Nexi Group and Google Cloud plan to develop infrastructure for the next generation of digital commerce, built around AI agents that can manage purchases and payments on behalf of consumers with explicit consent.

The companies signed an MoU, formalising their partnership.

The collaboration will combine Google Cloud’s AI and data capabilities with Nexi’s European payments network and acquiring operations.

Nexi will also use Google Cloud tools to improve efficiency across its core platforms.

A key focus is “agentic commerce”, where AI agents autonomously guide shopping journeys and execute secure transactions.

Nexi has committed to supporting open-source standards designed for this model, including the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and Agent Payments Protocol (AP2).

Google Cloud EMEA president Tara Brady said: “With these capabilities, Nexi will accelerate innovation, optimise transaction workflows, and define the next generation of digital payments for the European market.”

The partners plan to explore new agent-based shopping experiences, while assessing how Google Cloud technology can enhance Nexi’s real-time fraud detection, merchant onboarding and broader operational resilience.

The aim is to provide an environment in which digital intent can be converted into authorised, seamless transactions.

Nexi Merchant Solutions chief business officer Roberto Catanzaro said: “We are entering an era where AI agents will increasingly orchestrate commerce on behalf of consumers, making it imperative for merchants to provide seamless, autonomous transaction experiences. By endorsing the UCP and AP2 protocols alongside other leading payments and technology companies, we will help shape the European ecosystem for this transformational shift.”

UCP is intended to coordinate the full AI commerce lifecycle, while AP2 will provide a specialised trust layer for transactions.

Together, they are expected to support AI agents in running uninterrupted shopping journeys and carrying out authorised payments using cryptographically signed mandates and verifiable credentials.

The framework aims to let merchants capture purchase intent at the point it arises – for example, after a search or video recommendation – and turn it into an AI-facilitated transaction.

It is also intended to offer a standardised, secure payment engine that allows AI agents to operate in line with European regulatory requirements.

Nexi plans to apply Google Cloud’s AI and analytics to refine internal processes, including enhancing fraud detection, automating compliance and simplifying merchant onboarding, with the goal of building a more cost-efficient operational base.

The companies will also look at ways for Nexi to use Google Cloud to broaden access to its payment services for independent software vendors.