Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network Base has announced a 2026 roadmap centered on upgrading its systems to support an AI agent economy. The network stated that AI agents are discovering crypto markets as their native economy and its goal is to build foundational market infrastructure for them. This move aligns with similar initiatives from other major players like Ethereum, Tron, Visa, and Stripe.
Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network Base is upgrading key systems to prepare for an AI agent economy, according to its newly released 2026 roadmap. The network stated that AI agents are discovering crypto markets as their native economy, “building, owning, and trading alongside us.”
Its goal is to build a foundation for this economy by focusing on global markets, scaling payments, and attracting developers. Base highlighted real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, stablecoins, and prediction markets as key growth areas for 2026.
Base said it plans to upgrade to a purpose-built market infrastructure with new smart accounts, tokens, and scaling solutions. The network also aims to bring every major asset and market to the chain, including equities and commodities.
These upgrades will be specifically for AI agents, featuring agent-native smart accounts and payment protocols. It mentioned protocols like Coinbase’s x402 to “help agents do anything with money.”
The Ethereum Foundation launched a team in September to make the network a preferred layer for AI agents. Solana has previously claimed to be the top blockchain for agentic payment volume.
Coinbase is currently the top facilitator of x402 payments with over 15,000 transactions in 24 hours, according to x402scan. Earlier this month, Visa and Stripe-backed Tempo unveiled agentic AI tools for autonomous online payments.
Meanwhile, the Tron DAO recently scaled its AI fund to $1 billion. The fund targets investments in early-stage startups building core infrastructure for the agentic economy.
RWA onchain value has surged by 240% over the past 12 months. Stablecoin market capitalization is up 32%, according to RWA.xyz.
