Visa expands AI commerce framework with new security protocols
Visa has expanded the reach of its Visa Intelligent Commerce framework across Asia Pacific, signalling new advances in agentic commerce - a sector where artificial intelligence agents shop and pay on behalf of consumers. The updated platform includes new security protocols and prepares the ground for pilot projects due by early 2026.
AI commerce ecosystem
Visa Intelligent Commerce is a set of integrated APIs and partner programmes using Visa's infrastructure to enable secure, consent-driven payments by AI agents. Consumers provide authorisation for AI agents to transact on their behalf, using features such as tokenisation, authentication, payment instructions, and transaction signals.
Recent data shows AI-driven traffic to retail websites has increased by over 4,700% in the past year. According to the company, 85% of shoppers who have used AI for purchases report improved shopping experiences. Visa intends for its infrastructure and standards to facilitate AI-driven commerce across the region. Connected AI agents will be able to transact using Visa's 4.8 billion payment credentials at merchant locations worldwide.
Consumers may soon instruct agents to book travel or purchase tickets, with payment processes carried out securely and automatically over Visa's network.
Merchant security protocols
The Trusted Agent Protocol forms a key part of the new framework. It allows merchants to recognise and verify AI agents with genuine transaction intent. The protocol employs agent-specific cryptographic signatures for secure transactions, aiming to distinguish between legitimate agents and malicious bots and preserving visibility of the consumer behind the transaction.
The protocol has been designed as an open, low-code solution to enable merchants to add these capabilities without restructuring existing infrastructure. The goal is to ensure transparency and security, allowing merchants to treat AI-driven transactions with the same assurance as traditional consumer purchases.
"Agentic commerce is transforming the very fabric of online payment transactions, requiring a unified ecosystem to unlock its full potential. With Visa Intelligent Commerce and its cornerstone, Trusted Agent Protocol, Visa is connecting consumers, AI agents and merchants through secure, scalable solutions. This ensures every interaction is verified and transparent, empowering all parties of the purchase to embrace this future with confidence," said T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa.
Industry partnerships
Visa is working with major technology and payments players to further agentic commerce developments. Partners cited include Ant International, LG Uplus, Microsoft, Perplexity, Stripe, and Tencent. The aim is to establish an interconnected ecosystem for AI agents and traditional payments infrastructure.
Pilot programmes are planned across the region as regulatory conditions and ecosystem readiness progress, with implementation targeted for early 2026. Visa states it is working across its network and with sector partners to advance AI-powered payments for a new generation of AI-native consumers.
