VISA bets on AI and crypto to transform global payments.

• AI and cryptocurrencies are redefining global digital payments.
• Autonomous trade could generate US$500 billion.
• Visa develops secure protocol for AI agents.

Visa has signaled a structural shift in the financial sector by highlighting the potential of so-called AI-agent commerce, a trend that could directly impact the cryptocurrency market and traditional payment systems.

During a recent event, the company's Director of Products and Strategy, Jack Forestell, stated that "the interactive web is the greatest opportunity I have seen in my more than 20 years in the payments technology field." This statement reflects the strategic vision of a company that handles trillions of dollars annually.

In practice, the concept of agent commerce proposes replacing manual user interaction with artificial intelligence agents capable of autonomously searching for products, comparing prices, and completing payments. This model reduces steps in the purchasing process and tends to significantly increase conversion rates.

Industry projections indicate that, by 2030, these players could account for up to 25% of e-commerce in the United States, generating between US$300 billion and US$500 billion. This growth stems from a still small base, estimated at around US$3 billion in 2025.

Visa identifies four main drivers of this transformation. The first is the reduction of friction in transactions, with agents optimizing payments and decreasing errors. Next, the increased frequency of microtransactions stands out, driven by new consumption models, such as pay-per-use services.

Another relevant point is the digitization of payments between companies. Traditionally manual processes, such as invoicing and reconciliation, can be automated by AI, increasing efficiency in a segment that handles volumes higher than retail.

Finally, the company believes that this evolution tends to expand global economic activity, repeating patterns observed in previous advancements, such as digital cards and wallets.

At the same time, the competition between industry giants is growing. Mastercard has already launched its own solution focused on agent-based payments, while fintechs are exploring crypto-based alternatives, including networks that promise lower costs.

This scenario raises a sensitive point: AI agents tend to prioritize cheaper payment routes, which can put pressure on the margins of traditional networks. In this context, cryptocurrency solutions gain relevance as possible alternatives.

To mitigate risks, especially those related to fraud, Visa developed a specific protocol for agent authentication. This initiative aims to ensure that transactions carried out by AI are secure, in an environment where bots are now operating directly with financial resources.

With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in digital consumption, companies that manage to establish reliable standards for this new model tend to gain a competitive advantage in a market increasingly driven by automation.