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Latest news in the world of finance from 8B

Why QR Payments Took Off in Some Countries and Not Others

QR payments are part of everyday commerce in Brazil, China and several Asian and Latin American markets. In many European markets, they are not. That difference can make QR adoption look like a technology story: some countries adopted QR faster, while others stayed with cards. The reality is more interesting. Payment behaviour follows infrastructure.

Why Are QR Payments Growing So Fast?

QR payments have moved far beyond being an alternative way to pay. In markets such as Brazil, Argentina, Vietnam and the Philippines, scanning a QR code is their favourite way to pay. For banks, wallets, super apps, PSPs and payment platforms, the important question is not simply why people use QR payments. It is how to enable their customers to pay through local QR networks abroad using their existing banking or wallet app.

How Do QR Payments Work? From Scan to Settlement

Scanning a QR code takes seconds. Processing the payment behind it involves several layers of infrastructure.For banks, PSPs and payment platforms, understanding that flow is essential, particularly when the payer, merchant and payment systems operate across different markets.

25.09.2026

min

Author:

How Do QR Payments Work? From Scan to Settlement

What Is Scan-to-Pay? A Simple Guide to QR Payments

QR payments are becoming part of mainstream payment infrastructure across Asia, Latin America and other fast-growing markets.For banks, PSPs and payment platforms, the important development is not the QR code itself. It is the payment infrastructure behind it and the ability to give customers access to local payment ecosystems through an experience they already understand.

17.09.2026

min

Industry highlights

3.2 Cards per Adult: Inside Uzbekistan’s Expanding Payment Ecosystem

Uzbekistan has built the foundations of a highly connected payment market. Card ownership is widespread, digital banking has become mainstream, and domestic schemes HUMO and UZCARD provide extensive local reach. According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan’s pilot National Financial Inclusion Indices 2025 report, an average of 3.2 bank cards have been issued per adult. Bank cards are held by 83% of adults, around 77% are active internet-banking users, and 86.3% of the population has access to mobile internet for making payments. These figures point to a market with significant payment scale and a digitally connected customer base. Uzbekistan is now entering its next stage of development: turning this reach and digital readiness into a broader range of everyday merchant payments.

28.08.2026

min

Markets and consumers

Who Governs the Bridge? The Geopolitics of Cross-Border QR Payments

National QR and instant-payment systems are crossing borders. The strategic question is no longer only who owns the rail, but who sets the terms of connection.

20.08.2026

min

8B Research

Uzbekistan’s Video Games Market: Growth, Digital Sales and Payment Opportunities

Uzbekistan is emerging as a promising digital market in Central Asia. A young population, expanding internet access and a growing GameDev ecosystem are creating new opportunities for game publishers, distributors, technology providers and payment companies.

10.08.2026

min

Markets and consumers

From Factory Floors to Cross-Border Payments: How QR Codes Became a Global Payment Interface

The QR code was created to solve a problem on an automotive production line. More than 30 years later, the same technology is used to open restaurant menus, validate tickets, connect devices and initiate payments directly from bank accounts.

06.08.2026

min

Industry highlights

How Remittance Corridors Become B2B Payment Infrastructure

Remittance corridors solve identity, liquidity and last-mile delivery before they become commercial-payment infrastructure. As these capabilities mature, the same rails can support contractors, merchants, suppliers and B2B payments.

30.07.2026

min

8B Research