CryptoPawn published an industry framework on September 21, 2026, outlining identity, permission, collateral and liability requirements for AI agents participating in regulated crypto-backed transactions. Wallet infrastructure already allows software agents to hold and transfer digital assets, while machine-payment protocols support programmatic payments for digital services. Developer tools also allow agents to supply collateral, borrow and repay through decentralized finance (DeFi, blockchain-based financial services) protocols, although those transactions are not equivalent to regulated lenders treating agents as independent borrowers. The framework says a verified person or legal entity must remain the contractual customer when an agent acts on its behalf. It also calls for defined borrowing limits, documented authority, proof of ownership and collateral rights, and rules assigning responsibility when an agent exceeds its mandate or acts on outdated information. CryptoPawn's current onboarding model keeps the human or business as the verified borrower and owner of pledged collateral while allowing an authorised agent to operate within defined permissions. The company says the wider challenge is establishing the economic authority of software while preserving customer control over identity, assets and contractual liability.