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Mastercard starts testing AI payments in Southeast Asia

Wednesday, April 08, 2026 — 17:22:21 (UTC)

Mastercard starts testing AI payments in Southeast Asia

EIN Newswire, Purchase, N.Y., April 8, 2026 - by Freja Nanna Mogensen

Mastercard has started testing AI-powered payments in Southeast Asia.

In a press release, the company says its system is now live in early markets including Singapore and Malaysia. The technology allows AI to complete payments on behalf of users, for example when booking services or making online purchases.

Still in early phase

According to Mastercard, this is the first phase of a wider rollout across ASEAN. “With early pilots now live across multiple markets, Mastercard is proving that AI agents can operate responsibly and transparently,” Safdar Khan, Division President, Southeast Asia, Mastercard said.

The system is currently being tested together with banks in the region, with more markets expected to follow.

Mastercard says each transaction is tracked and verified. The company also plans to open a new AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore later this year to develop and test AI-powered payment systems in the region.

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Source: Company press release.

Categories: Announcement