TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Launches 'Smart Money' Stage to Dive Deep into Fintech, AI, and Modern Finance
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is introducing the new Smart Money Stage at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from October 13-15, focusing on financial technology, crypto, and AI.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 adds a new Smart Money Stage focusing on fintech and finance
- The event takes place from October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco
- Featuring leaders from Robinhood, Airwallex, Circle, American Express, and Plaid
- Debating hot topics on stablecoins, instant payments, and the role of AI in financial decision-making
The global technology conference TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 has announced the launch of a new stage called the Smart Money Stage, designed to explore major transformations in the financial world as the intersection of financial technology, payment systems, and artificial intelligence. The event is scheduled to take place from October 13 to 15, 2026, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
On this stage, attendees will hear from industry leaders and top executives from leading companies such as Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid, and Airwallex, who will discuss the direction and details of modern capital movement. Key discussions will focus on the adoption of stablecoins, instant payment systems, and empowering AI agents to participate in financial decision-making.
The addition of the Smart Money Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt reflects how financial technology and artificial intelligence have seamlessly and inextricably merged. As tech and fintech companies increasingly utilize AI agents in business processes, issues of transparency, security, and regulatory compliance have become core challenges facing entrepreneurs worldwide.
The panel schedule for this stage is compelling and covers several key topics, including:
- Stablecoins and Instant Payments: Discussing how these new payment systems compare to traditional banking infrastructure, alongside the arrival of FedNow and private networks.
- The Evolution of Financial Platforms: Insights from Abhishek Fatehpuria, Head of Product at Robinhood, which currently boasts a market capitalization of over $90 billion.
- Global Financial Infrastructure: Detailing the creation of an AI-driven financial operating system from Jack Zhang, Founder and CEO of Airwallex, which is valued at $11 billion.

Stock photo illustration, not an actual event photo
Regarding the panel on AI agents, speakers will dive deep into how financial firms must rethink trust, auditing, and security as AI moves beyond content generation into taking practical action in financial transactions, alongside approaches to handling privacy and fraud prevention.
"As AI moves beyond generating content and begins taking action, financial companies are rethinking trust, oversight, and security."
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TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will not only serve as a space for investment discussions, but also as a crucial rendezvous for founders and practitioners seeking actionable insights amid global fintech shifts.
Source: TechCrunch
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