Imagine a future where, when planning a trip, you no longer need to search for information one by one, but instead have an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant help you find flights, hotels, and car rental options, compare prices, and complete bookings. If a flight is canceled, this helpful &#34;assistant&#34; will also rebook a new flight and adjust hotel arrangements.
Such a scenario may soon become a reality. Electronic payment giants Visa and Mastercard have recently partnered with local banks to conduct tests that allow AI-driven agents to handle daily transactions for customers using bank credit cards.
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Industry insiders believe that Agentic AI has enormous potential, but before it can be widely adopted, issues such as accountability, security management, and data privacy must be addressed to ensure transactions are completed in a secure environment.
Unlike Generative AI, Agentic AI can proactively judge and execute tasks, completing operations on behalf of users. The recently popular OpenClaw is one such example, described as &#34;a truly capable AI&#34; that can handle tasks such as sending and receiving emails, managing schedules, booking flights, and operating social media.
In Singapore, Mastercard announced earlier this month that it has completed its first real-time and certified agentic transaction with DBS Group and UOB.
According to a joint statement, this transaction demonstrates how AI can help consumers safely and seamlessly complete daily tasks, from transportation to lifestyle services.
In this application case, the AI agent booked a private car to Changi Airport through the global travel service provider hoppa. The transaction used Mastercard to pay for the access key, verifying the consumer's identity through a tokenized credential while protecting data.
Another electronic payment company, Visa, is also conducting similar tests with DBS. They utilize AI agents to complete online dining reservation transactions using bank credit cards.
Ananya Sen, head of DBS's regional consumer goods business group, stated in an interview, &#34;As AI becomes more deeply integrated into consumers' search, shopping, and digital interaction methods, payment methods must evolve in tandem.&#34;
The financial industry is one of the earliest adopters of AI, and the entire sector is undergoing rapid transformation, from chatbots to agentic AI. In the future, we may even see &#34;AI advisors&#34; offering personalized financial, tax, and retirement planning services
<h4>Further Reading</h4>
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Feargal De Burca, a partner in KPMG's financial services consulting, pointed out that the obvious advantage of agent-based AI is the enhancement of efficiency, as many tasks can now be automated, allowing financial personnel to shift from executing operations to supervising management.
He said, &#34;For clients, this means faster transaction processing, more consistent service levels, and reduced delays caused by manual operations.&#34;
<h3>Agent-based AI enhances productivity, but its autonomy may amplify errors</h3>
However, De Burca cautioned that delegating decision-making to AI models carries risks, especially in situations where accountability is unclear. Banks must ensure that key decisions remain under human control and establish clear governance, oversight, and issue escalation mechanisms to maintain standards and minimize bias.
Wong Hanwen, head of the corporate AI department at UOB, wrote in an article that while agent-based AI enhances productivity, its autonomy may also amplify errors.
For example, if permission configurations are incorrect, the AI agent may send schedule change notifications to the wrong recipients, potentially impacting the company's reputation.
Implementing accountability, clear policies, and moderate controls is central to UOB's use of AI. Wong Hanwen stated in an interview, &#34;We will promote innovation within a clear scope and ensure responsible use of data and technology.&#34;
Trust is also a significant challenge in using agent-based AI. In this regard, Kim Liling, regional manager of Willis Singapore and Brunei, said, &#34;When AI is allowed to act as an agent to perform tasks, trust becomes a key issue, namely whether the AI agent is trustworthy and whether its actions are legitimate.&#34;
In this aspect, Willis has established clear safety boundaries to assist businesses in determining whether the AI agent is legitimate and trustworthy. Once an agent is deemed trustworthy, the transactions it facilitates will still be protected by the company's dispute resolution and refund mechanisms
In addition, some banks are using agent-based AI to improve internal operations. Liu Zhi Hua, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of OCBC Bank Group, revealed that customer relationship managers at its Singapore bank use this technology in the customer due diligence process, reducing the time to draft wealth source reports from 10 days to about one hour

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Agentic AI is leading the transformation of financial services. Visa and Mastercard are collaborating with local banks to test AI-driven agents that handle customers' daily affairs through credit card processing. Despite its immense potential, issues such as accountability, security management, and data privacy need to be addressed before widespread adoption. Unlike generative AI, agentic AI can proactively execute tasks, such as managing schedules and booking flights. Mastercard's collaboration with DBS Group and United Overseas Bank (UOB) demonstrates the application of AI in daily affairs

- The article discusses the potential of Agentic AI in optimizing travel planning, including booking flights, hotels, and managing changes.  
- Major payment companies like Visa and Mastercard collaborate with local banks to test AI-driven solutions, showcasing secure transactions and efficient service for consumers.  
- While Agentic AI can enhance productivity, experts caution about accountability, security, and trust, emphasizing the need for clear governance to mitigate risks associated with automated decision-making.

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Mastercard

VG Financial

Fidelity MSCI Financials Index

DBS Group

United Overseas Bank (UOB)

Visa

ISHRS Us Brokers & Sec Exchg

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