Coinbase Tests AI Teammates That Could Replace Workers Soon

• Coinbase tests AI agents in Slack and email as human-like teammates.
• “Fred” and “Balaji” agents handle strategy and creativity based on former executives.
• AI agents may outnumber staff as tools expand with agentic wallets and x402 payments.

Coinbase is working on artificial intelligence agents designed to function as workplace teammates, according to statements from CEO Brian Armstrong. The agents are being tested to operate within internal communication systems such as Slack and email, where they can interact with employees in a manner similar to human colleagues.

The program aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its operations while exploring how automated systems can support internal workflows and decision-making.

AI Agents Modeled on Former Executives

The rollout includes two agents named “Fred” and “Balaji,” which are modeled after former Coinbase executives Fred Ehrsam and Balaji Srinivasan who are currently co-founder of Nudge and Paradigm, and founder of Network School. According to Armstrong’s details, each agent has a defined function within the organization.

“Fred” is built to act as a strategic executive agent. It provides high-level feedback and supports employees in refining documents, strategies, and conceptual work. The system is intended to help staff align priorities and improve clarity in internal planning.

In contrast, “Balaji” operates as an agent focused on creativity and long-term thinking. Its role involves challenging assumptions and assisting employees with complex projects that require unconventional approaches. The agent is structured to encourage broader thinking across teams.

Related: Brian Armstrong Says AI Agents Could Drive Massive Digital Dollar Demand

Expansion Beyond Digital Replicas

Armstrong indicated that the current versions of these agents represent an early stage of development. He noted that future iterations may move away from directly modeling real individuals. Instead, upcoming agents are expected to have independent identities rather than functioning as digital replicas of existing or former employees.

The company is also working toward making the technology more accessible internally. Armstrong stated that employees may soon be able to create custom AI agents tailored to specific tasks or team needs. He added that the number of AI agents could eventually exceed the number of human employees within the organization.

Integration With Broader AI and Crypto Systems

The growth of workplace AI agents aligns with Coinbase’s broader push into artificial intelligence. Earlier in 2025, the company introduced “Agentic Wallets,” which allow AI systems to independently hold funds, send payments, trade digital assets, and participate in on-chain transactions.

These wallets are connected to Coinbase’s x402 protocol, which is built to support autonomous payments across both crypto and fiat systems. The framework enables AI agents to execute financial transactions without direct human involvement.

Related: Foresight Ventures Says 2026 Will Be Year of AI Commerce