The Evolution of Payments and Payment Platforms: A Glimpse into the Future for Corporate Service Providers

Over the past decade, the world of payments has undergone a transformative journey, reshaping the way individuals and businesses conduct transactions.

The rise of innovative technologies and evolving consumer preferences has given birth to various types of payments and a multitude of payment platforms. As corporate service providers strive to stay ahead in this ever changing landscape, understanding the past changes and anticipating the future is key.

The Evolution of Payments and Payment Platforms

Traditional cash transactions have significantly declined as digital alternatives have developed and become common place in people’s day to day lives. Debit and credit cards became the gateway to cashless payments, providing convenience and security to consumers. This transition marked a pivotal phase of the digital payment revolution.

The arrival of the smartphone unlocked a new era of mobile payments. Technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC) which allows two devices like your phone and a payments terminal to talk to each other when they are in close vicinity (contactless payments), enabled customers to pay for goods and services with their mobile devices, reducing the need for physical cards.

With demand from consumers for quicker and simpler ways to transfer money to friends and family, Peer-to Peer (P2P) payment platforms like PayPal and Revolut emerged, allowing users to send funds instantly through mobile apps or web interfaces. This shift streamlined personal transactions and set the stage for further innovations.

The rise of e-commerce drove a surge in online payments. Secure gateways and digital wallets facilitated seamless transactions, eliminating the need for entering card details repeatedly: every time you buy an item from Amazon you are paying using a digital wallet. This growth fuelled the global expansion of businesses and the digital economy.

With a focus on contactless experiences, payments took centre stage.

Tap-and-go payments using contactless cards, wearables like smartwatches, and even biometric authentication like facial recognition technology became popular: think Apple’s Face ID to authenticate payments by simply looking at your phone when using a digital wallet such as Apple Pay. This trend accelerated during the pandemic, with consumers prioritising health and convenience.

The Future of Payments for Corporate Service Providers

The emergence of both inventive start-ups and tech giants brought about significant transformations in the payment industry. As payment platforms gain traction and redefine the way transactions are conducted, corporate service providers find themselves facing new challenges and opportunities.

To thrive in this every changing landscape, corporate service providers need to adapt their strategies, services, and approach. Managing key considerations while navigating the complexities of fintech-driven payment platforms is crucial for them to succeed in this new world. These can be anything from compliance and security measures to fostering collaboration, embracing technology, and enhancing the customer experience.

Looking ahead to the next decade here are some key trends we anticipate:

• With increasing competition from fintech start-ups and tech giants, Banks are partnering with fintech companies, giving them access to cutting edge technology and innovative solutions for a  more efficient and comprehensive banking experience. Traditional payment methods like cheques will continue to decline, making way for the further adoption of digital solutions. These alliances, will become common place and enable traditional banks to stay relevant and competitive in the digital era.
• Fintech start-ups will continue driving innovation in payment solutions, with their nimble and agile approach enabling them to identify gaps in the market and create user-centric platforms that cater to specific needs. Fintech partnerships give Corporate Service Providers access to advanced technology, enabling automation, streamlining operations, enhanced efficiency and the ability to provide tailored solutions to clients.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in enhancing payment security, fraud detection, and personalised user experiences. Biometric authentication will become typical as the technology eliminates the need for traditional passwords or PINs reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access as well as the numerous PIN numbers and password Corporate Services employees use in their day to day roles.
• As referenced in Paul’s Fosse’s article “Banking and Blockchain?” the exploration of Central Banks Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is gaining momentum, with some countries possibly implementing their digital currencies. With the CBDCs faster and more efficient payment infrastructure, benefits will include reduced payment processing time and the streamlining of operational processes.

The lines between payment platforms, financial services, and e-commerce will blur, streamlining the entire financial landscape. By utilising these integrated systems, Corporate Services Providers can offer their clients enhanced convenience and flexibility in conducting transactions, managing finances, and accessing essential services. This convergence enables the Corporate Services Provider to offer a one-stop-shop solution, simplifying the corporate clients’ operations and optimising their financial processes.

How can JTC help?

We leverage fintech capabilities to stay ahead, to position ourselves as trustworthy and forward-thinking partners, to ultimately strengthen our competitive advantage and build stronger, more trusted relationships with our clients. The mutual beneficial relationships built between Fintechs/Banks and JTC, accompanied with future payments innovation, promises increased collaboration, dynamic growth, and mutual benefits for both our clients and JTC.

To find out more, please contact Lisa Markham directly.