Visa’s latest study, “Money Travels 2026 Digital Remittances Adoption Report,” highlights a significant increase in digital cross-border payments across the Asia Pacific region. The report, released on 16 September, underscores the growing importance of trust, security, and transparency in shaping consumer payment experiences.
The study surveyed over 45,000 remittance senders and receivers across 20 markets, including Australia, Mainland China, India, Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore. It found that digital remittances are crucial for supporting family members and managing financial emergencies. However, concerns about scams and fraud, particularly those enabled by artificial intelligence, are influencing consumer behaviour.
Mobile banking apps are the preferred method for international money transfers, with adoption rates between 33% and 60% across the region. Mobile wallet usage is notably high in India (36%), the Philippines (28%), and Mainland China (27%). Conversely, Japan remains an outlier, with 32% of consumers still favouring physical bank branches for international transfers.
The report also highlights the potential of stablecoins, although misconceptions persist. Many consumers mistakenly equate the risk of stablecoins with cryptocurrencies. Visa’s Senior Vice President, Chavi Jafa, emphasised the need for financial institutions to integrate speed, security, and convenience in cross-border payments, stating, “Building trust through education, transparency, and security will be critical to the next phase of adoption.”
As digital adoption accelerates, understanding these trends will be vital for banks, remitters, and fintechs to deliver seamless and secure money movement experiences.
