Padraig Nolan

AI already searches, compares, and recommends. It is now becoming able to buy, book, and pay. Instead of browsing websites and completing purchases yourself, AI can find the best option, compare prices, and guide a buyer to a decision. Within limits set by you, it can even complete the purchase. The new AI-powered buyer, known as agentic commerce, foretells a potentially revolutionary shift that raises challenging regulatory and legal questions.

From global fintech companies to instant payment services, Ireland has built one of Europe’s most dynamic digital finance sectors. No company illustrates this success better than Stripe. Founded by Irish brothers Patrick and John Collison, Stripe has become one of the most important financial infrastructure companies in the global digital economy. Millions of businesses rely on its software to accept online payments.

Stablecoins are blockchain-based IOU tokens that are redeemable 1:1 for currency held in reserve. They aim to provide an alternative to the high volatility of popular cryptocurrencies, making them potentially suitable in various blockchain-based financial services and even to pay for goods and services. Washington is moving fast to promote the new technology while Europe is stuck in the slow lane, consumed by a policy tug-of-war.