TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s new Smart Money Stage explores fintech, payments, AI, and everything between

Money has evolved into far more than the cash in your wallet or your bank account. And at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, we’re devoting an entire stage to that progression. The brand-new Smart Money Stage will be where fintech, payments, and AI collide.

From October 13–15 in San Francisco’s Moscone Center, you can join leaders from Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid, Airwallex, and many more as they dig into the details of how money is changing. We’re talking about how stablecoins and instant payments are reshaping money movement, the ways in which AI agents are being entrusted (or not) with financial decisions, and what it takes to create regulated financial infrastructure built for a global market.

We’re closing in on the end of our current pricing window — your chance to save on the best Disrupt prices is ending soon — so check out our ticket options right here . And if you still need some convincing, let’s dive into the Smart Money Stage’s programming:

Stablecoins and instant payments are changing how money moves around the world. This session looks at how these new payment systems compare to traditional banking infrastructure, where FedNow and private networks fit in, and how regulatory and market changes could shape the future of payments. Hear where these new systems are gaining traction, and which challenges remain.

With Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Circle; Rodney Robinson, Co-founder and CEO, TabaPay, Inc.; and Lotti Siniscalco, General Partner, Emergence

The way people pay, invest, and manage money is changing fast. Robinhood, currently boasting a market cap of more than $90 billion, has evolved from a trading app into a financial platform spanning investing, banking, credit, crypto, and prediction markets. Head of Product Abhishek Fatehpuria will share how technology and changing consumer expectations are reshaping financial services, and what it takes to build trusted products that hold up under massive growth.

With Abhishek Fatehpuria, Head of Product, Robinhood

As AI moves beyond generating content and begins taking action, financial companies are rethinking trust, oversight, and security. Our panelists will explore how AI agents are changing financial workflows, why transparency and human judgment still matter, and how companies are right now approaching privacy, fraud prevention, and identity verification in an AI-powered world.

With Hannah Bozian, VP, Agentic Partnerships & Strategy, American Express; Pedro Sanzovo, Head of Fraud and Identity, Plaid; and Victoria Zuo, Partner, QED Investors