Asia seizes 38 % of global digital payments as SG nears cash-light reality

Singapore led the region’s digital payment surge with real-time systems like PayNow.

Singapore’s payment landscape is increasingly digital, supported by government initiatives under the Smart Nation program, which promotes a cash-light society.

Real-time payment systems such as PayNow and FAST have seen rapid adoption amongst small and medium enterprises, lowering transaction costs and speeding up payments.

According to Global Payments’ 2026 Commerce and Payment Trends report, digital payment volumes are rising across Asia.

The region accounted for around 38 % of global digital payments market value in 2025 and is projected to expand further

The adoption is driven by lower-cost payment rails and the integration of regional wallet networks like Alipay+, which allow consumers and merchants to conduct cross-border transactions.

Super apps in Singapore have also contributed to this trend by bundling payments with services and embedding financial tools into their partner ecosystems.

Other trends highlighted in the report include the growth of “buy now, pay later” solutions, the increasing role of mobile wallets, and the shift toward omnichannel experiences where consumers expect seamless payment across online and offline touchpoints.

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