// GLOSSARY -- AGENTIC FINANCE
What is Spending Velocity?
The rate at which an agent spends — transactions per minute, dollars per hour. Monitoring velocity detects anomalies like runaway loops or compromised agents.
WHY IT MATTERS
Per-transaction limits miss a critical signal: acceleration. An agent normally at 5 tx/hour suddenly at 50 is suspicious, even if each is within limits.
Velocity analysis watches rate of change — bursts, gradual increases, unusual correlations.
Controls act as circuit breakers. Rate exceeds threshold? Pause pending review. Catches death-by-a-thousand-cuts attacks.
HOW POLICYLAYER USES THIS
PolicyLayer monitors velocity per agent, recipient, or globally, with automatic circuit-breaking on threshold breach.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
vs. rate limiting?
Rate limiting caps absolute frequency. Velocity monitors pattern changes — a spike from 5 to 50/hour triggers even under the rate limit.
What metrics?
Transactions/minute, amount/hour, unique recipients/day, and acceleration. Monitor all four.
Auto-resolve?
Mild spikes can auto-reset after cooldown. Severe anomalies typically require manual investigation.