China plans to start paying interest on digital yuan holdings to help speed up adoption of its central bank digital currency, with interest payments scheduled to begin in January. Citing an article written by People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) deputy governor Lu Lei on Financial News, a newspaper affiliated with the central bank, Bloomberg reported that commercial banks that operate digital yuan wallets will pay customers interest based on their E-CNY balances. This move represents a milestone in the devel ...

在韩国首尔的明洞商业区，每方土地都有"寸土寸金"的味道。街区的两旁是整齐的商铺，从阿迪达斯等国际品牌到韩国潮牌、美妆品牌等应有尽有，代表着 韩国年轻一代的最新潮流。街区的步道上，同样有两排"商区"，是密密麻麻的小摊，冒着各类小吃的热气。 "以前语言不通，遇到海外客人不知如何交流，自从2023年接入支付宝和Alipay+后变得很方便，小摊销量增加了三倍，"明洞夜市上，一位网红年糕摊主对 记者表示。记者从蚂蚁国际了解到，今年1–11月，海外游客通过Alipay+支持的电子钱包，在明洞商业街产生的消费额同比上涨近626%。 走进韩国各个潮流店，无论是信用卡还是扫码支付都已是寻常。但在明洞的这条热闹街区上，步道上的近200家小摊贩仍以现金交易为主，Alipay+是它们唯 一的非现金支付方式。 韩国央行2025年发布的数据显示，2024年韩国居民的信用卡使用占比达46.2%，借记卡以16.4%的占比位居第二，现金使用比例为15.9%。此外，近年来韩国 迅速发展的电子钱包中，KakaoPay、Naver Pay与Samsung Pay等本土钱包合计占据约70%的交易量。 这样一个支付卡体系高度成熟且本土化的市场，给支付宝 ...

Core Insights - The mobile payments landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by the adoption of smartphones and fintech innovations, leading to a decline in cash reliance and ATMs [2][3][4] - The global mobile payments market is projected to grow from $3.84 trillion in 2024 to $26.53 trillion by 2032, reflecting a 27% CAGR, indicating significant long-term potential [4] Industry Overview - Mobile payments are reshaping financial transactions globally, integrating digital wallets and technologies like NFC and QR codes to enhance consumer and business interactions [2][3] - The rise of super apps, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, is changing consumer behavior by combining various services into unified platforms [3] - E-commerce growth and improved digital infrastructure are further propelling the mobile payments sector, benefiting small businesses through faster settlements and better cash flow visibility [4] Competitive Landscape - Competition is intensifying as companies like Nu Holdings, ACI Worldwide, and Bread Financial expand their services through partnerships with banks and merchants [5] - Regulatory frameworks are evolving to enhance security, data privacy, and financial inclusion, with initiatives like FedNow in the U.S. and UPI in India [5] Company Highlights - **Nu Holdings**: Offers mobile payment capabilities through its Nubank platform, serving over 127 million customers, with a strong presence in Latin America [9][10] - **ACI Worldwide**: Provides the infrastructure for mobile payments, enabling real-time transactions and supporting over 200 digital wallets across 70 countries [11][14] - **Bread Financial**: Focuses on embedded financing solutions, allowing merchants to integrate buy now, pay later options into mobile checkouts, enhancing consumer flexibility [15][18]

Crypto has a distribution problem — and an integration opportunity.Sending, spending, and saving are entrenched habits with huge switching costs and network effects.Global adoption won’t be driven by new routines. It will be driven by upgrading existing ones.Sei (@SeiNetwork):According to a16z, there are ~70M monthly active crypto users.Finance apps alone:• 935M WeChat Pay users• 820M Google Pay users• 624M Apple Pay users• 434M PayPal usersCrypto is growing — but real-world finance is massive.Zoom out. Thi ...

Crypto User Base - a16z estimates approximately 70 million monthly active crypto users [1] - Crypto user base is growing, but traditional finance apps have significantly larger user bases [1] Traditional Finance User Base - WeChat Pay boasts 935 million users [1] - Google Pay has 820 million users [1] - Apple Pay has 624 million users [1] - PayPal has 434 million users [1] Strategic Implication - Sei is being built for massive scale, comparable to the user base of established finance applications [1]

