AI models are starting to use live financial data, kicking off a race to become their main supplier. Crypto firms are already taking the early lead. ​Crypto.com’s new service sends its real-time market data straight into AI models like Claude and ChatGPT. This is the latest step in a high-stakes race to become a key data provider for the AI ecosystem. This move also shows a growing gap between the fast adoption in the crypto world and the more careful approach of traditional brokerages. “The integration of AI and crypto is just beginning and will truly reshape how we invest and engage in commerce,” said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com. “We are excited to take this latest significant step in developing AI-powered cryptocurrency tools that are establishing the bridge to the new era of financial technology and empowerment. Crypto Market Data by Crypto.com is designed for the trader of today and tomorrow.” MCP Becomes the Emerging Data Layer for AI The new ecosystem uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that enables AI models to connect directly to external data sources. Crypto-focused companies and major data providers have quickly adopted it. Anthropic, which created Claude, has already teamed up with data giants like S&P Global and FactSet. In crypto, data aggregators like CoinGecko and now Crypto.com have launched official MCP servers, making themselves easy data sources for compatible AIs. According to public MCP directories, there are already dozens of MCP servers focused on finance and investing — covering stocks, ETFs, crypto, broker connectivity, and XBRL data — and the segment is expanding quickly. Traditional Brokers Take a Cautious Approach This forward-looking strategy is very different from what traditional Forex and CFD brokers are doing. Most brokers are working on using AI inside their own platforms, building private chatbots and signal generators, instead of opening their main data feeds to the global AI ecosystem. But the market isn’t waiting for them. ​The clear demand for this functionality is being demonstrated by a grassroots effort from the development community. For platforms like Interactive Brokers and MetaTrader, independent developers are already building their own unofficial MCP servers. These community projects act as a “middle layer,” pulling data from the brokers’ standard APIs and feeding it to AI agents. So, while brokers are not officially part of this trend yet, their users and the developer community are already creating connections. From AI Users to AI Infrastructure Providers Crypto.com’s move puts it at the front of a major shift: going from just using AI to becoming a key provider of the data that powers AI. For traditional brokerages, the question is no longer if they will join this race, but when. Will they lead, or will they have to follow the path their own communities are already creating? ​ This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com. AI models are starting to use live financial data, kicking off a race to become their main supplier. Crypto firms are already taking the early lead. ​Crypto.com’s new service sends its real-time market data straight into AI models like Claude and ChatGPT. This is the latest step in a high-stakes race to become a key data provider for the AI ecosystem. This move also shows a growing gap between the fast adoption in the crypto world and the more careful approach of traditional brokerages. “The integration of AI and crypto is just beginning and will truly reshape how we invest and engage in commerce,” said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com. “We are excited to take this latest significant step in developing AI-powered cryptocurrency tools that are establishing the bridge to the new era of financial technology and empowerment. Crypto Market Data by Crypto.com is designed for the trader of today and tomorrow.” MCP Becomes the Emerging Data Layer for AI The new ecosystem uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source standard that enables AI models to connect directly to external data sources. Crypto-focused companies and major data providers have quickly adopted it. Anthropic, which created Claude, has already teamed up with data giants like S&P Global and FactSet. In crypto, data aggregators like CoinGecko and now Crypto.com have launched official MCP servers, making themselves easy data sources for compatible AIs. According to public MCP directories, there are already dozens of MCP servers focused on finance and investing — covering stocks, ETFs, crypto, broker connectivity, and XBRL data — and the segment is expanding quickly. Traditional Brokers Take a Cautious Approach This forward-looking strategy is very different from what traditional Forex and CFD brokers are doing. Most brokers are working on using AI inside their own platforms, building private chatbots and signal generators, instead of opening their main data feeds to the global AI ecosystem. But the market isn’t waiting for them. ​The clear demand for this functionality is being demonstrated by a grassroots effort from the development community. For platforms like Interactive Brokers and MetaTrader, independent developers are already building their own unofficial MCP servers. These community projects act as a “middle layer,” pulling data from the brokers’ standard APIs and feeding it to AI agents. So, while brokers are not officially part of this trend yet, their users and the developer community are already creating connections. From AI Users to AI Infrastructure Providers Crypto.com’s move puts it at the front of a major shift: going from just using AI to becoming a key provider of the data that powers AI. For traditional brokerages, the question is no longer if they will join this race, but when. Will they lead, or will they have to follow the path their own communities are already creating? ​ This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.