Smart Money Stage: Where Fintech, Payments, and AI Meet

The world of money is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is at the forefront of this progression. The brand-new Smart Money Stage is a dedicated platform for fintech, payments, and AI innovation, bringing together industry leaders to explore the future of money movement, trust, and security.

Stablecoins and Instant Payments: Reshaping the Money Movement

Stablecoins and instant payments are revolutionizing the way money moves around the world. This session will delve into the comparison of these new payment systems with traditional banking infrastructure, the role of FedNow and private networks, and how regulatory and market changes will shape the future of payments. Hear from experts like Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Circle, Rodney Robinson, Co-founder and CEO of TabaPay, Inc., and Lotti Siniscalco, General Partner at Emergence.

The Future of Financial Services: How Technology is Reshaping the Industry

Robinhood, with a market cap of over $90 billion, has evolved from a trading app into a comprehensive financial platform. Head of Product Abhishek Fatehpuria will share insights on how technology and changing consumer expectations are transforming financial services, and what it takes to build trusted products that can withstand massive growth.

AI and Financial Workflows: The Intersection of Trust, Oversight, and Security

As AI moves beyond content generation and begins taking action, financial companies are rethinking trust, oversight, and security. This panel will explore how AI agents are changing financial workflows, why transparency and human judgment still matter, and how companies are approaching privacy, fraud prevention, and identity verification in an AI-powered world. Panelists include 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 Regulated Financial Infrastructure for a Global Market

Traditional financial systems weren't designed for today's global businesses. Airwallex, valued at $11 billion by its investors, is building an AI-native financial operating system. Founder and CEO Jack Zhang will discuss how AI is reshaping payments and what it takes to build regulated financial infrastructure that powers millions of businesses.

Join the Smart Money Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Whether you're building the next payments rail, exploring the role of AI in fraud and identity, or just trying to understand the momentum in consumer finance, the Smart Money Stage is designed for founders and operators who need signal, not spin. Plus, attendees will gain access to all the networking, side events, and opportunities to learn from the extensive lineup of speakers at Disrupt 2026. Register today to be a part of this three-day sprint in the heart of the startup community!