Core Insights - The global Digital Payment Market was valued at USD 134.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 984.66 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 28.2% from 2025 to 2032 [1][20]. Market Overview - The Digital Payment Market includes electronic transactions such as online payments, mobile payments, POS systems, and P2P transfers, driven by smartphone penetration, e-commerce growth, and demand for efficient payment solutions [6][7]. - Key solutions in the market include payment processing, gateways, fraud management systems, and POS solutions, catering to various industries from retail to healthcare [7]. Technological Trends - AI is transforming the digital payment landscape by enhancing efficiency, security, and personalization, including real-time fraud detection and optimized transaction routing [2][4][5]. - Key trends include the rise of real-time payments, contactless technologies, and embedded finance, which integrates payment services into non-financial platforms [9][10]. Growth Drivers - The market's growth is fueled by smartphone adoption, e-commerce proliferation, supportive regulatory frameworks, and advancements in security technologies [15][16][19]. - Innovations such as biometric authentication, real-time payment systems, and distributed ledger technology are enhancing user experience and security [14][18][19]. Segment Analysis - The "Digital Wallets" segment is expected to grow rapidly due to convenience and integration with financial services, while "Payment Security and Fraud Management" solutions will see significant uptake due to increasing transaction volumes [26][30]. - The "Cloud Deployment" segment is projected to grow fastest, offering scalability and cost-efficiency for businesses [27]. Regional Insights - North America, particularly the U.S. and Canada, is leading in digital payment technology adoption with a projected CAGR of approximately 27.5% [28]. - The Asia Pacific region, especially China and India, is anticipated to achieve the highest CAGR of around 29.5%, driven by mobile payment adoption and government initiatives for financial inclusion [31]. Future Outlook - The Digital Payment Market is expected to continue its strong expansion driven by digital transformation, financial inclusion efforts, and emerging technologies like quantum computing and advanced AI [20][34]. - Key forces influencing the market include technological innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and shifts in consumer behavior towards convenience and personalization [34][35].

Industry Overview - Mobile payments are transforming financial transactions, moving from physical cash to digital transactions through smartphones, tablets, and wearables, creating a dynamic financial ecosystem [2][3] - The global mobile payments market is projected to grow from $3.84 trillion in 2024 to $26.53 trillion by 2032, reflecting a 27% CAGR, indicating strong momentum in the sector [6] Technological Advancements - Emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence are enhancing transparency, fraud detection, and transaction speeds, while "super apps" are integrating messaging and shopping into seamless financial experiences [3][4] - Companies are leveraging advanced technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and QR codes to facilitate mobile payments [2] Key Players - Capital One is enhancing its mobile payments leadership with a digital-first banking ecosystem, integrating its mobile app with digital wallets and offering a comprehensive financial hub [8][9][10] - NCR Voyix is innovating in mobile payments for retail and restaurants, introducing solutions like Aloha Pay-At-Table, which improves transaction speed and customer experience [11][12][13] - Affirm is expanding its mobile payments presence through its Buy Now, Pay Later platform, integrating with digital wallets and planning international expansion [14][15][16] - Marqeta is powering mobile payments with its card-issuing platform and has seen a 29% year-over-year increase in total payments volume, while also bridging crypto and fiat transactions [17][18][19] Market Dynamics - The rise of e-commerce and improved digital infrastructure are driving the adoption of modern payment platforms, which serve as comprehensive financial dashboards [5] - Regulatory initiatives are evolving to enhance security, data privacy, and financial inclusion, keeping pace with the rapid growth of mobile payments [6]

Core Insights - Coocon, a South Korean data platform firm, is expanding its global payment platform by incorporating stablecoin technology and leveraging its established domestic payment infrastructure [1][3] - The company aims to create a global payment distribution network that integrates various payment methods and stablecoin [1] Domestic Infrastructure - Coocon's existing domestic payment infrastructure includes two million mobile QR merchants, 100,000 franchise merchants, and a network of 40,000 ATMs across South Korea [1] - This infrastructure allows for real-time cross-border payments without traditional currency exchange or card issuance, facilitating easier transactions within Korea [2] Expansion Plans - Coocon plans to launch UnionPay services in late September and WeChat Pay in October [2] - A partnership with Bank Indonesia is set to extend services in the second half of the year, aimed at improving convenience for international visitors and local merchants [2] Focus on Stablecoin - The company is shifting its focus towards the stablecoin sector, with the CEO stating that Coocon's data collection and connectivity capabilities are essential for global payment companies entering the Korean market [3] Vision and Innovation - Coocon is evolving from a payment service provider to a network platform that connects the global fintech ecosystem, emphasizing its commitment to driving global payment innovation [4] - The company plans to participate in the Singapore Fintech Festival in November to seek partnerships with global payment and stablecoin entities [4] Data Management - Beyond payment services, Coocon manages 'Coocon.net', which aggregates data from around 500 domestic institutions and 2,000 financial institutions from over 40 countries, offering more than 300 APIs [5]

