Episode 35: AI-Powered Commerce: Transforming Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Payment Systems
In this episode of Payments Beats, Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory Chief Operating Officer, Liz Beggs, interviews Mastercard Asia Pacific Senior Vice President, Services Business Development, Donald Ong, about how AI is reshaping commerce, cybersecurity, data analytics, and payment systems across Asia Pacific.
Donald shares insights into Mastercard’s upcoming AI Center of Excellence in Singapore and explains how the company is driving innovation in agentic commerce, AI-powered fraud prevention, and trusted digital transactions. The discussion explores how AI agents are transforming the customer journey, requiring merchants to rethink discoverability, personalisation, and frictionless payment experiences.
Donald also highlights Mastercard’s “know your agent” protocols, tokenisation technology, and verifiable intent APIs designed to build trust and accountability in AI-enabled commerce. The conversation further examines the rise of stablecoins and digital currencies, particularly their growing role in cross-border payments, payroll, and programmable finance. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into how businesses can prepare for a future where AI-driven commerce becomes faster, smarter, and increasingly invisible.
Listen to the full episode below.
Hosts:
Liz Beggs, Chief Operating Officer, Payments Consulting Network and Merchant Advisory
Guest:
Donald Ong, Asia Pacific Senior Vice President, Services Business Development of Mastercard
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Merchant Advisory is a media partner of NRF ‘26 Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific.
