#digital-payments

#digital-payments

The announcement was made Sunday, Jan. 11, at the National Retail Federation's annual conference in New York. The protocol, known as the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), is designed to enable different AI agents to communicate with retailers and payment systems using a shared system, rather than establishing custom technical connections for each platform. It covers product discovery, purchasing and post-purchase support, according to Google.

The finance industry has gone through many changes over the years, but the pace of change has accelerated over the past decade. Crypto trading, commission-free trading, and enhanced fintech apps are some of the big shifts that have taken place in this sector. Some fintech ETFs give investors exposure to this trend while setting up for long-term returns that can outpace the S&P 500. These are some of the top funds to monitor.

ASEAN, counting over 480 million digital consumers, is primed to lead inclusive and sustainable digital trade. But MSMEs are historically subject to persistent barriers and exclusion from the benefits of digital commerce. Despite representing 95% of businesses and 60% of jobs worldwide, the sector currently faces a $5.7 trillion financing gap globally. The Public Forum of the World Trade Organization, held last 17 - 18 September 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, is the WTO's largest global outreach platform and brings stakeholders from around the world to discuss how the multilateral trading system can address key economic issues.

Maybe you were at a coffee shop and when your turn came, you opened your payment app, tapped your phone on the payment device, grabbed your cappuccino, and were done. Quick and easy. Maybe too quick and easy. Did the coffee shop miss a chance to engage with you? Did Mastercard miss an opportunity to show how their brand made this "priceless" moment possible? Did you miss an opportunity to teach your 8-year-old daughter a lesson on the value of money?

Commerce is on the brink of profound change, and PayPal and Google's recent announcement of a multiyear strategic partnership to advance various commerce solutions is evidence of that.

The MoU focuses on integrating Crypto.com Pay into Emirates' digital payments platform, allowing for payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, which will convert instantly into UAE dirhams.

According to a recent Juniper Research report, global spending via QR code payments is projected to exceed $8 trillion by 2029 - a huge leap that shows how this simple tool is becoming a vital part of everyday life.

The last time such a dramatic transformation occurred in consumer payment behavior was about 50 years ago, during the transition to credit cards.

Many younger adults are opting for sober-curious lifestyles or limiting alcohol consumption. When they do drink, they prefer to keep things low-key and affordable.

After this Sunday, passengers will need to use PRESTO cards, debit or credit cards, or cash to pay fares as Toronto phases out legacy transport payment methods.

Cuomo's campaign lost out on nearly $3 million in public matching funds due to mishandling electronic payment submissions, against repeated warnings from the City Campaign Finance Board.

The explosion of digital payments is driving chargebacks to unprecedented levels, projecting 324 million global chargebacks by 2028, with North America leading the surge.