Unveiling the Smart Money Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: A Deep Dive into Fintech, Payments, AI, and Beyond
The concept of money has expanded beyond mere cash and bank balances. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, we’re dedicating an entire stage to explore this evolution. The new Smart Money Stage will highlight the intersection of fintech, payments, and artificial intelligence.
From October 13 to 15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, industry leaders from firms like Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid, and Airwallex will discuss the transformative changes in the financial landscape. The discussions will cover how stablecoins and immediate payment systems are transforming transactions, the trust placed in AI for financial decisions, and the creation of a regulated financial framework designed for global use.
As we approach the conclusion of our current ticket pricing phase, now is the perfect time to secure the best options. If you require more persuasion, here’s a glimpse at what the Smart Money Stage has to offer:
The Future of Money Movement: Stablecoins, Instant Payments & What’s Next
The rise of stablecoins and instant payments is reshaping global monetary flow. This session will examine how these payment systems stack up against traditional banking infrastructure, where initiatives like FedNow and private networks fit in, and the impact of regulatory and market shifts on the future of transactions. Participants will learn about areas of rapid adoption and the hurdles that remain.
Featuring Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Circle; Rodney Robinson, Co-founder and CEO of TabaPay, Inc.; and Lotti Siniscalco, General Partner at Emergence.
Winning the Modern Financial Consumer
Consumer behaviors regarding payment, investment, and financial management are rapidly evolving. Robinhood, now with a market valuation surpassing $90 billion, has transformed from a trading application into a comprehensive financial platform that encompasses investing, banking, credit, cryptocurrency, and prediction markets. Abhishek Fatehpuria, the Head of Product, will discuss how emerging technology and evolving consumer expectations are driving these changes and what it takes to create reliable products that can sustain significant growth.
Featuring Abhishek Fatehpuria, Head of Product at Robinhood.
AI, Trust & Verification in Financial Services
With AI moving into more proactive roles, financial institutions are reevaluating concepts of trust, oversight, and security. Panelists will discuss the impact of AI agents on financial workflows, the importance of transparency and human judgment, and how businesses are approaching issues of privacy, fraud prevention, and identity verification in a world shaped by AI.
Featuring Hannah Bozian, VP of Agentic Partnerships & Strategy at American Express; Pedro Sanzovo, Head of Fraud and Identity at Plaid; and Victoria Zuo, Partner at QED Investors.
Building the Infrastructure for Global Commerce
Conventional financial systems are not tailored for today’s global enterprises. Airwallex, currently valued at $11 billion, is developing an AI-native financial operating system that aids companies in cross-border transactions, global finance management, and embedding financial products within their platforms. Founder and CEO Jack Zhang will provide insights on how AI is revolutionizing payments and the requirements for establishing compliant financial infrastructure that supports millions of businesses.
Featuring Jack Zhang, Founder & CEO of Airwallex.
Whether you are enhancing payment systems, discovering the role of AI in fraud detection, or seeking to understand shifts within consumer finance, the Smart Money Stage caters to founders and operators looking for clarity in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Additionally, attending Disrupt 2026 will grant you access to networking opportunities, side events, and a chance to learn from a diverse range of speakers. This three-day event in the heart of the startup ecosystem promises to gear you up for the year ahead in innovation, so be sure to register today!
