Global Scans · Digitalization · Weekly Summary

• [New] Convenience -, 60% of consumers indicated that they will feel at ease going out with just their smartphone and not their wallet because of the high level of consumer trust in contactless banking and digital wallets. Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence (KSI)
• [New] The global digital wallet transaction value is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.88% over the forecast period, reaching USD 19,682.209 billion by 2030, up from an estimated USD 8,286.388 billion in 2025. Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence (KSI)
• [New] Expect the insurance industry's digital transformation to continue in 2026, with many companies investing more in mobile technology, such as consumer-facing apps, digital platforms, and online portals. Invoca
• [New] European scrutiny of Google's advertising technology business is intensifying as regulators weigh remedies that could materially change how the digital ad supply chain works. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] Realizing the Opportunity of AI: Securing Data Center Growth Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy and with $1.3 trillion projected to be invested globally in data centers by 2030, their rapid expansion brings unprecedented risks. Aon plc Global Media Relations
• [New] Prediction: By 2026, social influence will no longer be a nice-to-have but will become the main differentiator between creator platforms. RootData
• [New] Key demands include enhanced funding for AI and clean energy, digital infrastructure growth, and identical opportunities for private universities to build a future-ready, equitable talent pool for India. Outlook Business
• [New] Closing the digital divide - through infrastructure, skills and supportive regulation - will be critical if developing countries are to benefit from the fastest-growing segment of global trade. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• [New] Cloud adoption in the Middle East is accelerating, with nearly 75% of organizations expected to rely predominantly on cloud platforms by 2026. tradearabia
• [New] Divergence is the defining regulatory risk of 2026, with major jurisdictions moving in different directions when it comes to digital / AI, prudential and sustainability rules. Claims Journal
• [New] The continued presence of cyber at the top of the Allianz Risk Barometer reflects a deepening reliance on digital technology at a time when the cyber threat landscape, and geopolitical, and regulatory environments, are fast evolving. MarketScreener Australia
• [New] Looking ahead, biometrics and digital identity will remain a critical focus in 2026. Future Travel Experience
• [New] Digital identity users worldwide will surge from 155 million in 2024 to 1.27 billion by 2029, a trend likely to accelerate as younger, tech-savvy generations become the majority of travelers. Future Travel Experience
• [New] Healthcare delivery is expected to undergo further transformation in 2026, driven by wider adoption of digital tools, data-driven care models, and shifting patient expectations, reports the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Mexico Business
• [New] Digital securities, money & payments and tokenization are where we expect to see the biggest 2026 developments. Ashurst
• [New] As other forms of digital money and payment methods become increasingly available in 2026, they will feed into payments systems adding further momentum. Ashurst
• [New] Although there will not be a US central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the near future, developments (if not yet full adoptions) in other jurisdictions will follow the UAE's CBDC. Ashurst
• [New] 2026 will see the continued development of the multi-moneyverse (i.e. co-existing different forms of digital money, which aim to be freely exchangeable). Ashurst
• [New] The SEC, CFTC and other US federal regulators will continue with their Presidential Working Group's Report mandate for immediate action to use their existing powers to enable the trading of digital assets. Ashurst
• [New] With volumes of non-cash transactions expected to rise from 1,685 billion in 2024 to 3,540 billion by 2029, digital wallets and Account-to-Account transfers are steadily replacing traditional card payments, according to Capgemini's 2026 World Payments Report. National Law Review
• [New] The metaverse economy will reach $120 to $150 billion in 2026, mainly because of gaming, enterprise XR, digital commerce, and creator platforms. NFT News Today
• [New] The global digital economy is forecast to grow 9.5% in 2026 and reach an estimated USD $28 trillion, according to a new outlook from the Digital Cooperation Organization. IT Brief UK

Last updated: 18 January 2026