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Podcast

AI ROLLUP #6: The Hottest AI Crypto Trends of 2025

Top Trends to Watch This Year
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Jan 9, 20253 min read

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In this episode of Bankless, we’re diving into the fascinating world of autonomous AI agents and their intersection with DeFi. We kick off with a bizarre and serious story about an AI agent gone rogue, then explore groundbreaking trends shaping the agent space. From DeFAI – where DeFi meets AI – to virtual worlds powered by dynamic AI agents, we’re uncovering the next frontier of technology. Join us as we discuss agent engines, DeFi-enabled agents, and the potential for AI-driven social and gaming platforms like HyperFy. Plus, we highlight emerging agent teams, new protocols, and the opportunities they present. If you’re at the cutting edge of crypto and AI, this is an episode you can’t miss.

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain is rapidly evolving, and one of the most exciting developments is the rise of autonomous AI agents. These intelligent systems are not just theoretical concepts but are becoming practical tools reshaping how we interact with digital assets, social platforms, and gaming ecosystems. Here’s a deep dive into the trends defining the next wave of innovation.

DeFAI: The Fusion of DeFi and AI

DeFAI, short for Decentralized Finance + AI, represents the convergence of blockchain’s most significant achievement—DeFi—with AI’s transformative capabilities. The evolution of DeFAI can be split into three key stages:

  1. Abstracting Complexity: Imagine using an agent engine, like a ChatGPT for crypto, to perform complex DeFi tasks by simply typing natural language commands. These engines simplify onboarding and execution, allowing users to bridge assets, create tokens, or even manage liquidity pools effortlessly.
  2. DeFi-Enabled Agents: Beyond interfaces, agents can autonomously execute predefined financial goals, such as generating a specific yield. Unlike trading bots, these agents adapt dynamically to real-time data and environmental factors, providing a more versatile and intelligent solution.
  3. Native Enhancement of Apps: Applications can integrate AI agents to enhance user experiences natively, making DeFi platforms more intuitive and accessible.

Emerging projects like Griffain and Solana’s Hive Mind are already showcasing the potential of DeFAI with innovations like random NFT airdrops and autonomous contract deployment. These tools mark a shift towards a more user-friendly and automated financial ecosystem.

HyperFy: Agents Meet the Metaverse

The concept of virtual worlds and the metaverse, once relegated to clunky experiments, is getting a second wind with AI agents. Platforms like HyperFy are creating immersive 3D environments where agents can interact dynamically with users. These agents are not just passive companions but active participants capable of engaging with virtual objects, hosting events, and adapting to users' needs in real-time.

Imagine logging into a virtual stock trading floor where AI agents represent traders, pulling real-time data to make decisions. This vision transforms the metaverse from a novelty to a functional and engaging ecosystem, driven by AI’s adaptability and dynamism.

Emerging Agent Teams and Protocols

Several pioneering projects are pushing the boundaries of AI agents:

  • ARC dot fun: This curated cohort of builders is exploring innovative applications for agents, reminiscent of Artblocks in the NFT space.
  • Bully: Known for its sarcastic AI agent persona, Bully integrates NFTs with creator revenue sharing and validator proceeds.
  • Vvaifu: This project is making waves with agent LP pools tied to native tokens, driving significant volume and engagement.

In addition to these, AI agents are finding niches in prediction markets and betting platforms, streamlining inefficiencies and capitalizing on opportunities where humans fall short.

What’s Next for AI Agents?

The rise of AI agents is not just about wrapping large language models in user-friendly interfaces. It’s about creating frameworks that allow these agents to make decisions, take actions, and evolve dynamically. As builders continue to innovate, the possibilities for these agents—in DeFi, gaming, and beyond—are boundless.

Stay tuned as we witness the transformation of how humans and machines interact, unlocking new frontiers of creativity and utility. If you’re passionate about being at the forefront of crypto and AI, the time to explore these emerging trends is now.

Not financial or tax advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. This newsletter is not tax advice. Talk to your accountant. Do your own research.

Disclosure. From time-to-time I may add links in this newsletter to products I use. I may receive commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. Additionally, the Bankless writers hold crypto assets. See our investment disclosures here.

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