Payments

Institutional demand, regulatory clarity and technological maturity are aligning to push tokenised money and digital settlement deeper into mainstream finance, according to a high-level panel discussion in Singapore.

Philippines’ fintech GCash's wallet app is teaming up with Google Play for payments; the method uses biometric verification.

Zand AED is the country’s first regulated, multi-chain AED-backed stablecoin on public blockchains.

Several banks are exploring token transfers between systems and tackling interoperability concerns, including through Project Ensemble which is entering a new phase in 2026.

Brazil’s Banco Inter and Chainlink have completed a blockchain-based cross-border settlement pilot that many in trade finance have discussed for years.

Corporate treasurers across Asia Pacific are fast-tracking their shift toward real-time, data-driven operations as they brace for heightened market volatility, HSBC’s latest survey shows.

The initial phase, which allows PromptPay QR code payments to be used by foreign tourists, will be live in a few weeks. Krungthai Bank will act as the settlement bank.

CT recently caught up with Manoj Dugar and Yvonne Yiu, HSBC’s Apac regional co-heads, global payments solutions, about how payments are being impacted by tariffs, AI, cost pressures, differing systems, and the desire for speed and interoperability.

Payment technology and infrastructure is advancing rapidly. CT asked how corporate payments in Asia will change in the near future.

A study has revealed settlement delays, disproportionate fees, and fragmented regulations are stifling SME growth across Asean despite their central role in trade.

The markets in Asia added are: Japan, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal; the UAE in the Middle East has also been added.

34 banks from 16 markets will support a phased development of the blockchain-based network.