Research series

The acceleration of digital adoption is leading to a reimagination of how consumers shop and engage with merchants. Transformation is upon us as new technologies designed to improve consumer experiences complement and enhance retail journeys.

A digital identity system, both secure and interoperable, as well as fit for the twenty-first century, is long overdue. Digital identification systems are being explored across the globe. We evaluate benefits as well as risks to privacy, cybersecurity and accessibility and their implications.

Consumers, businesses, and governments are adopting real-time payments because they are cheaper, faster, and more convenient than traditional methods. We explore how real-time payments enable a more inclusive and efficient payment ecosystem.

Multiple efforts are underway to achieve financial inclusion. Without ubiquitous connectivity and interoperability, however, progress will be slow. What can be improved to move closer to sustainable interoperability for financial inclusion.

Despite global technological progress, traditional trade finance continues to run on antiquated processes, operational inefficiencies, and lack of trust between participants. How can digital solutions create a more integrated trade ecosystem?

An estimated 1.7 billion adults worldwide are unbanked. As the world becomes more and more interconnected, there is an opportunity to widen access to those who remain financially underserved.