Published On : 08/08/2023

A new era of open banking is here: A look at the future of payments 

By Eric Shoykhet, CEO of Link Money, a US-based open banking payment platform.

Open banking – the system enabling seamless sharing of financial data between banks and third-party service providers via APIs – has stepped into the global spotlight in recent years. Following the EU’s Second Payment Services Directive decision to mandate data sharing in Europe, open banking has been top of mind for leading innovators across the world. While the past five years have seen tremendous progress, a new era of open banking payments is just around the corner. 

Just this year, the third Payment Services Directive (PSD3) announced its grand arrival in the EU. The legislation will focus on regulating electronic payments and the banking ecosystem as a whole. Through a deepened commitment to security and consumer rights, PSD3 will further expand the influence of open banking and transform the future of payments. 

State of Open Banking in the US 

While the EU has made tremendous progress regulating and mandating open banking, where does the US stand? 

The market-driven approach in the US has led to plenty of open banking innovations for preparing taxes, applying for loans, and payments without government mandates. In fact, over 80% of Americans have used open banking to connect a bank account to a third party, yet most couldn’t define open banking. 

This level of adoption has caught the attention of regulators. In June, the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that it is accelerating the shift to open banking through formalized regulatory requirements that will be finalized in 2024. These regulations will prioritize financial privacy and help break down barriers to open banking adoption. 

However, to understand the opportunities in open banking payments, it is important to understand the motivations behind the technology and the array of barriers that the US has faced to date. So what exactly can open banking technology do? 

Open Banking Payments: Quicker, Easier, and More Secure

Currently, open banking payments in the US present a swifter, more convenient, and highly secure alternative to traditional card payments. These payments work by leveraging open banking to enable consumers and businesses to authenticate transactions directly from their bank accounts. US businesses, burdened by exorbitant credit card processing fees, can save up to 70 percent on payment processing by embracing open banking payments. Furthermore, consumers enjoy enhanced security, convenience, and a healthier approach to personal finances, reducing their reliance on debt.

Driving Adoption

Despite the evident advantages, and Americans’ comfort with linking their bank accounts for other use cases, the US has encountered resistance when it comes to the implementation of open banking payment technology. This opposition can be attributed, in part, to the fact that some consumers associate open banking payments with security risks; sharing banking data feels inherently different than authorizing money movement. In actuality, open banking payments incorporate robust security measures that far surpass those of traditional payment methods, including password protection, multi-factor authentication, and biometrics. 

The US’ entrenched reliance on incumbent, and even antiquated payment methods contributes to the sluggish pace. The US continues using magstripe cards far past their relevance, despite massive security risks, and while other countries are phasing out check payments in the digital age, they still account for 20 percent of payment volumes in the US. 

The deceleration in adopting payment technology is not coincidental. These payment methods are immensely profitable for incumbent players. Ultimately, there is little incentive for them to offer new, innovative solutions, even as the rest of the world embraces more advanced payment methods.

A Path Forward: Innovate, Educate, and Empower

So how can we forge a better path for the future of open banking payments? While legislation and regulations like that of the CFPB will be instrumental, it will not achieve progress on its own. Innovation from new players and education of consumers and merchants will be instrumental in driving broader adoption. Understanding its promise, as well as the risks associated with continuing to utilize outdated payment methods, will help to overcome resistance to adoption. 

The Bottom Line

We are stepping into a new and exciting era of payments in the US. The technology is in a position to thrive with an ideal macroeconomic backdrop – from rising costs of living and inflation. With the right innovators and challengers in place, open banking payments will transform financial security, health and convenience for millions of consumers and merchants, and put billions of dollars back into the economy.

Uma Rajagopal

Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.