The two companies announced that a set of agents completed end-to-end payments in five markets across Latin America. Executing purchases in controlled conditions while following clear consent rules, the pilot shows that AI agents can be integrated into traditional finance scenarios without violating customer protections.
Santander and Visa Pioneer AI Agentic Payments Across Five Latin American Markets
Fintech companies are now experimenting with introducing artificial intelligence (AI) agents in traditional consumer interactions.
Santander, one of the largest banks in the world, recently announced the completion of a pilot that examined the use of AI agents to make a series of purchases on behalf of human users across several markets in Latin America.
The pilot had the collaboration of Visa, which provided its Intelligence Commerce (VIC) suite, building the necessary infrastructure to make these transactions in a safe, transparent, and consent-driven way, adhering to compliance and security standards.
The agents were told to purchase books across Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, while in Brazil, they were directed to buy chocolates.
The pilot produced the first public program showing these structures can complete traditional finance payments using legacy rails across Latin American markets, putting Santander and Visa at the forefront of a possible future implementation.
Matias Sanchez, global head of Cards and Digital Solutions at Banco Santander, highlighted the relevance of the experience toward making AI-assisted shopping a reality in the region.
He stated:
“By testing real transactions, we demonstrated how these technologies act as enablers of secure, interoperable agentic commerce that maintains strong consumer protections and issuer controls.”
Catalina Tobar, head of Growth Products and Partnerships for Visa Latin America and the Caribbean, referred to the usefulness of Visa’s scaffolding in supporting these use cases. “We’re laying the foundation for AI-driven transactions that are secure, seamless, and built for scale — ensuring every player in the ecosystem is ready for what comes next,” she stressed.
Visa estimates that 70% of Latin Americans involve AI in their shopping journeys, making this development even more significant for the company’s future in the region.
FAQ
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What recent development has Santander announced regarding AI in consumer interactions?
Santander completed a pilot program using AI agents to make purchases for users across several Latin American markets. -
Which company collaborated with Santander in this pilot?
Visa partnered with Santander, providing its Intelligence Commerce (VIC) suite to ensure secure and compliant transactions. -
What types of purchases did the AI agents make during the pilot?
In the pilot, agents purchased books in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, while in Brazil, they bought chocolates. -
What are the implications of this pilot for future transactions in Latin America?
The pilot demonstrated how AI can facilitate secure and interoperable commerce, indicating a potential shift toward AI-assisted shopping in the region.
