HSBC, Ant Digital test AI-agent payments using tokenized deposits
Reported by Cointelegraph · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
British bank HSBC and Ant Digital Technologies conducted a test where AI agents accessed digital services and made micropayments using tokenized bank deposits, with transactions settled in real time on a blockchain testnet. The test combined HSBC’s Tokenised Deposit Service and Ant Digital’s Anvita Flow network within the Jovay Testnet environment. The demonstration involved an AI agent selecting a service and completing a payment under $2, and was described as a technical verification, not a commercial launch.
Why it matters
The source highlights that this test is part of broader efforts by banks to explore AI agents initiating financial transactions autonomously, potentially indicating a future increase in programmable financial infrastructure. Research cited in the article suggests that blockchain networks may be well suited to support AI-driven, around-the-clock financial operations. However, no direct market or user impact from this specific test is detailed.
Key context
Several other major banks, including Santander, Sygnum, and CaixaBank, have also tested AI-agent-initiated payments using different infrastructures. Some industry voices express skepticism about legacy banks' ability to adapt old systems for AI-driven finance, advocating instead for new infrastructures built around stablecoins and AI. Citrini Research argues that AI agents will require always-on, programmable systems like blockchains for financial transactions.
Key numbers and entities
HSBC and Ant Digital Technologies conducted the test. The services involved included HSBC’s Tokenised Deposit Service, Ant Digital’s Anvita Flow network, and the Jovay Testnet layer-2 blockchain. Transactions were micropayments defined as under $2. Other companies mentioned for AI payment tests include Santander, Mastercard, Sygnum, and CaixaBank. Citrini Research and Augustus Bank with CEO Ferdinand Dabitz are also cited.
What remains unclear
The source does not specify the technical performance details, scalability, security considerations, or plans for commercial deployment following this test. It also does not clarify the regulatory or user experience implications. The broader adoption timeline and how this system might integrate with existing financial infrastructure remain unexplored.