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.”

Biometric authentication is changing how businesses approach security. “With biometrics, businesses can deliver seamless customer experiences without compromising trust,” Walker said. “The challenge is balancing user experience with privacy and regulatory compliance. Best practice is ensuring that biometric data is stored securely and used responsibly, aligned with global standards.”

Looking ahead, advances in AI and machine learning are likely to further enhance payment security, enabling real-time fraud detection and adaptive authentication. 

Digital wallets: meeting evolving client expectations

Digital wallets are no longer just a consumer convenience—they’re becoming essential for B2B and B2C payments. As customers demand faster, more flexible payment options, businesses must integrate digital wallets into their ecosystems.

“Digital wallets directly respond to changing customer expectations for speed, simplicity and choice,” Walker said. “Personalized experiences are crucial. For example, one popular digital wallet provider allows customers to buy five gifts from a single merchant and ship them to five different people. That’s the experience consumers want. Loyalty programs and personalized services are key differentiators.”

Digital wallets help businesses expand into new markets and increase customer satisfaction. However, successful integration requires alignment with existing payment systems, robust security protocols and a clear differentiation strategy. When evaluating digital wallet adoption, consider factors such as interoperability, regulatory compliance and client data management.

Strategic considerations for decision-makers

As payment technologies rapidly evolve, ask the right questions when evaluating new solutions:

• How will new payment options impact your operational efficiency and client experience?
• What are the regulatory and security implications?
• Is your infrastructure ready to support ongoing innovation?

Preparing your organization means investing in technology, training teams and building partnerships that accelerate growth.

Businesses must have a single view of the customer, regardless of how they pay. “It’s critical to make sure your infrastructure and ecosystem are connected,” Walker said. “Many merchants don’t have the right technology to achieve this, and it leads to a disjointed experience and lost sales. Investing in the right technology and adding connective tissue is essential. Organizations that embrace change and invest in the right capabilities will be best positioned to capitalize on emerging payment technologies.”