The Coming of Age of Digital Payments as a Field of Expertise

Abstract

This paper has three objectives. It lays out the key differences between a banking and a payments mindset, within the historical context in which these fields have developed. It initiates a discussion on whether it is useful to articulate the digital payments space as an emerging profession distinct from banking, and if so, what might be the core elements of its identity and how might a sense of a profession emerge. Finally, it looks at the main vision, information and human capacity gaps that are at present limiting the pace of development of the digital payments space.

Keywords: Digital Payments, Banking, Digital Financial Services