WebX 2025: The Quest for Frictionless Payments in a New Economy

At WebX 2025 in Tokyo, industry leaders focused on blockchain payments, emphasizing the need to overcome three hurdles before reaching everyday use. Trust Wallet, Japan Smart Chain, and UPCX offered insights into self-custody, transaction costs, and cross-chain interoperability. While these leaders acknowledged the existing friction, they also highlighted new opportunities for innovation such as AI-driven personal finance, smart-contract subscriptions, and machine-to-machine payments that could deliver significant value. The panel showcased how addressing real pain points, not just focusing on technical aspects, is crucial for widespread adoption.