Smart Money Stage to dissect fintech, payments and AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
The Smart Money Stage, launching at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from October 13–15, will focus on stablecoins, instant payments and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial decision-making.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is introducing a dedicated Smart Money Stage at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, scheduled for October 13–15. The new track is designed to examine the convergence of fintech, payments and artificial intelligence, reflecting a shift in how money is perceived beyond traditional cash and bank accounts.
The programme features speakers from major financial and technology firms, including Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid and Airwallex. Sessions will cover stablecoins, instant payments, AI agents in financial decision-making and the development of regulated global financial infrastructure. TechCrunch is currently closing its pricing window for event tickets.
A session on stablecoins and instant payments will compare these new systems to traditional banking infrastructure, including FedNow and private networks. Nikhil Chandhok, chief product and technology officer at Circle, will join Rodney Robinson, co-founder and CEO of TabaPay Inc., and Lotti Siniscalco, general partner at Emergence, to discuss where these systems are gaining traction and the regulatory challenges that remain.
Abhishek Fatehpuria, head of product at Robinhood, will address the platform’s evolution from a trading app into a broader financial services provider. The company, which currently has a market capitalisation of more than $90 billion, spans investing, banking, credit, crypto and prediction markets. Fatehpuria will discuss how technology and changing consumer expectations are reshaping financial services.
A panel featuring Hannah Bozian, vice president of agentic partnerships and strategy at American Express, Pedro Sanzovo, head of fraud and identity at Plaid, and Victoria Zuo, partner at QED Investors, will explore the role of AI agents in finance. The discussion will focus on trust, oversight, privacy, fraud prevention and identity verification as AI moves from content generation to taking action.
Jack Zhang, founder and CEO of Airwallex, will present on the company’s AI-native financial operating system. Valued at $11 billion by its investors, Airwallex helps businesses move money across borders and embed financial products into their platforms. Zhang will discuss how AI is reshaping payments and the requirements for building regulated infrastructure that supports global commerce.
The Smart Money Stage is positioned for founders and operators seeking practical insights into the shifting momentum of consumer finance and payments rails. Attendees at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will also have access to the conference’s broader lineup of speakers and networking opportunities across the three-day event.
