Learning Objectives:
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Identify emerging trends in payments and digital banking.
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Understand the role of digital currencies and CBDCs.
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Explain the concept of open banking and embedded finance.
8.1 Emerging Payments Trends
Key emerging trends include:
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Real-Time Payments:Â Instant payment systems enabling 24/7/365 transfers.
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Digital Wallets:Â Mobile-based storage of payment credentials.
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Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL):Â Short-term financing at the point of sale.
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Contactless Payments:Â NFC-enabled tap-and-pay transactions.
8.2 Digital Currencies and CBDCs
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are digital forms of fiat currency issued by central banks. Key considerations:
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Design Choices:Â Retail vs. wholesale CBDCs.
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Policy Implications:Â Impact on monetary policy and financial stability.
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Privacy:Â Balancing privacy with regulatory requirements.
8.3 Open Banking and Embedded Finance
Open Banking enables third-party providers to access bank data through APIs, fostering competition and innovation. Embedded Finance integrates financial services into non-financial platforms, creating seamless customer experiences