Ethereum Launches New Standard for Trustworthy AI Agents
By John Nada·Jan 28, 2026·2 min read
Ethereum is rolling out ERC-8004 to enhance AI agents' trustworthiness. Meanwhile, Solana focuses on financial infrastructure amid rising institutional interest.
Ethereum is set to roll out ERC-8004, a new standard aimed at enhancing the trustworthiness of AI agents. This initiative will allow software agents to identify themselves and establish credibility across various systems, a crucial step as companies increasingly deploy AI internally. The proposal introduces three registries on the Ethereum mainnet or layer-2 networks: an identity registry, a reputation registry, and a validation registry. Each plays a role in ensuring AI agents can operate autonomously and securely in a decentralized environment.
Solana is also shifting gears, focusing less on flashy projects and more on developing robust financial infrastructure, according to Backpack CEO Armani Ferrante. Despite a subdued crypto market, institutional interest in decentralized finance remains strong, marking a maturation of the ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Optimism community is voting on a proposal to link the OP token's value directly to the economic performance of the Superchain, which could create structural demand for the token.
The Ethereum Foundation is prioritizing post-quantum security, forming a new team to tackle potential risks associated with quantum computing. As concerns grow over quantum threats, the foundation's proactive stance signals an important shift in blockchain security strategies.
These developments highlight a broader trend in the crypto space: a movement towards creating reliable, secure infrastructures that support both AI and financial services. This evolution is essential for the industry's credibility and future growth.
