The word 'settlement' is doing too much work: a builder's map of the agent-economy settlement layers
The term "settlement layer" is being used ambiguously in the agent economy, referring to at least four distinct concepts. These include payment-rail settlement for agent-to-merchant transactions, micropayment rails for high-frequency, sub-cent flows, and custodial settlement where a trusted third party holds funds. A fourth meaning is emerging in the standards layer, involving on-chain escrow and evaluation. AI
IMPACT Clarifies distinct technical approaches within agent economy infrastructure, aiding developers in choosing appropriate solutions.