K&H Bank has updated its IT infrastructure to recognise and process payment transactions that are initiated by AI-powered digital assistants acting with a customer's authorisation. The change uses Mastercard's recently introduced Agent Pay technology, which enables clear identification and handling of transactions started by authorised AI agents.
What was changed
- K&H's systems can now detect when a transaction is initiated by a digital assistant authorised by the customer rather than directly by the customer.
- This capability lays a technological foundation for AI assistants to support the full purchasing journey in the future — from product search and offer comparison to completing payments — while allowing the bank to correctly tag and process such actions.
Why it matters
AI-based assistants are increasingly capable of complex tasks: beyond searching for information, they can prepare whole purchases, organise travel or handle routine procurement. Deploying Agent Pay and adapting bank systems is essential so that, when assistants act on behalf of users, the financial infrastructure can manage those transactions securely and transparently.
Security and customer control
K&H notes that this development does not mean AI assistants are already making purchases at scale for customers; rather, it establishes the technical prerequisites. The bank says the solution includes multiple safeguards and identification measures to make AI-initiated transactions clearly identifiable. Customers retain control over approval conditions and spending limits, so final decisions and oversight remain with the customer.
Statement from K&H
"As digital assistants based on artificial intelligence evolve, financial service providers must adapt to customers' changing and future needs. It may soon become natural for someone to ask an AI assistant to organise a trip, find a product or even manage regular purchases. These solutions can significantly simplify and speed up everyday administration and shopping. The customer still exercises full control over decisions, while the AI relieves them of time-consuming searching and organising. As an innovative bank preparing in good time for future challenges, K&H works to offer secure, convenient and reliable payment solutions in these new situations. The current development provides an important technological basis so that AI-initiated payments can operate smoothly and securely in the future," said Lóska Gergely, head of IT and innovation at K&H.
Impact
This capability readies the bank's infrastructure for the broader adoption of AI-assisted commerce. As the wider ecosystem — including service providers, regulators and consumer practices — evolves, technologies such as Agent Pay can help ensure payments initiated by AI operate securely, transparently and under user control.
Summary
K&H's readiness for Mastercard Agent Pay is a preparatory step toward next-generation digital commerce. While AI-initiated payments are not yet widespread, the bank's technical and security measures create conditions for future, controlled adoption.
