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.
RANK_REASON The article analyzes and categorizes existing concepts and products rather than announcing a new release or significant event.
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