The fight over the future of global payments

The fight over the future of global payments
(Image: Getty)
The Economist
Over the past two decades the ways people pay, receive and transfer money have changed beyond recognition. The revolution began in 2007 when m-pesa made it possible for Kenyans to make payments with a text message. In 2011 Alipay launched payment-by-QR-code in China, a system that has all but replaced cash in cities. Since then India’s state-led Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Brazil’s Pix have vastly widened access to the financial system among the poor. Globally, the use of notes and coins has been cut by a thi...

More Finance

Surcharge ban may not be a win for consumers
Finance

Peter Griffin: Surcharge ban may not be a win for consumers

There are winners and losers in the surcharge move.

Peter Griffin 30 Jul 2025
FNZ employee shareholders stake claim at $7.7b
Finance

FNZ employee shareholders stake claim at $7.7b

The claim has been lodged in the High Court at Wellington.

Victoria Young 29 Jul 2025
FMA warns lenders on mortgage fraud
Finance

FMA warns lenders on mortgage fraud

The FMA sees dangers for borrowers if lenders aren't vigilant.

Staff reporters 25 Jul 2025
‘Teflon Man’ Neil Quigley’s next big job
Finance Analysis

Pattrick Smellie: ‘Teflon Man’ Neil Quigley’s next big job

Is the RBNZ lining up a Canadian replacement for Adrian Orr?

Pattrick Smellie 23 Jul 2025