Key Takeaways

• Former Aave CPO and Base design lead Benji Taylor has joined X to spearhead the “X Money” interface.

• Elon Musk’s X Money is set for a massive public expansion next month, featuring peer-to-peer payments and wallet services.

• X Money aims to compete with traditional banks by offering a high 6% APY on cash balances.

Elon Musk’s ambition to transform X into an “everything app” just received a major injection of crypto-native talent. Benji Taylor, the former Chief Product Officer at Aave and a key designer for Coinbase’s Base network, has officially been named the new Head of Design at X.

This hire is a strategic masterstroke, as Taylor brings years of experience in making complex decentralized finance (DeFi) tools feel like polished, consumer-ready products. His arrival signals that X is no longer just a social network—it is preparing to become a primary financial hub for millions of users worldwide.

Elon Musk’s X Recruits Benji Taylor to Lead Financial Design

Taylor’s background is steeped in the “on-chain” world. He founded Los Feliz Engineering before it was acquired by Aave in 2023, where he oversaw product strategy for one of the largest lending protocols in existence. X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, has described Taylor as being on track to become “one of the best designers in the world.”

By bringing this level of expertise to X, Musk is ensuring that the upcoming payments layer, X Money, won’t just be functional—it will be a category-defining experience that bridges the gap between social media and modern finance.

The Road to the Everything App: X Money Rollout

The timing of Taylor’s appointment is no coincidence. Public access to X Money is scheduled to begin next month. Currently in a limited beta, the product offers features that are already making traditional banks sweat.

Users can expect a 6% annual percentage yield (APY) on their cash balances, a personalized metal Visa debit card featuring their X handle, and the ability to send money to other users as easily as sending a DM.

By integrating peer-to-peer payments directly into the social feed, X Money is attempting to recreate the “WeChat” model for the Western world, backed by a world-class design team.

Final Thoughts

With Benji Taylor at the design helm, X Money is poised to be more than just a Venmo clone. It’s a bold attempt to merge our social identities with our financial lives, wrapped in a 6% APY bow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benji Taylor’s background?
He was previously the Chief Product Officer at Aave and led design for Coinbase’s Base network.

What is the APY for X Money?
X Money is currently offering a 6% annual percentage yield on cash balances held in the app.

When can I use X Money?
Public access is scheduled to begin rolling out to users next month (April 2026).