Asia Pacific News
LAST UPDATE: June 27, 2025
From Cash to Clicks: IMF Recommends UPI-Style Model for the World
The IMF endorsed India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a global benchmark for retail digital payments, highlighted in its June 25, 2025 report “Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability.” (notopedia.com)
Insight
By showcasing UPI’s interoperability, low costs, and public–private collaboration, the IMF suggests that countries can drive financial inclusion through similar real-time, open-access systems. However, successful scaling demands digital ID infrastructure, affordable internet, and supportive policy environments tailored to each context.
Checks needed on Thai cbank governor candidates, finance minister says
Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced that the cabinet will not propose a central bank governor next week, due to outstanding qualification reviews for two shortlisted candidates.
Insight
This signals Thailand’s dedication to ensuring that its central bank leadership is highly qualified and capable of navigating current economic pressures, including inflation and exchange-rate volatility. It also reflects sensitivity in the appointment process amid governance scrutiny.
