Ethereum is positioning itself as a central platform for the next wave of AI applications. Market expert Garrett highlighted on January 28 that Ethereum is becoming a “scarce asset” in AI, especially with the upcoming ERC-8004 standard approaching mainnet.
This, according to Garrett, was an “iPhone moment” for Ethereum, an important milestone for Ethereum to become the primary means of settlement for AI apps. Unlike other software companies, which could be threatened by AI, the network benefits from the adoption of AI.
Its decentralized and immutable network allows AI apps to operate in a more trusted and transparent manner, creating an ecosystem that other tech companies cannot replicate.
ERC-8004 and the Agent Economy
The ERC-8004 standard, also called Trustless Agents, enables AI agents to interact, cooperate, and trade with each other even in the absence of trust. Proposed in August 2025, it is still in the draft stage but has already been implemented on several Layer 2 networks.
This standard is like a digital ID card for AI agents, integrating identity verification, reputation systems, and validation. Ether enables small payments, automatic task work, and coordination.
Garrett estimated that AI agents might account for 15-20% of DeFi trading by the end of 2025, and 30-40% gas growth in a quarter could be possible in 2026. These agents perform tasks independently, such as trading, risk management, and insurance.
This would increase the number of transactions and complexity on the network and could also enhance ETH economics with increased fees and some gas being burned.
Why Ethereum Leads the AI Integration
The structure of the network provides it with an advantage over other competitors. Solana is able to handle a large number of transactions in a short period of time and at a low cost.
But it lacks a common trust model, such as ERC-8004, and is not as decentralized and secure as Ethereum yet. Garrett explained that Ether is the “bank and SWIFT” for AI agents.
As AI agents begin to process actual economic value, the safe and neutral system of Ether will probably be the anchor of these significant interactions. The integration of AI also improves the real-world asset (RWA) functionality of Ether, as AI agents will automatically perform valuation, compliance, and risk monitoring.
This could make AI activity the second-largest source of on-chain fees, after stablecoins, solidifying Ethereum’s position as the number one blockchain for the agent economy.
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