Real-time payments: accelerating business operations
Real-time payments (RTP) let companies settle transactions in a few seconds instead of days, which can improve cash flow management and customer satisfaction across treasury, supply chain and client operations.
“RTP is set to become the backbone of modern business operations, especially as companies look to optimize working capital and deliver seamless experiences,” Walker said.
While consumer card networks may adopt RTP more slowly due to interchange concerns, business adoption is accelerating. “Clients are already using RTP to replace ACH,” Walker said. “The direction is clear: Nobody wants to wait three days if they can have it in three minutes.”
Use cases include just-in-time supplier payments, instant payroll and rapid customer refunds. RTP gives treasury teams greater visibility and control while delivering faster, more reliable transactions to customers.
Implementation involves careful system integration, regulatory compliance and risk management. “Once you’ve sent it, it’s gone,” Walker said about RTP transactions. “Risk management is critical, and businesses need to understand the regulatory environment governing these transactions, including Reg E.”
Blockchain technology: beyond the hype
While blockchain is often associated with cryptocurrencies, its business value lies in creating trust and transparency for payments and settlements. Distributed ledger technology helps companies streamline reconciliation, reduce fraud and enable secure cross-border transactions.
“Blockchain’s greatest appeal is simplifying complex payment processes and providing a single source of truth for all parties involved,” Walker said. “It’s about speeding up the flow of funds and creating the transparency businesses want.” Applications include smart contracts for automated settlement, tokenized payments and real-time fund tracking.
Blockchain technology still faces regulatory and operational challenges, including data privacy, interoperability and evolving compliance standards. “Business leaders should stay informed about regulatory developments and evaluate blockchain solutions that align with their strategic goals,” Walker said. “Collaboration with reliable blockchain solution providers is key to navigating the complexities of adoption.”
Biometrics and security: enhancing trust in transactions
As payment volumes grow, so do fraud and cyber threats. Biometrics—fingerprint scans, iris scans, facial recognition and voice recognition—provide powerful customer authentication and fraud prevention. These technologies combine security with convenience, reducing friction while protecting sensitive data.
Acceptance of biometrics is growing steadily. “The ubiquity of biometrics in our phones—opening your phone with your face—has created consumer acceptance,” Walker said. “Younger generations who grew up with facial recognition will likely drive even faster adoption.”
