Alpaca Reports Sharp Growth in API Trading as AI Reshapes Market Access

Alpaca, a US-based broker-dealer and leader in brokerage infrastructure APIs, is experiencing significant growth in API usage, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence into financial market participation. In Q1 2026, API usage grew nearly fourfold compared to the previous quarter, as AI and agent-driven tools simplified market access, allowing a broader range of users to engage without the need for complex coding. This evolution sees AI serving as a new interface layer, enhancing the importance of APIs as foundational infrastructure. Alpaca is adapting to this shift by introducing new tools like a command-line interface and an enhanced MCP Server, which streamline the connection of AI systems to their trading infrastructure. While AI broadens access to financial markets, Alpaca emphasizes the importance of conducting due diligence due to the risks associated with trading, including options and cryptocurrencies, which are not protected by traditional securities insurance.