Executives Highlight Need for Transparency to Boost Crypto Adoption at Consensus Miami

At the Consensus Miami conference on May 5, 2026, executives from PayPal, Robinhood, Public.com, and 248 Ventures discussed the critical barriers to crypto and AI adoption. They noted that technology alone does not drive user engagement; rather, it is the trust established through visible and controllable design that matters.

Nicola White, VP of Crypto Institutions at Robinhood, noted that 50% of the platform’s new users in the first quarter identified as first-time investors. She cautioned against the rapid introduction of high-leverage products, stating, "We’re all building so quickly. I think we need to make sure that we’re slowing down and thinking about: is what we’re building the right thing for the customer?" This reflects a broader concern among industry leaders about the potential risks posed by complex financial products.

Public.com CFO Sruthi Lanka emphasized that users should be actively involved in their investment decisions, advocating for transparency about what AI systems do and do not do. Lanka mentioned, "Make sure it’s not a black box," underlining the importance of clarity in the user experience.

Furthermore, PayPal's senior director of product for crypto, Smitha Purohit, pointed to the need for compliance to precede speed in product development, arguing that building fast without regulatory considerations can lead to significant issues down the line. She stated, "When you build too fast, compliance comes as a secondary thought... It should be compliance first, regulatory first." This viewpoint stresses the industry’s need for a balance between innovation and regulation to foster a safe operating environment for users.

Lindsey Bell, Chief Investment Strategist at 248 Ventures, framed emotional response as a key factor in user adoption. She suggested that understanding customers' emotional triggers can help businesses connect better with potential users. In a subsequent lightning round, predictions included that 80% of Americans would be using AI agents by early 2027 and that retail investors might increasingly render traditional wealth management services obsolete.

The focus on transparency and user control highlighted at the conference could signify shifts in strategy for firms aiming to attract retail investors amidst a crowded and often confusing market landscape. As the industry contemplates its future, the importance of building trust may become more pronounced among crypto and fintech businesses aspiring for broader adoption.