Lianlian DigiTech and UnionPay International Develop AI Agent-Based Payment Solutions for Procurement
Hangzhou, China - Lianlian DigiTech and UnionPay International have entered into a strategic partnership to develop AI agent-based payment solutions for cross-border trade in goods and services. The agreement was signed on 18 July.
The collaboration combines Lianlian DigiTech’s AI-native platform with UnionPay International’s global payment network. The initial focus will be on global procurement and AI token top-ups, connecting AI-driven procurement flows directly to cross-border payment infrastructure. The partnership also includes expanding overseas merchant acceptance networks.
For the first implementation, the companies will integrate AI agent capabilities into the entire procurement process, from supplier discovery and product selection to payment execution. Using a Human-in-the-Loop approach, the AI agent can autonomously manage procurement workflows while users retain final approval authority. This is designed to address persistent challenges in cross-border B2B transactions, such as time-consuming settlement processes, exchange rate fluctuations, and manual reconciliation.
Based on the procurement pilot, the two firms plan to refine the user experience and system architecture. The long-term objective is to establish industry standards and expand the AI agent-based payment solution across multiple business sectors.
Beyond procurement, the partnership includes joint research and development in AI technology for financial services. Lianlian DigiTech views the collaboration as a key step in commercialising AI agent-based payment technology, while UnionPay International emphasised that intelligent technology is becoming essential for sustainable industry growth. Leveraging its global payment network and B2B digital payment solutions, including its Virtual Commercial Card Programme, UnionPay International aims to promote the standardisation and wider adoption of AI-driven payments to deliver tangible economic benefits.