In a move that truly shows the rapid changes happening in digital payments, Spain's Santander and America's Mastercard have announced they successfully completed Europe's very first live, end-to-end payment using an AI agent. And guess what? It all happened within a fully regulated banking environment! This experiment is the first real-world application of the "agency payment" model within an official banking setting, setting the stage for a whole new way financial transactions can be started and completed.
Related editorial
du Invests $50 Million in Startups to Boost UAE's Digital Economy Leadership
<p>Telecommunications giant du has launched its new $50 million investment fund, 'du Ventures,' in partnership with tech investment firm Shorooq. This strategic move aims to support promising startups and accelerate digital innovation across the UAE and the wider Middle East, reinforcing the nation's role in the global digital economy.</p>
Mohamed Ahmed·3 min read·6/3/2026
