Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you shouldn't expect protection if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more

Promo Kite New Asset Listing Blog Post Desktop.jpg
BackCrypto basics
What is Kite (KITE)?Kite describes itself as the trustless payments base layer for the agentic internet, aiming to make it simpler for AI agents to move value onchain and pay for services in real time.
2 min25 Feb 2026

What is Kite (KITE)?

Kite (KITE) is now available to trade on Uphold. Kite describes itself as the trustless payments base layer for the agentic internet, aiming to make it simpler for AI agents to move value onchain and pay for services in real time.

Protocol-Level Infrastructure for AI Agents

Kite AI is building an EVM-compatible, Proof-of-Stake Layer-1 blockchain designed for AI-native activity. Instead of focusing on consumer-facing applications first, the protocol is positioned as a coordination and settlement layer that can support many kinds of agent-driven use cases, from data and model marketplaces to automated service fulfillment. A core part of this approach is verifiable onchain identity: every agent, model, dataset, or service can be assigned a cryptographic identifier, sometimes referred to as an “Agent Passport,” so activity can be attributed and permissions can be delegated more safely.

Stablecoin Payment Rails and Real-Time Settlement

For machine-to-machine commerce, price stability and predictable settlement matter. Kite is optimized for stablecoin payments, aiming to keep transactions fast and low-cost so agents can pay for data, compute, or other resources as needed. The network also includes programmable policy controls, which can be used to define rules around what an agent is allowed to do and under what conditions it can spend funds.

The Role of KITE

KITE is designed to power Kite’s security and ecosystem. Key intended utilities include:

  • Network security (staking): Validators and delegators stake KITE to help secure the network.

  • Transaction fees: KITE underpins the fee mechanism and can be used to cover gas fees.

  • Ecosystem access and incentives: Participation across Kite’s modular “Modules” architecture is expected to involve KITE as the ecosystem grows.

  • Governance (future utility): Token holders are expected to gain governance rights over upgrades and parameters as governance is introduced.

Kite’s approach is built around a simple idea: if AI agents are going to transact autonomously, they need identity, policy, and payments that can operate natively onchain.

Trade KITE

Don’t invest in crypto unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more.

Suggested articles



Uphold Europe Limited, Reg No. 09281410, Registered Office: Eastcastle House, 27/28 Eastcastle Street, London, United Kingdom, W1W 8DH

Uphold (FRN: 938277) is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for AML purposes and complies with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer for Funds (Information on the Payer).

Uphold is also an EMD agent (FRN: 938277) of Optimus Cards UK Limited (FRN: 902034) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to issue e-money pursuant to the Electronic Money Regulations 2011.

Cryptoasset services offered by Uphold Europe Limited are unregulated and not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme as well as the FCA’s consumer protection regulations. Cryptoassets are very high risk and speculative. You should be aware and prepared to potentially lose some or all of your money. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding cryptoassets is suitable for you in light of your financial circumstances. Gains may be subject to Capital Gains Tax and there may be extra charges when paying via credit card from your provider. Geographic restrictions may apply.

Fiat money payments and balances (fiat is another name for traditional currencies, such as GBP, USD and EUR) constitute regulated e-money and payment services. In providing fiat balances, you are being issued with e-money by Optimus and Uphold is acting as its agent. See specific e-money terms. E-money is not a deposit or investment account which means that your e-money will not be protected by the FSCS. Your funds will be held in a designated safeguarding account with a regulated financial institution. E-money will not earn any interest.

Uphold is certified for SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS, ensuring rigorous control over our information security management systems, data handling, and payment processing practices. Furthermore, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the UK Data Protection Act, underscoring our dedication to protecting the personal data and privacy rights of our global customers.

© 2026 Uphold Europe Limited. All rights reserved.