PANews reported on June 10th that, according to The Block, Mastercard announced the launch of Agent Pay for Machines (AP4M), a payment infrastructure for AI agents and machines, supporting high-frequency, low-value "machine-grade" transactions, including stablecoin payments. AP4M adds a layer on top of Mastercard's global network, operating across bank cards, accounts, and stablecoins, and optimizing micropayment costs and latency. The system incorporates AI identity credentials and access control, allowing users to set authorization rules and spending limits. Initial partners include over 30 companies such as Coinbase, OKX, Polygon, Solana, Ripple, MoonPay, and Aave Labs, as well as internet and financial institutions like Checkout.com and Cloudflare. Mastercard has also recently been advancing stablecoin settlements for USDC, PYUSD, and RLUSD, and acquired stablecoin startup BVNK.