Visa, Mastercard, and Ant International Unveil AI Shopping Agent Trust Framework
Three of the world’s largest payment networks — Visa, Mastercard, and Ant International — have collaborated to address a significant emerging challenge in commerce: the secure verification of AI agents that autonomously shop, pay, and transact on behalf of human users.
This initiative, announced on September 10, 2026, presents a shared Know-Your-Agent (KYA) interoperability framework. The framework is designed to enable card networks, digital wallets, agent platforms, and online marketplaces to recognize trusted AI agents across various payment ecosystems. This collaboration harmonizes three previously competing protocols: Visa’s Trusted Agent Protocol, Mastercard’s Verifiable Intent, and Ant International’s Agentic Mobile Protocol.
The framework is built on three fundamental pillars:
- Cross-network operator traceability, which links AI agents to a validated person or business
- Shared certification requirements
- Continuous transaction monitoring
Importantly, under this proposed system, an AI agent verified by one participating provider would not need to repeat the registration process with others. This approach significantly reduces friction and integration costs.
The potential impact of this initiative is immense. Company projections suggest that by 2030, AI agents could facilitate between $3 trillion and $5 trillion of global consumer commerce. The framework is being developed through Singapore’s BuildFin.ai industry platform, under the auspices of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Source: The Next Web – September 10, 2026