Core Insights - The article emphasizes the concepts of "resilience" and "DeepSeek" as key themes for 2025, highlighting the need for determination in navigating cycles and the courage to seek certainty amid uncertainty [2][3] - The payment industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by AI, with new infrastructures emerging to address previous limitations [3][4] Group 1: Payment Industry Transformation - In 2025, the payment industry presents a paradox where physical cards are diminishing, yet the underlying financial flows are surging, with UnionPay and NetsUnion processing 151.66 trillion yuan in payments during the summer, a 16.64% year-on-year increase [14] - The shift towards a "new four-party model" by UnionPay reflects a strategic adaptation to the diminishing returns of user attention in the digital economy [14][18] - The essence of cards has evolved from physical objects to digital identifiers, allowing various secure storage mediums to act as extensions of bank accounts, leading to a rapid expansion of UnionPay's network [17][19] Group 2: Addressing Market Gaps - The proliferation of AI and big data has intensified capital's focus on high-value markets, leaving underserved areas like rural markets and small businesses behind [22][25] - UnionPay's initiatives, such as issuing 44.6 million small business cards and over 1.4 billion rural revitalization cards, demonstrate a commitment to covering low-margin areas and supporting economic inclusivity [25][28] - The focus on elderly populations is evident through the establishment of over 8,000 senior meal assistance points and the issuance of 27 million senior-friendly cards, ensuring that technological advancements do not exclude vulnerable groups [28][30] Group 3: Enhancing AI Interactivity - The article discusses the necessity for AI to interact effectively with financial systems, highlighting UnionPay's introduction of a smart payment service based on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) [34] - This service allows AI to access payment capabilities without complex API integrations, while a robust risk control system ensures transaction security with an accuracy rate of 85% [34] - The future of transactions may involve interactions between user and merchant AI agents, necessitating a redefinition of legal relationships and responsibilities in financial transactions [36] Group 4: Cross-Border Payment Solutions - UnionPay's approach to cross-border payments emphasizes a non-intrusive connection philosophy, respecting local financial sovereignty while facilitating seamless transactions across different payment networks [39] - This strategy has led to partnerships with nearly 50 countries and regions, enhancing global payment interoperability without imposing uniform standards [39][40] - The ultimate goal is to create a payment infrastructure that connects independent systems while preserving their unique characteristics, reflecting a sophisticated level of globalization [40]