Global Scans · Trust · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Trust in politicians and experts is falling fast. Privacy is under threat and may lead to a collapse of confidence in technology as the world is increasingly networked. Unless reliability, integrity, and surety can keep pace with accelerating change trust in anything but oneself may disappear.

• [New] In 2026, mobile wallet providers will leverage blockchain to enhance trust, data integrity, and compliance with financial regulations, creating safer ecosystems for both individuals and businesses engaging in digital finance. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• [New] In 2026, widespread biometric adoption increases user confidence, reduces fraud risk, and provides a frictionless experience, allowing consumers to securely access accounts and perform transactions quickly without relying on traditional passwords or PIN codes. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• [New] Automation stabilizes operations and enhances trust by providing timely, personalized updates through familiar channels like WhatsApp and SMS, ensuring clarity and reducing confusion during travel disruptions. ETCIO
• [New] With so much talk around whether US tech stocks are spending too much money on AI and when they might see a financial return, it's only natural for UK investors to seek solace in other places, and in brands they know and trust. AJ Bell
• [New] With AI-driven risks escalating throughout 2025, 2026 will be the year of Zero Trust Security - a notion in which nothing is trusted by default. Medium
• [New] Large-scale investments in mining have helped restore investor confidence and underscore Zambia's long-term potential, particularly in capital-intensive industries. Zambia Monitor
• [New] What to Expect US Stocks If January preliminary sentiment improves further or inflation expectations decline again, equities - particularly consumer discretionary - may benefit as confidence supports spending outlooks. FinancialJuice
• [New] Regulatory developments, such as the Clarity Act in the U.S., could further bolster confidence. Ainvest
• [New] In 2026, decentralization, token economies, and distributed trust will shift from niche to ubiquitous - and blockchain app development will be the infrastructure behind it all. SMT Labs
• [New] Another challenge is that different, non-cohesive AI regulations worldwide could generate legal uncertainty, making it harder for businesses to meet their compliance obligations with confidence. Sumsub
• [New] By late 2026, companies will focus more on maintaining the integrity of their workflows rather than just protecting their networks. Codleo
• [New] A wave of new treatments has hit clinics recently, with growing availability meaning 2026 could be the year we finally end a reliance on hair transplants. Men's Health
• [New] Zero-Trust will have developed from a security framework to a crucial component of everyday operations by 2026. ETCISO
• [New] Global merchants that prioritize payment method diversity, especially in high-growth regions, will see higher conversion rates, stronger brand trust, and faster expansion. IXOPAY
• [New] By 2026, payment orchestration platforms will shift from routing transactions to orchestrating trust, becoming the neutral layer that makes agent-driven commerce work. IXOPAY
• [New] As enterprises brace for another year of rapid technology shifts, startup founders and industry leaders are drawing clear lines around what will matter most in 2026, from resilience and ownership of AI to trust, governance, and human-centric digital experiences. Tech Achieve Media
• [New] Security remains a pivotal concern, with The Indian Express warning of scam tactics that could undermine trust. WebProNews
• [New] Blockchain-Based Verification: Enhanced security and authentication will build even greater trust in WhatsApp commerce, particularly for high-value transactions. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] The biggest shift in 2026 will be a re-balancing of the financial services model away from growth at any cost and back towards trust, resilience and credibility. FinTech Profile
• [New] As global scrutiny of AI intensifies, trust and compliance will become absolutely paramount to any emerging model's success. The Fintech Times
• [New] Trust-led sourcing is no longer optional; it is foundational to competitiveness in 2026. ET Edge Insights - The New Paradigm of Business Intelli

Last updated: 05 January 2026