Mastercard has launched its first authenticated AI-driven (agentic) payment transactions across parts of Southeast Asia, marking a step toward more secure and transparent digital commerce in the region.
The initial rollout covers Singapore and Malaysia, with more ASEAN markets expected to follow. Mastercard worked with UOB and other local banks to test and scale the system across different countries.
The new system allows AI agents to make purchases on behalf of users, using safeguards like tokenized credentials, verified user consent, and full transaction tracking. A key feature, called “Verifiable Intent,” ensures every AI-initiated payment reflects what the user approved, helping build trust among consumers, banks, and businesses.
This development comes as countries like the Philippines push for stronger AI regulations, including proposals to protect users from risks such as data misuse and bias.
In a related move, Mastercard announced plans to open a regional AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore later this year. The hub will focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and governance to support the growth of AI-powered payments.
The company said the initiative builds on its long-standing use of AI in fraud detection and risk management, and aims to ensure that future payment systems in ASEAN are secure, scalable, and trustworthy.
