At Money20/20 USA, Cecilia Tamez, Dandelion's Chief Strategy Officer, joined industry leaders Anand Natarajan (Standard Chartered Bank), AaronSchneider (Boku, Inc.), and Erika Wool (Stripe) to discuss the emerging markets payments boom. The panel explored how emerging markets are not only catching up but are leading the charge in payment innovation. With an emphasis on real-time payments, compliance through AI, and the transformative power of mobile wallets, the panel unpacked the factors that make these regions ripe for growth and essential to the future of global finance.

As the panelists shared insights, a clear picture emerged - traditional notions of “emerging markets” no longer apply. These regions are becoming powerhouses in the global payments landscape, adopting advanced digital solutions at a faster pace than many developed markets. For financial institutions, this shift represents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with what everyone is striving to reach - the next 100 million users.

Here are the top takeaways from the conversation, showcasing the strategies reshaping payments in these high-potential economies.

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‍Real-time payments aren’t a luxury anymore - they’re essential

The G20 has set ambitious targets for cross-border payments, pushing for transactions to be completed within an hour by 2027. This shift is not just a benchmark; it’s a mandate for banks and financial institutions to adapt or risk falling behind. In emerging markets, where mobile wallets and digital transactions are rapidly replacing traditional banking, real-time payments area necessity.

“Emerging markets is almost a misnomer. The biggest revolutions in payments are happening where the infrastructure leapfrogs traditional methods.” — Anand Natarajan

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Real-time compliance with advanced AI

As real-time cross-border payments grow, so does the need for immediate compliance measures. With transactions processed in seconds, it’s essential to have real-time fraud detection and compliance tools. Cecilia highlighted how Dandelion Payments leverages AI to manage risk in real-time.

“The fewer intermediaries involved, the more transparent and efficient payments become, this is critical in underserved regions.” — Cecilia Tamez

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‍The next 100 million users will come from emerging markets

For any established financial institution, future growth will be driven by emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These regions represent untapped potential, where innovation is driven by necessity, and digital payment methods often leapfrog traditional banking systems. Local payment methods like UPI in India and M-Pesa in Kenya demonstrate how quickly new payment solutions can scale.

“In India, 54% of e-commerce transactions use local payment methods, do you really want to miss out on half the market?" — Aaron Schneider

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‍Building localized solutions requires localized knowledge and resources

At Dandelion Payments, we believe that understanding local payment preferences is essential to provide a seamless experience. This involves partnerships with local processors, compliance with unique regulations, and offering payment options that match consumer habits, like cash pickup in Mexico or mobile wallets in Kenya.

“We’re building a platform that supports mobile wallets, cash pickups, and real-time bank payments so that no market is left out.” — Cecilia Tame‍

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A future beyond plastic

In many emerging markets, consumers have skipped credit cards altogether, jumping directly from cash to mobile-based payments. This trend highlights the demand for digital solutions that offer ease, security, and inclusivity.

“In regions like APAC, up to 90% of the population has never owned a credit card, they went straight to digital wallets.” — Aaron Schneider

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Emerging markets hold vast potential for the next wave of economic growth. With innovations in real-time payments and localized solutions, financial institutions can unlock significant opportunities. These markets are where the real payment revolution is taking place, and the organizations that understand and embrace this shift will shape the future of global finance.

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