In an era where digital transactions dominate, a staggering statistic reveals that over 60% of online shoppers have used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options at least once in the past year, fundamentally altering how consumers approach spending. This seismic shift in payment preferences has not only reshaped consumer behavior but also forced financial institutions to rethink traditional models of
In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s bustling financial ecosystem, a staggering $40 billion in remittances flows out annually, driven by a vast expatriate workforce supporting families across the globe. This immense market, one of the largest of its kind, has long grappled with inefficiencies such as high fees and delayed transactions. Enter barq, a dynamic digital wallet, partnering with Thunes,
Introduction Imagine a financial sector where customer experiences are so personalized that every interaction feels uniquely tailored, where decisions are made autonomously by intelligent systems, and where entire enterprises operate with seamless AI integration. This vision is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality being shaped by industry leaders at a pivotal event in London. The gathering at
What if a single technology could unlock financial access for millions while safeguarding billions in transactions across the globe? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is doing just that, transforming the financial services sector in ways that are both profound and urgent. In a world where digital banking is the norm, yet vast populations remain excluded from basic financial tools, AI emerges as
What happens when a loan is no longer a trip to the bank but a simple click during an online purchase? Picture this: a small business owner secures working capital directly through their accounting software, or a shopper splits a purchase into installments without ever speaking to a banker. This seamless access to credit, woven into everyday digital interactions, signals
Imagine a banking landscape where every customer interaction is tailored to individual needs, where financial advice feels personal, and where risks are anticipated before they even emerge. This is the reality South Africa’s major banks are crafting through customer data analytics, a technology that has become a linchpin for innovation in the financial sector. As digital platforms dominate the industry,
What does it take to capture the attention of the world’s wealthiest individuals flocking to a single desert oasis, and how does Visa plan to meet their expectations? In 2025, the UAE stands as the unrivaled magnet for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), drawing nearly 10,000 millionaires to its shores in a single year—the highest influx globally. Amid this unprecedented wealth migration,
In a continent where cash once dominated, a staggering transformation is unfolding as digital payments surge, reshaping how millions of Africans interact with money, and highlighting a critical pathway to financial inclusion. Consider this: in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone, transaction values for mobile payments are projected to hit $3.85 billion this year, driven by a robust 19%
In a striking display of digital finance growth, Japan has emerged as a powerhouse in the cryptocurrency arena, boasting over 12 million active users and total deposits exceeding JPY 5 trillion (approximately $33 billion). This remarkable statistic underscores Japan’s position as a tech-forward nation embracing the transformative potential of digital assets. Yet, with such rapid expansion comes the pressing need
Imagine a small business owner in rural Bulgaria struggling to expand due to a lack of access to capital, caught in a financial system that overlooks their potential. This scenario is not isolated but reflects a staggering $400 billion financing gap affecting over 32 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. Embedded finance, a growing solution in today’s digital
Setting the Stage for Digital Transformation in DRC’s Financial Sector In the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stands as a stark example of financial exclusion, with less than 26% of adults accessing formal financial services, according to recent World Bank data. This staggering statistic underscores a critical challenge: how can millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals
The banking sector is undergoing a seismic shift as agentic AI and generative AI (Gen AI) emerge as game-changing forces, poised to redefine everything from operational workflows to customer interactions. These advanced technologies offer the promise of automating intricate processes, delivering highly personalized services, and achieving unprecedented cost efficiencies. Industry forecasts indicate that agentic AI could create as much as
