Government digital currency projects have the potential to displace banks and fintechs from the payment process. But three major participants — Accenture, Ant Group and Swift — argue that incumbents have a role to play.

Digital payments can cut costs, errors and other tasks that would be prohibitive on their own, says Kofax's Lindsay Pinkos.

The urgency to streamline processes during the pandemic accentuated how digitization can also drive diversity, fairness and better environmental outcomes, says Microsoft’s Bill Borden.

Legacy vendors are competing more aggressively to modernize payroll, insurance payouts and data sharing.

Apple provided in-depth detail on how many apps it rejected last year and why its iPhone payment system keeps customers secure, seeking to deflect claims from Epic Games that its review process and purchase system is a deterrent to competition.

ByteDance's TikTok is working with brands including streetwear label Hype to test in-app sales in Europe, a move that will intensify its competition with Facebook Inc. and further blur the line between social media and online shopping.

Google is enabling cross-border payments within the Google Pay app through integrations with Western Union and U.K.-based remittance firm Wise.

Despite strong payment volume and revenue, Affirm's earnings suffered due to stock compensation and an adjustment on its purchase of PayBright in January.

There are too many security, usability and reliability risks for QR codes to be the main driver of transit payment. NFC is likely better, says Carlypso Networks' Philippe Vappereau.

The Mojaloop Foundation's Adama Diallo and Paul Hunter argue open, affordable real-time payments systems have the potential to include all and help turn underserved women into the newly served, enabling them to become economically active.