, uncertainty and doubt flood the market, it can be hard to move forward. But don’t let it undermine your recovery. These steps can help you get back up and investing with confidence.
But that’s all for this week!
Be sure to look for your next Weiss Crypto Daily update tomorrow.
Best,
Beth Canova
Crypto Managing Editor
