Where to listen

 

In this episode of THE SHIFT, Danny Levy explores one of the biggest questions facing financial services today: What if the future of global payments isn’t built on new apps… but entirely new rails?

For decades, the infrastructure powering cross-border money movement has remained largely unchanged—reliable, trusted, but often slow, expensive, and fragmented.

At the same time, a new generation of technologies is emerging. Blockchain networks, stablecoins, tokenised assets, and programmable settlement layers are promising a radically different way for money to move around the world.

But how much of this is real innovation—and how much is still hype? Joining Danny is Santosh Vishwasrao, Head of Payments at XDC Network, where he works at the intersection of traditional financial infrastructure, blockchain technology, and next-generation payment systems.

Recorded onsite at Money20/20 Asia, this conversation explores what happens when Web3 moves beyond speculation and starts solving real-world payment challenges.

The conversation explores: • Why the current global payments system still relies on decades-old infrastructure • Whether blockchain is replacing traditional rails—or enhancing them • Where XDC Network fits alongside established networks like SWIFT • Real-world examples of cross-border payments already happening on-chain today • Why stablecoins, tokenisation, and blockchain settlement are gaining momentum • The biggest barriers to adoption, from regulation to risk and market readiness • How cards, crypto, and traditional banking rails are beginning to converge • Why emerging markets may adopt these technologies faster than developed economies • The role of CBDCs in the future financial ecosystem • Who stands to win—and lose—as the next generation of payment infrastructure emerges

Drawing on Santosh’s experience across payments, digital assets, and financial innovation, the discussion cuts through the noise surrounding Web3 and focuses on what is actually happening today—and what could change over the next 3–5 years.

Grounded, practical, and highly relevant for leaders across banking, fintech, payments, and digital assets, this episode examines the infrastructure layer quietly reshaping the future of money movement.

Because this isn’t just about blockchain.

It’s about who controls the rails that move money around the world.

That’s THE SHIFT.