Summary Points
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Launch of AP2: Google introduced the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open framework for AI agents to send and receive diverse payments, including credit cards and stablecoins.
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Collaborative Development: Over 60 industry partners, including big names like Coinbase and American Express, are shaping the protocol to facilitate agentic payments.
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Built for the Future: AP2 leverages previous technologies like the Agent2Agent framework, allowing AI agents to transact autonomously, enhancing the Web3 ecosystem.
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Mandates for Trust: The system uses cryptographically-signed “Mandates” as proof of user instructions, enabling smart shopping and sophisticated automated commerce.
Google Joins Race for Agentic AI Stablecoin Payments
On Tuesday, Google unveiled its Agent Payments Protocol (AP2). The tech giant describes this as an “open protocol” developed in partnership with over 60 leading companies. These partners include major names in both crypto and traditional payments, like Coinbase, American Express, and PayPal.
The new protocol allows AI agents to send and receive payments autonomously. It supports various payment methods, including stablecoins, credit, and debit cards. This functionality aims to streamline transactions without human intervention. Google’s move builds on its previous efforts, particularly its Agent2Agent framework introduced in April 2025.
James Tromans, head of Web3 at Google Cloud, highlighted the protocol’s design. “We built it from the ground up,” he explained. The focus remains on integrating current payment capabilities with future innovations, such as stablecoins. The company also aims to enhance the Web3 ecosystem, offering a reliable solution for agent-based crypto payments.
A noteworthy feature of AP2 is the introduction of “Mandates.” These are cryptographically-signed smart contracts that ensure secure and verifiable transactions. Users can engage in real-time purchases or delegate tasks to their AI agents, establishing a new level of trust.
Moreover, AP2 supports sophisticated autonomous commerce. AI agents can actively monitor product availability and execute purchases as conditions change. They can also negotiate personalized offers directly with merchants, improving the shopping experience.
As competition heats up, the Ethereum Foundation recently announced a new team dedicated to advancing agentic AI payments. This development indicates a growing focus on integrating AI with cryptocurrency capabilities.
Google’s initiative signals a significant step forward in the evolution of digital payments, poised to reshape how consumers and businesses interact with financial technology. As this race unfolds, industry experts eagerly anticipate the impact of these innovations.
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