The companies announced that a set of distributors has completed end-to-end payments in five Latin American markets. This pilot shows that AI agents can be integrated into traditional financial scenarios without violating customer protection by executing purchases in controlled conditions while following clear consent rules.
Santander and Visa pioneer AI agent payments in five Latin American markets
Fintech companies are currently experimenting with introducing artificial intelligence (AI) agents into traditional consumer interactions.
Santander, one of the world’s largest banks, recently announced the completion of a pilot validating the use of an AI agent to make a series of purchases on behalf of human users in multiple markets in Latin America.
In this pilot, we partnered with Visa, which offers the Intelligence Commerce (VIC) suite, to build the infrastructure needed to conduct these transactions in a secure, transparent, and consent-based manner while adhering to compliance and security standards.
Agents were instructed to buy books throughout Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, and chocolate in Brazil.
This pilot created the first public program to demonstrate that these structures can complete traditional financial payments using legacy rails across Latin American markets, putting Santander and Visa at the forefront of future implementation.
Matias Sánchez, Global Head of Cards and Digital Solutions at Banco Santander, highlighted the relevance of experiences to enable AI-assisted shopping in the region.
He said:
“By testing real-world transactions, we demonstrated how these technologies serve as enablers for secure, interoperable agent commerce that maintains strong consumer protection and publisher control.”
Catalina Tobar, Head of Growth Products and Partnerships for Visa Latin America and the Caribbean, noted the usefulness of Visa’s scaffolding in supporting these use cases. “We are building a foundation for AI-driven transactions that are secure, seamless, and built for scale, ensuring that all players in the ecosystem are ready for what comes next,” she emphasized.
Visa estimates that 70% of Latin Americans use AI to shop, making this development even more important to the company’s future in the region.
FAQ
What recent developments has Santander announced regarding AI in consumer interactions?
Santander completed a pilot program using: AI agent To enable purchases by users in multiple Latin American markets.Which companies worked with Santander on this pilot?
visa In partnership with Santander, Intelligence Commerce (VIC) A suite to ensure secure and compliant transactions.What types of purchases did the AI agent make during the pilot?
In the pilot, the agent purchased book In Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, and Brazil chocolate.What impact will this pilot have on future trade in Latin America?
The pilot demonstrated how AI can facilitate. Secure and interoperable commercedemonstrating the potential for a shift to AI-assisted shopping in the region.
