Google Unveils AI Agent Payments with Stablecoin Support

- Google introduces the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) for autonomous AI-driven transactions. - The protocol supports traditional payment methods and stablecoin-based transactions. On September 16, 2025, The Block reported that Google launched an open-source payments protocol that enables artificial intelligence (AI) agents to autonomously send and receive funds and supports U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins. Google developed the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) in collaboration with Coinbase, the Ethereum Foundation, Salesforce, American Express, and over 60 other companies. AP2 extends Google's existing Agent-to-Agent (A2A) communication standards, setting a benchmark for standardizing AI-driven machine-to-machine commerce. The AP2 framework aims to create an integrated payment ecosystem by bridging traditional finance with the rapidly growing digital asset economy. The protocol is compatible with legacy payment systems, like credit and debit cards, and supports blockchain-based assets such as stablecoins. As an open-source standard, the protocol enables secure, interoperable transactions between AI agents and merchants. This approach aims to unify the market rather than fragment it. Security and compliance are cornerstones of AP2’s design. The protocol uses cryptographically signed contracts known as “Mandates” to ensure user consent, authenticity, and accountability for payments that AI systems initiate. The framework also integrates robust compliance capabilities to align with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements. To broaden adoption, Google is actively engaging with regulators in the U.S. and Europe to ensure jurisdictional compliance. The adoption of AP2 could transform finance and commerce and increase the utility of stablecoins. The protocol unlocks diverse applications in AI-driven commerce, including autonomous purchasing, automated financial negotiations, and corporate back-office management. By positioning stablecoins as essential settlement tools, the initiative extends their utility beyond trading and embeds them in automated economic systems. Additionally, AP2’s cryptographic verification features allow businesses to maintain auditable, transparent transaction records, which fosters trust in AI-driven workflows. Google’s launch of AP2 underscores its strategic move to dominate the fintech landscape. This move escalates competition with other tech giants investing in AI-powered financial solutions. By leveraging open-source development and multi-industry collaboration, Google signals a shift in how big tech interacts with traditional financial systems. According to CoinMarketCap, Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $4,485.20 as of September 16 at 17:08 UTC. Its 24-hour trading volume has changed by -0.257%. The cryptocurrency remains a cornerstone of blockchain innovations, including Google’s AP2 initiative.