The trio launched a framework to identify and verify AI agents that can make purchases on behalf of users.

Visa, Mastercard and Ant International have unveiled a joint framework designed to certify artificial‑intelligence agents that can conduct purchases on behalf of consumers.

Why a Trust Framework Is Needed

The rapid rise of AI‑driven shopping assistants has raised concerns about fraud, unauthorized transactions and compliance with existing payment regulations. A standardized trust framework aims to address these risks by setting clear criteria for identity verification, transaction monitoring and data security.

Key Components of the Framework

  • Identity verification of the AI agent and its operator
  • Real‑time monitoring of transaction patterns for anomalies
  • Encryption standards for data exchanged during purchases
  • Compliance checks with anti‑money‑laundering (AML) and know‑your‑customer (KYC) rules

Each participating firm will integrate the framework into its developer portals, allowing third‑party AI providers to obtain certification before accessing payment APIs.

Impact on Consumers and Merchants

For shoppers, the framework promises greater confidence that an AI assistant acting on their behalf is vetted and trustworthy. Merchants, meanwhile, gain an additional layer of protection against fraudulent orders generated by unverified bots.

We see this as a critical step toward safe, seamless AI‑enabled commerce, benefiting both users and the broader payments ecosystem, a spokesperson for Visa said.

The initiative also includes a shared reporting mechanism, enabling the three firms to flag suspicious AI activity across their networks and coordinate responses swiftly.

Reuters coverage of Visa, Mastercard and Ant International AI agent trust framework