TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Debuts New Smart Money Stage for Fintech, Payments, and AI
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, held October 13–15 in San Francisco, will feature a brand-new Smart Money Stage dedicated to fintech, payments, and artificial intelligence, with speakers from Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid, and Airwallex.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place from October 13 to 15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, is launching a fresh stage — the Smart Money Stage — entirely focused on the evolution of money beyond cash and bank accounts. This platform will dive into fintech, payments, and AI, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the forces reshaping financial systems.
Key Sessions
One session titled “The Future of Money Movement: Stablecoins, Instant Payments & What’s Next” will explore how stablecoins and instant payments are transforming global money transfers, comparing them to traditional banking infrastructure. Speakers include Circle’s Chief Product & Technology Officer Nikhil Chandhok, TabaPay co-founder and CEO Rodney Robinson, and Emergence General Partner Lotti Siniscalco.
In “Winning the Modern Financial Consumer,” Robinhood’s Head of Product Abhishek Fatehpuria will share insights on how technology and shifting consumer expectations are redefining financial services, from investing to banking and crypto.
AI Trust and Verification
A panel on “AI, Trust & Verification in Financial Services” will examine how AI agents are altering financial workflows and how companies address privacy, fraud prevention, and identity verification. 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 Global Infrastructure
Airwallex founder and CEO Jack Zhang will discuss building an AI-native financial operating system that helps businesses manage cross-border payments and embed financial products. Airwallex is currently valued at $11 billion.
The Smart Money Stage is designed for founders and operators seeking actionable signals rather than hype. In addition to this stage, Disrupt 2026 offers extensive networking, side events, and a full lineup of speakers. Registration is open, with current pricing ending soon.
