Swift building a blockchain for real-time payments; PayPal bets on EMEA

Group 1: Swift's Distributed Ledger Initiative - Swift has formed a consortium to develop a distributed ledger aimed at supporting real-time international payments and accommodating digital assets [1] - The consortium is collaborating with Consensys to create a prototype for the ledger, leveraging Swift's extensive network of over 11,000 banks across 200 countries [2] - The initial focus will be on enhancing real-time payments, addressing interoperability issues that currently hinder cross-border transactions [3] Group 2: Features of the Distributed Ledger - The ledger will utilize smart contracts to automate payment triggers based on specific conditions, facilitating the use of various digital currencies including stablecoins and cryptocurrencies [4] - Swift's CEO emphasized the rapid development of infrastructure to support future payment solutions [5] Group 3: Ripple's Cross-Border Payment Solutions - Ripple has signed an agreement with i-payout to enable real-time payments to recipients in the U.S. and Canada, targeting banks and payment firms [7] - The collaboration aims to expand to recipients outside the U.S. by the end of 2025, utilizing Ripple's USD-backed stablecoin [8] - Ripple's initiatives are part of a broader effort to modernize global money movement, enhancing payment speed and infrastructure [9] Group 4: PayPal's Investment in EMEA - PayPal plans to invest $100 million in the Middle East and Africa over the coming years, focusing on technology launches and partnerships [13][14] - This investment follows the establishment of a regional hub in Dubai, aiming to support local entrepreneurs and businesses [14] Group 5: Mobile Wallet Adoption in the U.K. - Mobile wallet usage in the U.K. has surged, with 57% of adults using them in 2024, up from 42% in 2023 [15] - The increase in mobile wallet adoption correlates with a rise in online and contactless payments, with 61% of card payments being contactless [16] - Predictions indicate that cash usage will decline to 4% of payments by 2034, while card payments will account for about 67% [17] Group 6: BBVA's Virtual Card Launch - BBVA has partnered with Mastercard to launch a virtual card in Mexico, aimed at enhancing security and processing speed for travel agencies [18][19] - The virtual card technology will allow BBVA to issue unique virtual numbers for each transaction, improving control for corporate users [19] Group 7: Coinbase's Support for Stablecoins - Coinbase is integrating StraitsX's Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin, XSGD, to facilitate cross-border payments and local currency conversions [21][22] - This move is part of Coinbase's broader strategy to expand its stablecoin offerings and support AI-driven commerce [23] Group 8: Banco Santander's BNPL Service - Banco Santander's Zinia pay-over-time service is now available on Amazon in Spain, allowing installment payments for purchases between 60 euros and 3,000 euros [24][25] - Despite BNPL being used for only 5% of online purchases in Spain, there is significant consumer interest in such options [26]