Payments
The Payments Award celebrates the most innovative and impactful products, services, and initiatives that are leveraging technology, creativity, and strategic vision to enhance payment experiences, improve accessibility, and drive meaningful change in the global payments and commerce landscape.
Entries must highlight a specific product, service or initiative, to ensure recognition is given to the individual innovations driving impact and excellence. Company overviews are not eligible for entry.
Entries must highlight a specific product, service or initiative, to ensure recognition is given to the individual innovations driving impact and excellence. Company overviews are not eligible for entry.
Overview
There are no specific eligibility dates for the product itself within this Award. However, products must demonstrate at least 12 months of measurable and sustained impact, with evidence of ongoing activity within the current eligibility period (01 January 2025 - 30 January 2026).
A. Payments & Commerce Application
The work in this section celebrates payments and commerce products, initiatives, and services that solve a specific business or customer need.
*You may enter the same piece of work a maximum of three times in Section A. Payments & Commerce Application.
A01 Infrastructure.
Payment and commerce products and services that have made significant contributions to the development and enhancement of the underlying infrastructure that supports the payments ecosystem. The work should demonstrate innovative, scalable, and reliable infrastructure solutions that enable payment services and products to operate efficiently and securely.
A02 UX & Onboarding.
Payment and commerce products and services that have prioritized user-centered design to deliver seamless, intuitive, and engaging experiences end to end, while implementing efficient, user-friendly onboarding that ensures a smooth and secure start for new customers.
A03 Real Time Payments.
Payment and commerce products and services that have made significant advancements in enabling instant, seamless, and secure payment transactions. This may include, but is not limited to, instantaneous payment processing, 24/7 availability, etc.
A04 Fraud.
Payment and commerce products and services that innovatively enhance the security of payment transactions, protect consumers and businesses from fraudulent activities, and contribute to the overall trust and integrity of the payment ecosystem.
A05 Cybersecurity.
Payment, commerce, technology, and cybersecurity products and services that have excelled in safeguarding digital payment ecosystems through cybersecurity, demonstrating innovation and leadership in securing digital transactions, protecting sensitive financial data, mitigating cyber threats, and ensuring the trust, reliability, and integrity of online payments and commerce.
A06 AML, Identity & KYC.
Payment and commerce products and services that have excelled in the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, identity verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. The work should demonstrate any achievements that have enhanced security, regulatory compliance, and customer trust within the payments ecosystem.
A07 Personalization.
Payment and commerce products, services and initiatives that excel in delivering highly personalized transactional experiences to their customers. This may include, but is not limited to, the use of advanced technologies, data analytics, innovative strategies to tailor products, services, and interactions to the individual needs and preferences of customers.
A08 Loyalty.
Payment and commerce products, services and initiatives that deliver clear, easy-to-use loyalty value to encourage repeat use, preference, and everyday engagement across cards, wallets, and checkout. This may include, but is not limited to, rewards programs, partner offers, card-linked incentives, and seamless earn-and-redeem experiences that create visible value.
A09 RegTech & SupTech.
Payment and commerce products and services that leverage advanced technology to enhance regulatory compliance and supervisory processes. The work should show how often complex and resource-intensive tasks associated with compliance and supervision have been streamlined or automated, reducing costs and risks while improving efficiency and accuracy.
A10 Digital Assets & Cryptocurrency.
Payment and commerce products and services that have integrated digital assets – such as cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, stablecoins, or other blockchain-based innovations – into core services, such as payments, settlements, or cross-border transactions. The work should demonstrate increased efficiency, faster transaction processing, and reduced costs, with an emphasis on regulatory compliance and industry impact.
A11 Borderless Payments.
Payment and commerce products and services that have made significant contributions to the development and enhancement of cross-border payment solutions. The work should demonstrate innovation, speed, cost efficiency, and security in enabling seamless international transactions. Solutions that improve financial accessibility, reduce friction in global payments, and support the growing demand for instant, transparent, and inclusive cross-border financial services.
A12 InsurTech. NEW
Payment and commerce products and services that have transformed insurance through digital innovation and intelligent automation. This may include, but is not limited to, predictive analytics engines, automated underwriting platforms, personalized policy tools, embedded insurance solutions, and digital claims systems that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and customer experience across the insurance lifecycle.
