Money has evolved into much more than just the cash in your wallet or bank account. And at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, we’re dedicating an entire stage to this progress. Fintech, payments and AI come together on the brand new Smart Money Stage.
From October 13th to 15th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, watch executives from Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid, Airwallex and many more get into the details of changing money. We talk about how stablecoins and instant payments are changing the way money flows, how AI agents will be entrusted with financial decisions (or not), and what it will take to create a regulated financial infrastructure for a global market.
We’re nearing the end of our current pricing window – your chance to save on the best Disrupt prices is ending soon – so check out our ticket options right here. And if you still need some convincing, let’s dive into programming the Smart Money Stage:
Table of Contents
The future of money movement: stablecoins, instant payments and what comes next
Stablecoins and instant payments are changing the way money moves around the world. This session will examine how these new payment systems compare to traditional banking infrastructure, where FedNow and private networks fit, and how regulatory and market changes could shape the future of payments. Find out where these new systems are gaining importance and what challenges still exist.
With Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Circle; Rodney Robinson, co-founder and CEO, TabaPay, Inc.; and Lotti Siniscalco, General Partner, Emergence
Winning the modern financial consumer
The way people pay, invest and manage money is changing rapidly. Robinhood, which currently boasts a market capitalization of more than $90 billion, has evolved from a trading app to a financial platform spanning investment, banking, lending, crypto and prediction markets. Head of Product Abhishek Fatehpuria will discuss how technology and changing consumer expectations are transforming financial services and what it takes to create trusted products that can withstand massive growth.
With Abhishek Fatehpuria, Head of Product, Robinhood
AI, trust and verification in financial services
As AI moves beyond content generation and begins to take action, financial firms are rethinking trust, oversight and security. Our panelists will explore how AI agents are transforming financial operations, why transparency and human judgment still matter, and how companies are currently managing data protection, fraud prevention, and identity verification in an AI-powered world.
With Hannah Bozian, VP, Agentic Partnerships & Strategy, American Express; Pedro Sanzovo, Head of Fraud and Identity, Plaid; and Victoria Zuo, Partner, QED Investors
Building the infrastructure for global trade
Traditional financial systems were not designed for today’s global businesses. Airwallex, now valued at $11 billion by its investors, is building a native AI financial operating system that helps companies move money across borders, manage global finances and embed financial products into their own platforms. Founder and CEO Jack Zhang will give you insight into how AI is transforming payments and what it will take to build a regulated financial infrastructure that powers millions of businesses.
With Jack Zhang, Founder and CEO, Airwallex
Whether you’re looking to build the next payments pipeline, figure out where AI fits into fraud and identity, or simply try to understand where consumer finance is headed, the Smart Money Stage is for founders and operators who need a signal, not a spin.
Joining Disrupt 2026 will also give you access to all networking activities, side events and opportunities to learn from the rest of our extensive lineup of speakers. It’s a three-day sprint at the heart of the startup community that will get you ready for the next year of innovation. So sign up today!
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https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/24/techcrunch-disrupt-2026s-new-smart-money-stage-explores-fintech-payments-ai-and-everything-between/
