Ant International and Google have become launch partners to develop Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open rulebook that defines how AI agents can reliably transact with the authorisation of users.
"Ant International is excited to partner with Google to advance standards-setting in agentic payments, leveraging our expertise in APM payments and trusted AI innovations," said Jiangming Yang, chief innovation officer of Ant International. "We are committed to working with global partners to shape the future of agentic commerce, where AI agents serve as trusted assistants for discovery, engagement, and transactions, powering merchant growth and transforming consumer experience."
AP2
AP2 aims to define the key components of agentic payments. By providing a protocol that ensures user intent is verifiable, transactions are traceable, and accountability is clear for each participant across the payment lifecycle, AP2 will enhance trust and transparency in agentic commerce. Its design will also strengthen privacy and compatibility with diverse payment methods.
With Ant International's expertise in alternative payment methods (APMs) and its connections with 36 digital wallets, the company can develop an APM-based agent payments protocol for AP2.
It can streamline the APM checkout process and apply AI to identify and block fraudulent transactions. Through a unique payment mandate model that links transaction parameters with verifiable intent evidence, Ant International can offer insights into protocols for stronger traceability, compliance, and dispute resolution.
