Venture capital firm a16z has outlined its predictions for AI advancements by 2026, highlighting significant roles in financial activities and research. AI is expected to transition from simple query responses to conducting high-level research, akin to a doctoral advisor, and solving complex mathematical problems. This evolution will foster a "polymath" research model, utilizing AI's creative "hallucinations" to enhance output through layered workflows. The report emphasizes the shift from "Know Your Customer" (KYC) to "Know Your Agent" (KYA) as AI agents become integral to the economy. Establishing KYA infrastructure is crucial for binding agents to their principals and enabling secure financial transactions. Additionally, a16z addresses the "hidden tax" AI imposes on the open web by extracting information without compensating content creators. The firm advocates for blockchain-based models to facilitate real-time, usage-based payments, ensuring fair value distribution to contributors.