A13 AI & Automation. NEW
Payment and commerce products and services that have leveraged artificial intelligence and automation to transform banking operations, customer experiences, or decision-making processes. The work should demonstrate how the organization has implemented AI or automation technologies to drive efficiency, accuracy, scalability, or innovation within the payments sector.
A01 Infrastructure.
Payment and commerce products and services that have made significant contributions to the development and enhancement of the underlying infrastructure that supports the payments ecosystem. The work should demonstrate innovative, scalable, and reliable infrastructure solutions that enable payment services and products to operate efficiently and securely.
A02 UX & Onboarding.
Payment and commerce products and services that have prioritized user-centered design to deliver seamless, intuitive, and engaging experiences end to end, while implementing efficient, user-friendly onboarding that ensures a smooth and secure start for new customers.
A03 Real Time Payments.
Payment and commerce products and services that have made significant advancements in enabling instant, seamless, and secure payment transactions. This may include, but is not limited to, instantaneous payment processing, 24/7 availability, etc.
A04 Fraud.
Payment and commerce products and services that innovatively enhance the security of payment transactions, protect consumers and businesses from fraudulent activities, and contribute to the overall trust and integrity of the payment ecosystem.
A05 Cybersecurity.
Payment, commerce, technology, and cybersecurity products and services that have excelled in safeguarding digital payment ecosystems through cybersecurity, demonstrating innovation and leadership in securing digital transactions, protecting sensitive financial data, mitigating cyber threats, and ensuring the trust, reliability, and integrity of online payments and commerce.
A06 AML, Identity & KYC.
Payment and commerce products and services that have excelled in the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, identity verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. The work should demonstrate any achievements that have enhanced security, regulatory compliance, and customer trust within the payments ecosystem.
A07 Personalization.
Payment and commerce products, services and initiatives that excel in delivering highly personalized transactional experiences to their customers. This may include, but is not limited to, the use of advanced technologies, data analytics, innovative strategies to tailor products, services, and interactions to the individual needs and preferences of customers.
A08 Loyalty.
Payment and commerce products, services and initiatives that deliver clear, easy-to-use loyalty value to encourage repeat use, preference, and everyday engagement across cards, wallets, and checkout. This may include, but is not limited to, rewards programs, partner offers, card-linked incentives, and seamless earn-and-redeem experiences that create visible value.
A09 RegTech & SupTech.
Payment and commerce products and services that leverage advanced technology to enhance regulatory compliance and supervisory processes. The work should show how often complex and resource-intensive tasks associated with compliance and supervision have been streamlined or automated, reducing costs and risks while improving efficiency and accuracy.
A10 Digital Assets & Cryptocurrency.
Payment and commerce products and services that have integrated digital assets – such as cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, stablecoins, or other blockchain-based innovations – into core services, such as payments, settlements, or cross-border transactions. The work should demonstrate increased efficiency, faster transaction processing, and reduced costs, with an emphasis on regulatory compliance and industry impact.
A11 Borderless Payments.
Payment and commerce products and services that have made significant contributions to the development and enhancement of cross-border payment solutions. The work should demonstrate innovation, speed, cost efficiency, and security in enabling seamless international transactions. Solutions that improve financial accessibility, reduce friction in global payments, and support the growing demand for instant, transparent, and inclusive cross-border financial services.
A12 InsurTech. NEW
Payment and commerce products and services that have transformed insurance through digital innovation and intelligent automation. This may include, but is not limited to, predictive analytics engines, automated underwriting platforms, personalized policy tools, embedded insurance solutions, and digital claims systems that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and customer experience across the insurance lifecycle.
A13 AI & Automation. NEW
Payment and commerce products and services that have leveraged artificial intelligence and automation to transform banking operations, customer experiences, or decision-making processes. The work should demonstrate how the organization has implemented AI or automation technologies to drive efficiency, accuracy, scalability, or innovation within the payments sector.
B. Impact
The work in this section celebrates the effectiveness of payment and commerce products, initiatives, and services in delivering business and consumer success. It recognizes those that have made a tangible impact through innovative approaches, sustained performance, and a commitment to creating value for both their customers and the broader community.
B01 Commercial Impact.
Payment and commerce products and services that have had a clear, positive and lasting commercial impact, leading to long term growth and competitive advantage in the payment sector.
B02 Sustained Success.
Payment and commerce products and services that have shown consistent growth, resilience, and ongoing success over an extended period. This may include, but is not limited to, financial performance, customer satisfaction, or operational excellence.
