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## The Intersection of AI and Crypto: A Conversation with Lincoln Mure from Coinbase

In a recent episode of the More Coin Bureau podcast, host Guy Turner sat down with Lincoln Mure, a product manager at Coinbase. The conversation focused on the intriguing overlap between artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency, particularly in the context of AI agents—intelligent programs designed to perform tasks autonomously on behalf of users.

### Lincoln Mure's Background

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Lincoln shared his impressive journey into the crypto space: though he graduated just six months ago, he has accumulated nearly eight years of experience. His contributions range from founding a blockchain club at university to conducting research with the Ethereum Foundation. Additionally, he runs a newsletter called TL;DR that has gained traction among crypto enthusiasts.

### Coinbase's Vision for AI Agents

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At Coinbase, Lincoln is currently involved with "Agent Kit," a framework designed for building AI agents that can perform various on-chain activities like managing swaps and transfers. The primary aim is to simplify the development process for both seasoned web3 developers and newcomers from the web2 space who may be hesitant to dive into cryptocurrencies. According to Lincoln, integrating AI into the crypto ecosystem could serve as a powerful onboarding tool for web2 developers, showcasing the advantages of blockchain technology.

### Understanding AI Agents

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Lincoln explained that traditional interactions with AI, like those oft-seen in chatbot platforms, primarily offer limited responses within a closed environment. In contrast, AI agents extend this functionality by accessing not just AI models, but also real-world interactions. For instance, an AI agent could make dinner reservations, book flights, or even manage financial transactions using blockchain technology.

More specifically, when it comes to crypto, these agents could operate autonomously with their own wallets, making financial decisions without human intervention. Lincoln indicated this capability may pave the way for agents acting as economic entities, fundamentally shifting how financial activities are conducted online.

### The Role of AI in Financial Transactions

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The notion of AI agents as virtual personal assistants captivated the discussion. Lincoln emphasized the potential for an AI to serve as an investment advisor, managing a user's portfolio according to their risk preferences. Imagine communicating with your personal AI agent, stating your financial goals, and allowing it to execute trades or adjust investments based on market conditions—even across various DeFi platforms—without needing to directly manage any of the underlying complexities.

### The Future of AI in Crypto

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As the conversation progressed, Lincoln shared insights about the speculative nature of the current crypto and AI market. While there are certainly projects that resonate with genuine innovation, others appear to be cashing in on the hype surrounding AI in crypto. He expressed a strong desire to see legitimate applications developed that truly offer value to users, rather than simply leveraging the current trend.

### Challenges of Regulation and Security

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However, the emergence of AI agents in the crypto space brings forth pressing questions about regulation, security, and ethical considerations. Lincoln acknowledged that safeguards must be established to prevent misuse of these agents. Regulatory clarity is essential not just for consumer protection, but also to encourage responsible development within the crypto ecosystem.

### Building for Mass Adoption

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Lincoln was clear that the goal is to make interactions with cryptocurrency as seamless and approachable as possible. Coinbase aims to enable anyone—from seasoned developers to everyday users—to engage with crypto and AI agents without requiring deep technical knowledge. This means developing user-friendly interfaces while addressing the complexities of blockchain transactions and their inherent risks.

### Personalization and User Preferences

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One particularly exciting aspect of Lincoln's discussion revolved around how an AI agent could be personalized. Over time, an agent may learn a user’s preferences, investing behavior, and even everyday decisions—like booking meals or attending events. As these agents evolve, they could become indispensable companions in everyday life, capable of managing both financial and non-financial tasks on behalf of the user.

### The Road Ahead

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When asked about the timeline for widespread rollout of these AI agents, Lincoln was cautious. He emphasized the importance of building these tools in collaboration with the developer community, focusing on their needs and input. As Coinbase moves forward, they are prioritizing functionality and ensuring that AI agents operate effectively across various blockchain networks.

### Conclusion: The Exciting Future of AI and Crypto

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Lincoln’s insights point to a future where AI agents could revolutionize our interactions with both the internet and financial systems, making crypto accessible to a whole new cohort of users. The convergence of AI and cryptocurrency is still in its infancy, marked with both promise and challenges. As developers embrace this duality, the landscape is poised for innovations that could redefine how economic and personal tasks are fulfilled in our digital lives.

In the rapidly changing world of tech and finance, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the journey has only just begun.