Industry Overview - Mobile payments have evolved into a comprehensive financial ecosystem, driven by fintech innovation and smartphone adoption, with global fintech investment reaching $44.7 billion in H1 2025 despite economic challenges [2] - The global mobile payments market was valued at $3.84 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $4.97 trillion in 2025, with an expected surge to $26.53 trillion by 2032, reflecting a 27% CAGR [4] Key Players - Capital One is enhancing its mobile payments capabilities through a digital-first banking platform and a robust credit card network, integrating with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay [5][7] - PayPal serves 438 million active accounts globally, leveraging unmatched transaction data to provide merchants with insights that enhance customer loyalty and sales [8] - Marqeta's next-gen card issuing platform supports businesses in embedding digital payments into their applications, with a 29% year-over-year increase in total processing volume to $91 billion in Q2 2025 [13] - NCR Voyix is innovating in mobile payments for retail and restaurant sectors, with solutions that improve speed and customer experience, achieving a 16% year-over-year growth in platform sites [16] Technological Innovations - Emerging technologies like blockchain and AI are enhancing transaction transparency, processing speed, and fraud mitigation [2] - PayPal's "Tap to Pay" feature utilizes NFC technology to convert smartphones into contactless payment terminals, facilitating seamless mobile e-commerce [10] - Marqeta's open API architecture allows for customizable payment experiences, supporting real-time processing and secure interactions [12] Market Trends - The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for contactless payment solutions, prompting regulatory responses focused on data privacy and financial inclusion [4] - The rise of "super apps" like WeChat Pay and Alipay is transforming consumer behavior by integrating various services into a single platform [2] - The growth of e-commerce and improved digital infrastructure are significant factors driving the adoption of mobile payments [3]

Core Insights - The Central Asian e-commerce market, particularly in Uzbekistan, is experiencing explosive growth driven by a young population and advancements in digital infrastructure [1][2] - Uzbekistan's e-commerce market is projected to exceed $2 billion in the next five years, with online retail share expected to rise from 3% to 15% [1] - The integration of e-commerce, fintech, and logistics is crucial for platforms like Uzum Market to connect Chinese manufacturing with Central Asian consumers [1][5] E-commerce Market Growth - Uzbekistan's e-commerce market is forecasted to grow approximately sevenfold, reaching $12 billion by 2027 [1][2] - The establishment of the largest logistics center in the region by Uzum Market has facilitated online shopping, especially in remote areas [1][2] Mobile Internet and Government Support - The cost of mobile internet in Uzbekistan has decreased by nearly 90% over the past four years, enhancing access to digital services for millions [2] - The government is providing significant support to the e-commerce sector, including a reduced tax rate of 1% for freelancers and individual entrepreneurs selling online starting January 1, 2026 [2] Employment and Market Accessibility - E-commerce platforms are providing a quick entry point for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the national market, creating new job opportunities [2][3] - Over 17,000 entrepreneurs are currently selling products on Uzum Market, which has become one of the largest taxpayers in the country [2] Consumer Behavior and Product Availability - E-commerce is enhancing the availability of affordable and diverse products for residents in remote areas, with over 1,100 pickup points established across 400 residential areas [3] - Approximately 30% of sellers on Uzum Market are women, providing them with low-cost entrepreneurial opportunities [3] Cross-Border E-commerce Opportunities - Uzum Market is facilitating access for Chinese sellers to the Uzbek market, indicating strong local demand for Chinese products [3][5] - The platform offers support for Chinese manufacturers, including a new delivery model and partnerships with logistics companies for cross-border shipping [3] Strategic Investments - Tencent's investment of nearly $70 million in Uzum Market highlights the platform's potential due to its large user base, stable operations, and comprehensive logistics system [5] - Uzum is positioned as a digital ecosystem integrating e-commerce, fintech, and logistics, serving millions of consumers and thousands of sellers [5][6] Market Comparison - The e-commerce market in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, is still developing compared to China's mature and competitive landscape [5][6] - The underdeveloped nature of the Central Asian e-commerce market presents significant future growth potential as payment and logistics infrastructures improve [6]