B03 Financial Inclusion.
Payment and commerce products and services that provide underserved or marginalized groups with greater access to financial services. This could include, but is not limited to, increased wallet or account activations, reduced fees and remittance costs, expanded merchant acceptance (especially for small and informal businesses), inclusive onboarding/KYC, or offline or low-bandwidth payment options. The work should demonstrate the impact the solution has had on a particular group or community.
B04 Challenger Brand.
Payment and commerce products and services that disrupt their industry or market by challenging the status quo and larger competitors.
B05 Environmental Social Governance (ESG).
Payment and commerce products and services that have successfully integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations, products, or services. This may include, but is not limited to, initiatives that promote green finance and environmental sustainability, advance financial inclusion and social equity, foster diversity and community engagement, and demonstrate transparent governance, ethical decision-making, and regulatory compliance.
B01 Commercial Impact.
Payment and commerce products and services that have had a clear, positive and lasting commercial impact, leading to long term growth and competitive advantage in the payment sector.
B02 Sustained Success.
Payment and commerce products and services that have shown consistent growth, resilience, and ongoing success over an extended period. This may include, but is not limited to, financial performance, customer satisfaction, or operational excellence.
B03 Financial Inclusion.
Payment and commerce products and services that provide underserved or marginalized groups with greater access to financial services. This could include, but is not limited to, increased wallet or account activations, reduced fees and remittance costs, expanded merchant acceptance (especially for small and informal businesses), inclusive onboarding/KYC, or offline or low-bandwidth payment options. The work should demonstrate the impact the solution has had on a particular group or community.
B04 Challenger Brand.
Payment and commerce products and services that disrupt their industry or market by challenging the status quo and larger competitors.
B05 Environmental Social Governance (ESG).
Payment and commerce products and services that have successfully integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations, products, or services. This may include, but is not limited to, initiatives that promote green finance and environmental sustainability, advance financial inclusion and social equity, foster diversity and community engagement, and demonstrate transparent governance, ethical decision-making, and regulatory compliance.
C. Strategy & Corporate Innovation
The work in this section will celebrate exceptional strategic vision and innovation in corporate practices. This may include, but is not limited to, innovative approaches to market expansion, rebranding, digital transformation, product development, corporate restructuring, etc.
C01 Mergers & Acquisition.
Payment and commerce products and services that have demonstrated exceptional creativity and forward thinking in executing mergers and acquisitions or strategic partnerships. The work should demonstrate how innovation in various aspects of the M&A process has led to positive outcomes and commercial success.
C02 Internal Transformation.
Payment and commerce companies that have successfully led or implemented a significant internal transformation. This may include, but is not limited to, the overhaul and improvement of internal processes, culture, technology, or organizational structure.
C03 Marketing & Brand Activation. NEW
Payment companies, commerce companies, and marketing agencies that have executed outstanding marketing campaigns, brand activations, or rebranding initiatives to drive awareness, engagement, or adoption of a payments or commerce business, product or service. The work should demonstrate how it delivered meaningful change, positively impacted brand perception, user engagement, or commercial performance, and positioned the brand effectively in a competitive market.
C01 Mergers & Acquisition.
Payment and commerce products and services that have demonstrated exceptional creativity and forward thinking in executing mergers and acquisitions or strategic partnerships. The work should demonstrate how innovation in various aspects of the M&A process has led to positive outcomes and commercial success.
C02 Internal Transformation.
Payment and commerce companies that have successfully led or implemented a significant internal transformation. This may include, but is not limited to, the overhaul and improvement of internal processes, culture, technology, or organizational structure.
C03 Marketing & Brand Activation. NEW
Payment companies, commerce companies, and marketing agencies that have executed outstanding marketing campaigns, brand activations, or rebranding initiatives to drive awareness, engagement, or adoption of a payments or commerce business, product or service. The work should demonstrate how it delivered meaningful change, positively impacted brand perception, user engagement, or commercial performance, and positioned the brand effectively in a competitive market.
D. Customer Experience
D01 Customer Experience.
Payment and commerce initiatives focusing on user-centric design, seamless service delivery, personalized experiences, and overall customer satisfaction. This may include, but is not limited to, the ability to solve customer pain points, the use of data and insights to personalize experiences, and the measurable improvements in customer engagement and loyalty.