Author name: Robert Durant

Wondering what comes after generative AI in finance? The answer is Agentic AI—and it’s already reshaping strategies at top firms.

This article breaks down why AI that can autonomously act (not just analyze) is becoming a C-suite priority, leading to new executive roles and solving high-friction problems in lending and risk. See how the move from dashboards to digital workers is unlocking a new wave of innovation.

Ant International just launched the world’s first iris payment authentication in smart glasses. Paying for something could soon be as simple as looking at it.

This isn’t just a new feature; it’s a fundamental shift. By combining iris scans with voiceprints, Alipay+ GlassPay aims for ultimate seamless, secure commerce within augmented reality.

The Promise: A frictionless “see-now, buy-now” future and biometric security that’s harder to spoof than fingerprints.

The Peril: It raises major privacy questions. We’re moving from authenticating what we have to what we are. A centralized database of iris scans is a permanent, high-value target.

As one partner wisely said, “The more invisible the technology becomes, the more visible the safeguards need to be.”

Is this the next step in payment convenience or a step too far for data privacy?

Is New Zealand about to become the next hotbed for fintech innovation?
The government just gave a resounding “yes” by adopting a suite of pro-competition banking reforms. By fast-tracking Open Banking and welcoming new players, they’re creating a dynamic new landscape.
This move signals a strategic shift in the APAC region and offers a blueprint for how regulation can enable, rather than restrict, innovation.