In recent years, the landscape of payments has undergone a remarkable transformation. The rise of tap-to-pay technology is now commonplace, while traditional financial institutions are actively investigating the potential of blockchain. Meanwhile, generative AI is stepping into the spotlight as a vital player in enhancing fraud protection rates by as much as 300%. The concept of borders has become less relevant to global trade; instant access to earnings is now expected rather than seen as a luxury, and for many younger individuals, paper checks and physical wallets are rapidly becoming relics of the past.
As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, more individuals and businesses are entering the digital economy daily. This shift is creating a heightened demand for reliable interactions and elevating expectations for simplicity and seamlessness in transactions. For instance, Mastercard recently unveiled plans that by 2030, online shopping will be so streamlined that customers won’t need to enter a physical card number or input passwords or one-time codes. This innovation will be made possible through the integration of tokenisation, biometric authentication, and their Click to Pay digital wallet.
The cycle of innovation perpetuates itself; technologies are converging faster than ever before, refining existing capabilities while giving rise to new applications and business models. Engaging with various Mastercard leaders has shed light on ten emerging trends poised to influence payment methods by 2025.
One significant trend involves outsmarting AI-driven fraudsters with AI technology itself. Cybercriminals have already begun leveraging generative AI to create convincing deep-fake videos and highly personalised phishing schemes aimed at stealing money or sensitive information. As cybercrime is projected to escalate to $10 trillion annually by 2025, companies are also utilising this powerful tool by training AI models designed to anticipate and mitigate threats in real-time. For example, Mastercard’s Decision Intelligence Pro employs generative AI algorithms that analyse one trillion data points within milliseconds—determining whether a transaction is likely legitimate—thereby enhancing fraud protection rates significantly by an average of 20% but potentially reaching up to an impressive 300%.
A transformative phase of digital accessibility is emerging, particularly in developing and emerging markets, where digital wallets increasingly function as substitutes for traditional bank accounts, capturing a significant share of consumers and businesses. These digital wallets are effectively addressing the needs of unbanked individuals by offering straightforward, convenient, and cost-effective solutions. However, there still needs to be a gap in integrating conventional card-based payment systems for international users. To bridge this gap, Mastercard introduced Pay Local, enabling cardholders to connect their credit or debit cards to local digital wallets. This innovation allows them to make purchases from merchants without the need to create or refill a prepaid account.
As digital wallets continue to advance into all-encompassing platforms, they will integrate various aspects such as payments, identity verification, loyalty programs, and even healthcare services—becoming vital tools for individuals as they manage their everyday activities. The frontrunners in this space will be those who develop user-friendly and interoperable ecosystems.
In tandem with this evolution is the rise of on-demand digital identity. Picture a woman clad in a yellow sweater smiling at her smartphone; she embodies the confidence that comes from having a trusted identity in today’s digital economy. This trust enables seamless interactions anytime and anywhere. Technologies like biometrics, machine learning, and
We anticipate that digital identities will enrich experiences across healthcare education, and identity insights are already enhancing authentication throughout customer journeys. The shift towards passkeys—password-free authentication often utilising biometrics—is gaining traction and is expected to accelerate by 2025.
Maintaining privacy is a priority. For instance, Mastercard is rolling out a service in public services by allowing individuals to share their identities selectively with others in Europe. This permits merchants to confirm whether consumers meet specific criteria for purchasing particular goods or services simply through their payment cards, eliminating the need for document uploads.
Transforming B2B Transactions into a Seamless Experience
While corporate payments have lagged in their transition to digital platforms, a shift is underway as businesses begin to embrace the advantages of virtual cards—temporary card numbers that are randomly generated and linked to an established credit line. This innovation streamlines reconciliation processes, significantly reducing human error while providing companies with real-time insights and enhanced control over their expenditures. By integrating payment systems within enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, organisations can execute immediate transactions, thwart fraudulent activities, and optimise their cost management strategies. For small businesses, the potential market for embedded finance could reach as high as $124 billion by 2025. The opportunities for these enterprises are vast, ranging from customer loyalty programs and digital wallets to accounting applications and e-commerce platforms.
