Cryptocurrency Payments

Cryptocurrency payments use digital assets such as Bitcoin and stablecoins for purchases, remittances and merchant settlement. Recent developments range from Lawson’s trial in Japan of JPYC payments integrated with its point-of-sale system to Visa cards, B2B payment gateways and MetaMask funding accounts. Providers in Australia, the Middle East and emerging markets are also expanding through licensing and local partnerships. Cases involving cryptocurrency as illicit compensation have meanwhile highlighted compliance and fund-tracing risks. Whether crypto payments can lower cross-border costs, enter everyday commerce and comply with local regulations remains an important issue to watch.