"A new study by the World Bank has found that the rapid digitalization of payments is fundamentally reshaping access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing economies. The report, titled “Firm Credit Constraints and Electronic Payments: A Global Analysis,” shows that digital transaction data is becoming a powerful alternative to traditional financial records, enabling lenders to assess businesses that were previously considered too risky or “data-sparse” to finance."

"The global proliferation of fast payment systems has transformed retail payment landscapes by enabling instant clearing and round-the-clock availability. While this advancement enhances efficiency and supports financial inclusion, it also introduces novel challenges—particularly regarding the resolution of disputes arising from fraudulent, erroneous, or contested transactions."

“Three top executives of the World Bank have argued that efforts made to facilitate digital payments during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic should be ramped up by leveraging the power of digital public infrastructure (DPI) to make digital payments by government for welfare schemes more sustainable. In a blog post on the Bank’s website, Christine Zhenwei Qiang, director of digital development global practice; Michal Rutkowski, global director for social protection and jobs, and Jean Pesme, global director of finance, cite examples in several countries where government-to-people (G2P) payments were possible for those who had DPI in place such as databases, digital ID systems or digital payments platforms. The authors agree that while such digital payment systems with the help of DPI created an opportunity for financial inclusion with many more people creating bank accounts or mobile wallets as was the case in Colombia and Brazil, there is need to remove certain barriers to make G2P payments more permanent and relevant.”