Ant International, Mastercard and Visa build a shared identity layer for shopping agents
Ant International, Mastercard and Visa have begun developing a Know-Your-Agent framework so shopping agents can be recognised through shared trust signals across payment networks. The proposal would link each agent to an authorised person or organisation, apply common security testing and monitor transaction signals continuously, while leaving final verification and decision-making with each network.
Artificial Intelligence··Midday
Networks would recognise the same trust signals
Ant International, Mastercard and Visa have begun developing a shared Know-Your-Agent framework for recognising shopping agents across different payment systems. The companies say it would cover card networks, digital wallets, agent platforms and marketplaces. The aim is for an agent to carry recognisable trust signals between networks and for its activity to be linked to an authorised person or business. TechNode Global's separate account stresses that this is a framework under development, not a technical standard already deployed across the three networks.[1], [2]
Identity, testing and continuous monitoring
The proposal has three parts. Cross-network traceability would link an agent to a validated operator, cardholder or organisation. Shared certification would test agents against agreed security and behavioural conditions. Continuous monitoring would assess identity and payment signals together as transactions proceed. The companies say this could reduce repeated identity checks and integration work between networks. Each network would still retain its own verification and decision process, so recognising a common signal would not give one central body authority over every transaction.[1], [2]
Three separate protocols feed the common framework
The work does not start from zero. Visa's Trusted Agent Protocol, Mastercard's Verifiable Intent and Ant International's Agentic Mobile Protocol provide separate starting points for the participants. The collaboration will run through BuildFin.ai, convened by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and build on the SAFR safeguards framework. The companies did not provide an implementation timetable, pilot volumes or a first list of participating merchants. The announcement therefore sets a direction for shared identity in agent-led payments, but does not yet establish the reach of a finished cross-network product.[1], [2]
