Dubai, United Arab Emirates — April 15, 2026
At Paris Blockchain Week 2026, Bybit co‑founder and CEO Ben Zhou explored what it takes to build a financial system that billions can trust and barely notice. In a fireside conversation framed as Trust, Technology, and Transformation, Zhou laid out a vision of finance that becomes smarter, more accessible, and effectively invisible through the convergence of artificial intelligence, programmable assets, and clearer regulation.
From interfaces to intelligence
Zhou described a shift away from conventional user interfaces toward what he calls agentic finance, where users delegate tasks to AI agents rather than navigating platforms directly. He highlighted Bybit’s work on AI agent accounts that let clients create sub‑accounts for automated strategies, market interaction, and data access, and said agentic payments are an emerging theme. Today these AI tools support analytics and data discovery; tomorrow they could take on execution and decision making, operating continuously in the background and removing much of the visible interface.
Blockchain as quiet infrastructure
Zhou noted that many established institutions are quietly adopting blockchain as core infrastructure rather than a speculative novelty. Stablecoins are increasingly used as practical rails to accelerate payments, improve settlement, and unlock cross‑border liquidity. Many incumbents are building on crypto rails while avoiding the crypto label, signaling a transition from alternative system to integrated foundation.
Trust and regulation
For Zhou, trust is both the main constraint and the biggest opportunity, and regulation shapes that trust. He praised jurisdictions such as the UAE for creating clear, structured pathways that welcome innovation. As regulatory frameworks become clearer, institutional participation follows, turning regulatory clarity into a catalyst for system maturation.
A system that works without being seen
Zhou framed the ultimate industry objective as enhancement rather than replacement of existing finance. The aim is infrastructure that makes services more accessible, efficient, and intuitive, so users do not have to think about blockchains, wallets, or platforms. Instead, trust is built into the system and intelligent technology operates discreetly in the background, embedding financial services into everyday life.
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second‑largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit seeks to create a simpler, more open, and fairer ecosystem. Focused on Web3, Bybit partners with leading blockchain protocols to provide infrastructure and advance on‑chain innovation. Known for secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experiences, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit aims to bridge TradFi and DeFi and support builders, creators, and users exploring Web3. Learn more at https://www.bybit.com/en/press
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