HSBC and Ant Digital Technologies have successfully tested an AI-agent payment system using tokenized deposits. The trial combined HSBC’s Tokenised Deposit Service with Ant Digital’s Anvita Flow network, enabling AI agents to access digital services and make micropayments on the Jovay Testnet. The transactions were settled in real time on a blockchain testnet, with HSBC providing settlement capabilities and real-time risk checks, while Ant Digital managed service access and payments. The demonstration showed an AI agent selecting a digital service and completing a payment, with transactions described as micropayments, typically under $2.
The test was limited to technical verification and did not represent a commercial launch or live customer offering. This initiative is part of a broader trend among banks exploring AI-driven financial transactions. In March, Santander completed a similar test using Mastercard’s Agent Pay infrastructure, while Sygnum in May tested AI-agent transactions on a blockchain mainnet. CaixaBank also conducted an AI-agent-initiated card transaction using Visa Intelligent Commerce.
However, skepticism exists about traditional banks adapting to AI-driven finance. Augustus Bank CEO Ferdinand Dabitz argued that traditional banking systems, designed for human operations, may struggle with automated, around-the-clock transactions. Augustus is developing a US bank focused on stablecoins and AI-driven operations, aiming to replace parts of traditional banking systems.
Investment research firm Citrini Research highlighted the potential of blockchain in AI-driven commerce. In a recent report, the firm suggested that autonomous AI agents could increase demand for programmable financial infrastructure, with blockchain networks providing the necessary always-on infrastructure to move money and financial assets programmatically.