The report, titled Beyond Automation: Defining Agentic Global Payments, argues that cross-border B2B transactions have long been hampered by disconnected systems and manual reconciliation. Rather than merely speeding up individual tasks, the authors propose a transition to autonomy where AI agents possess the reasoning and execution capabilities to manage end-to-end payment lifecycles. This shift involves 13 high-value use cases, ranging from automated supplier onboarding and foreign exchange management to real-time compliance screening and fraud detection.

To bridge the gap between technical potential and corporate adoption, the paper highlights essential governance frameworks, including "Know Your Agent" (KYA) protocols and verifiable intent. Paul Meng, CEO of Sunrate, noted that the technology reduces operational friction by embedding real-time intelligence into every decision. Anouska Ladds of Mastercard emphasized that scaling this technology requires more than speed; it demands an auditable chain of identity and accountability to ensure that autonomous payment decisions remain secure. The collaboration showcases current progress through Sunrate's suite of AI agents and Mastercard’s Agent Pay initiatives, providing a roadmap for businesses to implement intelligent payment infrastructure at scale.