OKX rolls out Agent Payments Protocol for full AI-driven transactions

OKX has introduced an open standard for agent-led transactions, rolling out its Agent Payments Protocol to support full-cycle business activity handled by AI systems.

According to OKX, the newly launched protocol extends beyond simple transfers by enabling AI agents to manage commercial processes such as pricing, negotiation, escrow, settlement, and dispute handling. 

The exchange said that recent advances have pushed AI agents from basic responses into executing workflows and managing operations, where “the bottleneck shifted from intelligence to commerce,” adding that existing systems fail to support the full lifecycle of transactions.

Full business execution for AI agents

Built as an open standard, APP has been designed to function across multiple blockchains, with Solana and Ethereum identified as key networks in its initial rollout. 

At the implementation level, OKX said the protocol includes a Payment SDK that allows developers to integrate one-time, batch, and usage-based payments using its X Layer infrastructure, where transactions can be processed with low or no gas costs.

Supporting this system, OKX has integrated its self-custodial Agentic Wallet, which uses trusted execution environments and operates across more than 20 chains. 

The company said the wallet allows AI agents to hold and transfer funds independently while maintaining security controls.

Communication between agents has also been built into the framework.

According to OKX, APP connects systems using standard internet protocols such as HTTP and XMTP, while also supporting messaging platforms including Telegram, enabling coordination between autonomous systems during transactions.

Planned features include escrow functionality, where funds are released only after delivery conditions are met, alongside built-in dispute resolution mechanisms, both of which the company said are still in development.

Industry push toward machine-driven payments

The release comes as multiple firms move to define standards for AI-based transactions. 

As previously reported by Invezz, Coinbase has launched its x402 protocol to support stablecoin payments between agents, later expanding it through a marketplace that allows AI systems to discover and purchase services without API keys. 

Coinbase product lead Nick Prince said the platform allows access to “thousands of services, with zero API keys required,” while enabling agents to search and integrate tools without human input.

In March, Visa launched a command-line tool through its crypto division that allows AI systems to execute card payments during development workflows, removing reliance on sensitive API credentials. 

Separately, Stripe-backed infrastructure has advanced with the launch of the Tempo blockchain and a Machine Payments Protocol designed to support high-volume, programmable transactions across multiple payment rails.

OKX’s protocol builds on these developments by focusing on end-to-end execution rather than standalone payments. 

The company said APP has received backing from cloud and technology providers, including AWS and Alibaba Cloud, alongside crypto firms such as Nansen, Uniswap, Paxos, and QuickNode.

At the blockchain level, OKX said it has worked with ecosystems including Base, the Ethereum Foundation, Solana, Sui, Aptos, and Optimism to support interoperability.

OKX CEO Star Xu described the release as “the key step that brings the Agent economy to real-world implementation,” noting in a recent X post that the protocol has been co-developed with partners across cloud infrastructure, public chains, DeFi, and artificial intelligence.