PBOC Deputy Governor: Agent Payment Liability Boundaries Must Be Clear; Self-Regulatory Convention to Be Released

This signals regulatory intent to impose clear accountability on AI-driven payment systems, a necessary step as autonomous agents increasingly handle transactions. The shift from vague principles to a self-regulatory convention suggests a formalized framework is imminent, which could set a precedent for other jurisdictions. The open question is how liability will be allocated between developers, operators, and financial institutions when an agent errs. Consumer protection and market stability are the stated goals, but the practical impact will hinge on enforcement and whether the convention carries binding weight.