Electric Capital: AI Agent Crypto Wallets Are Opening New Legal Frontiers

Odaily News Electric Capital partner Avichal Garg pointed out that as the autonomy of AI agents continues to increase, developers are beginning to equip them with crypto wallets, enabling software to hold assets, pay for services, trade tokens, and even hire other AI agents. This trend is driving crypto technology into a new phase—building financial systems for "non-human entities," but the relevant legal frameworks remain significantly lagging. He believes that leveraging blockchain's programmable funds, instant settlement, and global accessibility, AI agents can not only make decisions but also independently execute transactions, thereby forming software entities capable of "thinking and performing financial activities."

Garg stated that this model is similar to the emergence of the limited liability company system in the 19th century, unleashing new thresholds of productivity for economic activities. As participation costs continue to decrease, more individuals and teams globally can create economic value with the help of AI agents.

However, the core issue remains the definition of legal liability. Since AI itself cannot be punished, if an AI agent with an independent wallet participates in transactions, lending, or commercial activities and causes losses, there is still no clear answer as to who bears responsibility. This issue may become a fundamental topic that future regulators must address.