In the realm of payments, contactless technology is revolutionising the checkout process. With more than two-thirds of in-person transactions on the Mastercard network now utilising contactless methods, this technology has solidified its role in facilitating quick and secure consumer payments. However, its capabilities extend far beyond mere card or phone taps at retail locations. The Tap on Phone feature transforms any device into a payment acceptance terminal, empowering merchants—from individual entrepreneurs to larger retailers—by simplifying acceptance processes. This advancement minimises the necessity for intricate checkout setups and reduces wait times for customers. As we witness an increasing fusion of physical and digital experiences, we can anticipate a broader application of tapping technology across various commercial scenarios—whether it’s verifying transactions, instantly adding cards to mobile wallets, or even transferring funds between friends and family members.
The evolution of real-time payments has reached a significant milestone, with these systems now operational in over 100 countries. By 2028, an estimated 575 billion real-time payment transactions are anticipated, accounting for 27% of all electronic payments worldwide. This advancement is empowering consumers with diverse options for making and receiving payments. As nations work towards integrating their domestic payment schemes, the process of cross-border transactions is becoming increasingly streamlined. Additionally, enhanced interoperability between real-time payment methods and other forms, such as central bank digital currencies and digital assets,s will facilitate smoother interactions between traditional bank accounts and digital currency wallets.
In this interconnected world where technology advances rapidly, success cannot be achieved in isolation. The nature of partnerships is shifting from simple tactical agreements to deeper collaborations aimed at co-developing solutions that drive large-scale innovation. Financial institutions, corporations, governments, and fintech companies are harnessing technology to improve efficiency, unlock value, and elevate user experiences. Fintechs are particularly pivotal in simplifying financial services by providing integrated tools that broaden access to the benefits of the digital economy while fostering trust.
Meanwhile, blockchain technology and digital assets have matured significantly in recent years, demonstrating their potential to revolutionise global finance and commerce systems. Cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and tokenised assets have transitioned from theoretical concepts to practical applications—especially concerning real-world asset integration. Looking ahead to 2025, blockchain is expected to enhance speed, security, and efficiency within B2B and commercial payments arenas. However, realising its full potential will necessitate strategic partnerships that leverage its capabilities effectively.
Maxthon
Maxthon has taken a thorough approach to bolstering the security of web applications, utilising an array of sophisticated techniques aimed at safeguarding users and their information. Central to this strategy are cutting-edge encryption protocols that provide a formidable barrier for the data exchanged between users and online platforms. This means that sensitive information, such as passwords and personal details, is kept securely encrypted while in transit, effectively preventing unauthorised access.
Beyond its strong encryption features, Maxthon prioritises keeping security measures current. The browser is committed to issuing regular updates that swiftly address potential vulnerabilities. Users are encouraged to enable automatic updates so they can effortlessly benefit from the latest fixes and improvements without any inconvenience.
Another crucial aspect of Maxthon’s offerings is its integrated ad blocker, which vitally shields users from potentially dangerous advertisements. 
By filtering out unwanted ads, Maxthon significantly reduces the likelihood of falling prey to phishing scams or accidentally downloading harmful software.
Phishing protection is also an essential part of Maxthon’s security framework. The browser is equipped with proactive tools designed to detect and block suspicious websites before users can access them. It provides an additional layer of defence against cybercriminals seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
For those who value their online privacy, Maxthon presents various privacy modes that enable users to browse without leaving behind traces such as browsing history or cookies during private sessions. This feature allows individuals to manage their digital footprint while navigating the internet efficiently.
Additionally, Maxthon incorporates an internal firewall specifically designed to monitor both incoming and outgoing traffic for any signs of suspicious activity, further enhancing its robust security measures.