Visa, Mastercard, and Ant Unite for AI-Driven Commerce Standards

Visa and Mastercard are joining forces with Ant International to develop shared identity standards for AI purchasing agents. The proposed Know-Your-Agent framework aims to give card networks, digital wallets, online marketplaces, and AI platforms a common way to verify legitimate agents without compromising their own approval and fraud controls.

The initiative combines Visa's Trusted Agent Protocol, Mastercard Verifiable Intent, and Ant's Agentic Mobile Protocol through a platform convened by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This collaboration has led to an increase in Visa's stock price, which rose approximately 0.7% to $369.65 on Friday.

The valuation picture looks appealing, with Visa's share price sitting 13.06% below its GF Value estimate of $425.18. While shared verification could cut friction and help AI-driven shopping scale faster, investors still need more information about the launch date, revenue forecast, and new pricing model before they can fully capitalize on this opportunity.