The PAY360 2025 event is currently being held at ExCeL London, organized to bring together industry professionals from the payments sector to delve into emerging trends, technologies, and challenges that are shaping the landscape of payments.
On the first day of this two-day conference, discussions revolved around pivotal topics such as the future of payment systems in the European Union, innovations in retail, the role of artificial intelligence in combatting financial crime, the promise of digital wallets, and the application of blockchain technology within payment paradigms.
A key session titled “Good Governance, Security, Sharing, and Privacy: Can We Have It All?” focused on the implications of the Digital Personal Data Information (DPDI) legislation in the UK and prospects for smart data usage. This discussion raised important questions about the demand for a comprehensive, industry-wide data-sharing framework that would enable better data usage both nationally and internationally. Speakers emphasized the necessity for organizations to share the right information to facilitate substantial impacts.
A highlight of the event included announcements of winners from a recent competition, demonstrating engagement and excitement among attendees.
Another session titled “Demystifying Payments Orchestration” provided insights into how payments orchestration could resolve longstanding issues and minimize risks of service outages. This discussion assessed the rapid adoption of payments orchestration and evaluated whether it represents a permanent shift or merely a passing trend. Speakers noted that its advantages could significantly benefit lower-risk sectors, like retail, while also proposing ways to integrate these systems at reduced costs.
The session “Racing Ahead: Can Payment Technology Match the Pace of the Mobility Evolution?” addressed the fast-evolving landscape of global mobility and the increasing customer demand for seamless experiences. The conversation highlighted that today’s automotive solutions signal the onset of a broader connected transport revolution, with the potential for full market adoption by 2035. Attendees explored whether current payment technologies are capable of providing consumers with the integrated mobility services they desire for travel today and in the future.
Discussion on financial inclusion took center stage during the “Innovation Challenge Showcase: A Collaboration with Project Nemo” session. This part of PAY360 introduced an Innovation Challenge Series initiated by Fintech Fringe, aimed at fostering collaborative relationships between corporations and startups. Recognizing the winners of the first challenge, speakers focused on efforts aimed at tackling financial exclusion specifically for adults with learning disabilities. They noted the significant economic potential within the $1.8 trillion accessible payments market and advocated for inclusive design as a means to enable growth and improve outcomes for marginalized communities.
Global insights on financial systems infrastructure formed a key part of the “Next Generation of Financial Systems Infrastructure” session, where speakers examined how worldwide developments are relevant to the UK. They assessed the status of interconnected fast payment systems, potential policy impacts, and the necessity of reevaluating interoperability to bolster future advancements.
The conversation continued with a discussion on the “National Payments Vision: A Necessary Route to Change?” It focused on the importance of the National Payments Vision (NPV) in guiding industry evolution. The session highlighted how effective governance could ensure that the NPV drives meaningful changes in the sector, responding to governmental challenges posed by the UK Treasury.
As the event progressed into its second day, attendees expressed optimism about the opportunities for engagement and collaboration in defining the future of payment systems.
Furthermore, essential themes discussed included the evolution towards improving financial infrastructure and interoperability across payment systems, aiming to establish streamlined functionality to accommodate future growth. As payments technology is anticipated to undergo substantial changes in the next two years, key macro trends and innovations, particularly involving artificial intelligence and the growing role of major technology firms, were identified as critical aspects for industry participants to monitor closely.
Overall, insights gathered during PAY360 2025 set the stage for ongoing discussions and forward-thinking initiatives in the payments sector, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to adapt to the substantial shifts in technology and consumer expectations.