Circle and Proof demo AI agents that verify identity and pay in USDC at Money20/20

AI agents can already book flights, compare prices, and fill out forms. Proving who they work for, and paying on the spot, has been a messier problem. Proof and Circle think they have a piece of the answer. On October 19, 2026, the two companies unveiled a joint demonstration at Money20/20 USA in Las Vegas. It shows an AI agent presenting verified identity credentials and settling a payment in USDC within a single workflow, built on open protocols. What the demo actually shows The setup is an identity-gated purchase. A merchant asks an AI agent for two things: proof of identity and proof of payment. The agent responds with an approved credential, using Proof’s x401 protocol. That credential is selectively disclosed, so the merchant sees only what it needs to see. The agent then pays in USDC through Circle’s x402 payment protocol and Circle Agent Wallet. The merchant receives tamper-evident proof that the payment happened. It does not end up storing the buyer’s full personal details. Through x402, the merchant gets signed evidence that can be used in disputes. The live demo is running at Proof’s booth, #5069, throughout the conference, which runs from October 19 to 21, 2026. The pro...