The global payments industry has undergone a year characterised by conflict — between traditional financial institutions and emerging technologically savvy rivals, and between regulators, policymakers and politicians. Europe’s impending wave of reforms was beset by delays and disagreements, while different authorities are looking to pull the US’ legal framework in different, often opposing, directions. A common theme has been open banking — jurisdictions around the world have unveiled plans aimed at boosting fintech through data sharing — yet data protection and cybersecurity have never been more pressing.