Digital Payments – DBS Bank and Visa have taken a significant step toward reshaping digital transactions in Asia Pacific, launching a joint pilot to support payments initiated by artificial intelligence agents. The initiative, conducted under Visa Intelligent Commerce, is designed to ensure that automated transactions carried out on behalf of customers are secure, transparent and fully authorised.

The pilot marks the first time an issuing bank in the Asia Pacific region has tested live agent-driven payment use cases at this scale. DBS, Southeast Asia’s largest lender, said the collaboration signals its commitment to preparing card systems and authentication processes for the next phase of digital commerce.

Pilot Focuses on Secure AI-Driven Card Transactions

The trial centres on validating AI-ready card credentials, authentication layers and payment signals within Visa’s infrastructure. By using tokenised card details and issuer-controlled safeguards, the system enables AI agents to complete purchases while ensuring that customers retain oversight and consent.

During the pilot phase, DBS and Visa demonstrated real-world food and beverage purchases made through AI-powered agents using DBS and POSB credit and debit cards. Each transaction was processed through secure verification flows managed by the issuing bank, reinforcing accountability at every step.

The companies confirmed that further trials will expand into additional categories such as online retail and travel bookings. The aim is to simplify digital shopping experiences while maintaining strong fraud controls and compliance standards.

Rising AI Adoption in Singapore

The move comes as generative AI tools become deeply embedded in daily life across Singapore. According to a study commissioned by Visa, 77 percent of residents are already using AI applications, including chatbots, in routine activities. The research also found that eight in ten consumers rely on AI assistance when making online purchases.

These figures reflect a broader shift in consumer behaviour, with digital tools increasingly guiding product searches, price comparisons and checkout processes. Industry analysts say such trends create the foundation for agent-initiated commerce, where AI systems can execute tasks based on user preferences and prior approvals.

Industry Leaders Outline Vision for Agentic Commerce

Ananya Sen, Group Head of Regional Consumer Products at DBS, said AI agents represent a new stage in payment technology. She noted that routine purchases can be handled efficiently through automated systems, potentially saving time for customers while reducing repetitive manual steps.

T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions for Asia Pacific at Visa, described the collaboration as an important milestone in building ecosystem readiness. He said Visa Intelligent Commerce and its Trusted Agent Protocol are designed to support advanced authentication, AI-compatible credentials and scalable safeguards.

Both organisations emphasised that customer consent and security remain central to the framework. Transactions initiated by AI agents must operate within clear boundaries set by cardholders and issuing banks.

Building a Framework for Responsible Expansion

As development continues, DBS is strengthening its internal systems to support intent-driven transaction controls and enhanced authentication measures. The bank said these preparations are essential to scaling agent-led commerce responsibly across its regional footprint.

Visa, which operates in more than 200 countries and territories, provides the underlying infrastructure that connects financial institutions, merchants and consumers. By integrating AI-focused capabilities into its payment network, the company aims to maintain trust while enabling innovation.

DBS, headquartered in Singapore and active in 19 markets, has consistently invested in digital transformation. The bank holds high credit ratings and has received international recognition for its digital banking capabilities and safety standards.

The collaboration reflects a broader industry effort to balance automation with oversight. While AI tools promise greater efficiency, financial institutions are proceeding cautiously to ensure resilience, compliance and consumer protection remain intact.

If successful, the pilot could help define how agent-initiated payments are introduced across Asia Pacific, setting standards for intelligent and secure commerce in an increasingly AI-enabled economy.