In Brazil, the free and instant mobile payment system Pix challenges US dominance
In Brazil, the free and instant mobile payment system Pix challenges US dominance
Launched by the Central Bank of Brazil, this system is now used more than credit cards and cash. Its popularity is so great that WhatsApp had to abandon a payment system it wanted to launch locally.Raphaël Bernard (Le Monde)
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Pix is great. It makes things so much easier. Everyone uses it from the guy selling drinks on the beach to airlines. Previously you had to have a card machine.
The closest we have in the EU would be like Revolut.
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The closest we have in the EU would be like Revolut.
No, revolut is still just a private bank. The closest is Polish Blik or Spanish Bizum. Those are run by central bank and you identify with your phone number. I never used Blik but in Spain all banking app support Bizum payments. It's also widely used. Most small business accept Bizum. Some online stores also accept it.
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Great application of public policy to solve basic, system-wide problems that the private sector solves poorly.
Launched by the Central Bank of Brazil in November 2020, the mechanism became so popular that it has already overtaken credit card and cash transactions.Transfers carry no extra cost, and the money arrives instantly in the user's account.
In the country with the second-highest rate of online credit card hacking in the world, Pix is also considered the safest means of payment, according to a study by the Central Bank of Brazil in 2024. "If I get mugged, at worst the assailant will steal my phone. My earnings will be safe in my account," explained Eduardo Resende Gonçalves.
a major step forward for banking inclusion for the poorest citizens
Once this first step is taken, the person using Pix has access to a bank account
Of course, such obvious public-sector solutions piss off the US:
Six days after the United States announced new 50% customs duties against Brazil, on July 15, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) cited the rise of Pix as a reason for opening an investigation into the commercial practices of the South American giant: "Brazil also appears to engage in a number of unfair practices with respect to electronic payment services, including but not limited to advantaging its government-developed electronic payment services."
The closest the US has is something like Zelle through participating banks.
Interbank transfers mostly aren't free & instant, yet: ACH transactions between banks take days & are closed on weekends.
RTP & FedNow are still not widely adopted.
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Wero reaches 1 million activations among Sparkasse customers
About one year after the official market launch of the European mobile payment process Wero, more than one million savings bank customers have activated the service. This was announced by the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV). The brand is considered an important milestone for the new process supported by the European Payments Initiative (EPI) – an association of European banks and payment service providers that has set itself the goal of creating a sovereign European alternative to established US payment services such as Paypal, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Wero allows mobile payments in real time without the need for a classic IBAN. Instead, mobile number or e-mail address are enough to send or receive money – including across borders, such as France or Belgium. The functionality is directly integrated into the “Sparkasse” app, but is increasingly being made accessible via other banks and an independent Wero app. In the meantime, customers, for example, Postbank have also been connected, and other institutions are to follow in the course of the summer.
By reaching the millionaire limit, the initiative is now tackling the next expansion stage: Wero is to be tested in a pilot phase for online retailing in the current year. The aim is to establish the process as a convenient payment option in e-commerce – and thus to open up new fields of application beyond the previous peer-to-peer payments.
Dr. Joachim Schmalzl Managing Director, German Savings Bank Association and Giroverband e.V. V.DSGV
"DSGV"
Wero has long since arrived in everyday life with many people. This is precisely what we are now based on: Anyone who already knows and uses the process can also use it naturally for online shopping in the future.” Joachim Schmalzl, DSGV board member
The savings banks see this as another step in establishing Wero permanently as a European payment brand.
EPI and the long road to European sovereignty in payment transactions
The Wero process is the first visible product of the European Payments Initiative, which was founded by European banks in 2020. The EPI had initially set itself ambitious goals – right up to the replacement of card systems such as Mastercard and Visa in Europe. After an interim withdrawal of several large banks, the initiative was reoriented in 2023 in a reduced form, with the significant participation of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe as well as by Volks- and Raiffeisenbanken.
The goals remain ambitious: Wero not only wants to slow down the advance of US tech players in payment transactions, but also strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty in finance. In view of the geopolitical developments of recent years – and growing concerns about dependence on non-European service providers – the project also enjoys political attention.
However, another factor also plays a role here: an activation premium of 5 euros, which is credited to new users immediately after registering via Sparkassen-App. Whether Wero will be used more regularly over time remains therefore to wait. We remember: Even with the Paydirekt, which has switched off, there was also generous welcome money for all those who used the system once with just a few clicks. However, very few of the users became regular customers.
