Discussions and Key Points from the Point Zero Forum
Cross-Border Payments: A Technological Shift at the Point Zero Forum
At the Point Zero Forum 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland, the focus was on leveraging emerging technologies to revolutionize cross-border payments. Organised by Elevandi in partnership with the BIS Innovation Hub, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Swiss National Bank, the event brought together key players in the blockchain and stablecoin space, such as Circle and Paxos.
The discussion centred around improving efficiency, security, and interoperability in cross-border payments. Potential solutions included the adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), blockchain-based settlement systems like the ECB’s Pontes pilot, and integration of tokenized finance to facilitate faster, transparent transactions across borders.
Cost, transparency, and speed were the watchwords of the cross-border payments discussion across multiple panels and conversations. The right technology should be used for the right use case, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and taking small steps instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a key focus of conversation at the event, with a stronger emphasis on the need for regulatory scrutiny and guardrails. Interoperability, while necessary, is not cheap and is better solved within Web 3.0 than between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0.
Project Nexus, the BIS's instant cross-border payments project, was a key focus of discussion at the event. Experts at the BIS, central bank stakeholders, and industry commentators discussed the potential of Project Nexus and its significant impact for the industry.
The panel 'Evolution of cross-border payments: Next-gen solutions' discussed the potential shift from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 in the industry. Quantum computing was discussed as a long-term concern for encryption and security in the cross-border payments space.
Regulation is a significant challenge, particularly on the consumer side, and adapting existing regulations to keep up with the pace of change may be the best approach. Adoption of solutions is critical, requiring meeting users where they are and coordinating efforts globally.
Blockchain and stablecoins are a significant part of the conversation in the cross-border payments industry, driven by interest from policymakers, regulators, and industry representatives. Smartphone technology is key, but inclusivity issues persist in some markets, necessitating less technologically advanced solutions. Stablecoins have a role to play, but retail acceptance is still a long way off, and inclusivity remains a challenge.
Livia Benisty, Milind Sanghavi, Varun Paul, and Arjun Vir Singh were among the panelists in the discussion. The forum and associated partners like CFTE underscored the importance of collaboration between regulators, banks, and tech innovators to create interoperable frameworks that address risks and maximize the benefits of new technologies in payments.
Supporting details highlight that financial institutions and fintech companies are exploring DLT for settlement of transactions using central bank money, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the ECB’s dual-track strategy involving short-term pilot programs and long-term systemic solutions starting pilot stages in late 2026[1]. Tokenized trade payables and bonds are also gaining traction as practical applications increasing liquidity and efficiency in cross-border markets[1]. Furthermore, the forum and associated partners emphasise the need for collaboration to create interoperable frameworks that address risks and maximize the benefits of new technologies in payments[2][3].
In summary, the Point Zero Forum highlights a technological shift where fintech, DLT, and digital currencies converge to address current cross-border payment challenges—improving speed, cost, transparency, and compliance through pilot projects and multi-stakeholder cooperation.
[1] Source: BIS Innovation Hub, "Central Bank Digital Currencies: A Journey to the Mainstream", 2023 [2] Source: CFTE, "Cross-Border Payments: The Future is Now", 2024 [3] Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore, "Cross-Border Payments: Harnessing Technology for a Seamless Future", 2025
- The forum emphasized the importance of leveraging fintech, digital currencies, and distributed ledger technology (DLT) to improve cross-border payments, focusing on elements such as speed, cost, transparency, and compliance.
- Discussion during the event included potential solutions like central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), blockchain-based settlement systems, tokenized finance, and AI, demonstrating the convergence of the finance and technology industries in addressing current cross-border payment challenges.
