Ironically, according to a study by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) entitled Race to the Horizon -- "U.S. leadership in high technology faces challenges domestically and abroad. This pressure comes from global competitors who share America�s appreciation for the economic, political and social benefits of high tech; and from domestic legislators who would subject parts of the IT industry to burdensome regulation or discriminatory taxation. Foreign nations are willing and able to do what it takes to race ahead of today�s market incumbents and our own lawmakers seem to always rationalize the need for further control � despite the negative impacts this control would have on the industry. Over the next four years the next Administration, the Congress and the states will play a critical role in determining whether the U.S. retains its lead or, through lack of clear vision and halting public policy resolve, allows itself to slip into also ran status."
Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) – comprising digital wallets, instant payments, and QR payment systems – are experiencing explosive growth that's reshaping the global financial services marketplace. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research , the combined global transaction value for APMs is projected to reach $142 trillion by 2030. What's particularly fascinating is the underlying driver behind this trend: a growing desire for financial sovereignty, with nations developing domestic payment ecosystems rather than remaining dependent on international financial networks. Payment Ecosystem Market Development In 2024, approximately 45 percent of the global population used digital wallets – a remarkable adoption rate for a technology that barely existed a decade ago. China leads this transition, with 95 percent of its population using WeChat's payment functionality. WeChat exemplifies the "super app" phenomenon, where payment capabilities are in...