The move to a cashless society isn't just a possibility, it's well underway
- Written by Angel Zhong, Associate Professor of Finance, RMIT University
When was the last time you used cash? For many Australians using cash or even swiping a card has become a rare event.
The move towards a cashless society started 50 years ago with the introduction of the Bankcard and was driven by technological advancements. But it really took off with the COVID pandemic when consumers and retailers were reluctant to handle potentially infected notes and coins.
The federal government last week underscored its recognition of this trend by unveiling reforms to regulate digital payment providers. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said:
As payments increasingly become digital, our payments system needs to remain fit for purpose so that it delivers for consumers and small businesses. We want to make sure the shift to digital payments occurs in a way that promotes greater competition, innovation and productivity across our entire economy.
From big cities to remote rural corners the shift towards digital payments is evident. This raises the question, is a cashless society inevitable?
The phenomenal growth of the digital payments
The convenience of digital transactions has become irresistible for consumers and businesses and has led to the sector eclipsing traditional payment methods.
The relentless march of technology has produced myriad innovative platforms from mobile wallets to buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) schemes, each vying for a piece of this burgeoning market.
A recent report by the Australian Banking Association paints a vivid picture of the digital payment industry’s explosive expansion.
The use of digital wallet payments on smartphones and watches has soared from $746 million in 2018 to over $93 billion in 2022. Cash only accounts for 13% of consumer payments in Australia as of the end of 2022, a stark contrast to 70% in 2007.
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) reports the total value of all BNPL transactions increased by 79% in the 2018–19 financial year. This continues into 2022 with an annual growth beyond 30% according to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
PayID and PayPal payments are also claiming their shares in this space.
Are government regulations necessary?
The government’s planned regulation of the system, contained in amendments to the Reforms to the Payment Systems (Regulation) Act 1998, is a big step towards establishing a secure and trustworthy cashless society in Australia.
It will subject BNPL and digital wallet service providers like Apple Pay and Google Pay to the same oversight by the RBA as traditional credit and debit cards.
The regulations will require providers meet clear standards for security measures, data protection and dispute resolution to give Australians confidence their funds and personal information are safeguarded.
With increasing concern over cyber attacks, the regulations will help reduce the risk of fraudulent activities and money laundering and help identify suspicious transactions, maintaining the integrity of the financial system.
Also, regulation will promote fair competition and market stability by levelling the playing field and by preventing monopolies.
Apple says it doesn’t need to be regulated because it only provides the architecture to deliver a service.
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While banks support the forthcoming regulation, new market players are less positive. For example, Apple Pay says it is merely providing technical architecture rather than payment services.
The current regulatory debate is not new. When credit cards made their debut in Australia in the early 1970s, there were hardly any safeguards for consumers. This led to card users being hit with high interest rates on money owed, sneaky fees and aggressive marketing tactics.
Consequently, regulations were introduced to hold card providers to a standard of responsible behaviour. Today, they must openly disclose interest rates, fees and charges, and follow stringent guidelines in advertising their products and services.
Read more: China's experience with mobile payments highlights the pros and cons of a cashless society
Regulating digital wallet providers strikes a crucial balance between innovation and accountability, ensuring life-changing technology continues to serve the public interest.
The shift towards a cashless society in Australia isn’t just a possibility, it’s already well underway.
The blend of technological advancements, changing consumer preferences and regulatory adaptations has set the stage for this transformation. The new regulations will help Australians navigate this transition more confidently.
Authors: Angel Zhong, Associate Professor of Finance, RMIT University