Competition remains overpowering – review of failed precursors
"DSGV/HASPA"
Despite the successful start, the market remains difficult for Wero. In Germany, Paypal continues to dominate online payment transactions with around 32 million active accounts. Previous attempts by German banks to establish a competitive payment system – for example, with Paydirekt or Giropay – lagged below expectations. Giropay was finally suspended at the end of 2024.
Whether Wero can succeed in establishing itself permanently on the market depends on several factors: integration with other banks, the establishment of a nationwide network of acceptance in retail and customer loyalty in everyday life. Wero is still a system under construction. According to DSGV, there are now more than 40 million users throughout Europe, many of which are still inactive or use the solution to a limited extent.
Trade, cash register, e-commerce – Wero consortium still has a lot to read
In the long term, Wero should not only be able to be used for peer-to-peer payments and online shopping. Payment in brick-and-mortar retail – for example via QR code or NFC at the cash register – is also planned. The aim is a comprehensive European payment system that can be used across all channels.
It will be revealed in the coming years whether this claim can be fulfired. However, Wero is currently one thing above all about the institutes involved in the EPI: a new attempt to recover lost terrain in payment transactions – with a European focus and modern infrastructure. It remains to be seen whether this is sufficient to oppose the dominant US services. The upcoming e-commerce pilot is likely to provide initial reliable insights. tw
ibi-Zahlungsverkehrsforum
Innovationen, Trends und Technologien rund um Finance & Payment Der gegenwärtige und zukünftige Zahlungsverkehr ist nach wie vor hochdynamisch und facettenreich.IT Finanzmagazin /TW (IT Finanzmagazin)
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Convinced my organisation to use Mastodon and Bsky. Any userfull tools to automate crossposting?
I know that there should be tools to make it easier to publish content to Twitter/Bluesky/Mastodon, without doing the work thrice. Do you know a good one? Can you share your experience with using them? Thanks! I hope the new platforms are not gonna get ditched immediately...
Edit: Wow I didn't expect that the solutions were often expensive and complex tools (with way too much "AI").
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SoraSNS for Mastodon & Bluesky
"Sora offers access to Mastodon, Bluesky, and the federated networks Misskey and Firefish." - featured in TechCrunch article > Compatible: Connect with Mastodon, Misskey, Bluesky, and Pleroma instances.App Store
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Another crop of this lucky photo that I was unaware I had taken.
I composed this symmetrical scene at St Paul's London Underground station, & then suddenly loads of people rushed to catch the train. It was only when I was editing at home that I noticed I had captured a hat man!
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🚨 Alert 🚨
There is a new scam wave spreading across Mastodon.
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As moderators, we will do our best to respond to these reports swiftly and will suspend any account guilty of sharing malicious links.
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When Street Art Meets Nature (40 Photos)
When street art meets nature, the results are stunning. Some artists blend their murals seamlessly with the landscape, while others use real plants to bring their work to life.
In Ecuador, El Decertor painted a mural that merges with the natural surroundings. In Martinique, Nuxuno Xän turned a tree trunk into part of a painted figure. In New York, OGMillie created a floral mural that brightens the urban space. In Brazil, Fábio Gomes Trindade’s portraits use real bougainvillea as hair, while in Poland, Natalia Rak painted a girl appearing to water a living tree.
These works show how street art and nature can come together in unexpected and beautiful ways.
More: 18 Stunning Land Art Creations by Jon Foreman: Nature’s Beauty in Stone Patterns
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By El Decertor – In Imbabura, Ecuador (2 photos)
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Flower Power by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brasil (3 artworks)
Raising Awareness: Street Art as a Conservation Tool
Nature-inspired street art can be a powerful means of drawing attention to endangered species and emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats. By using their talents, street artists can become advocates for environmental conservation and ignite conversations about our shared responsibility to protect the planet.
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By Nuxuno Xän – In Fort De France, Martinique
Inspiring Sustainability: Environmental Messages in Street Art
Street art that incorporates natural elements can also raise public awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living. These awe-inspiring creations can encourage people to reflect on their impact on the environment and take action to reduce their carbon footprint, recycle, and preserve nature.
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In Nicaragua
Creating a Sense of Place: Street Art Trails and Tourism
Street art can be used to design nature trails, where visitors can explore the environment while admiring artistic masterpieces. These trails promote tourism, allowing visitors to learn about the local ecosystem, culture, and history while appreciating the art. The fusion of street art and nature can foster a deep connection with the location and enhance the overall experience.
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Flower mural by OGMillie and Floratorium in New York (5 photos)
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In Pondicherry, India 2 photos
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By Robson Melancia in Dois Córregos, Brazil
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By Fauxreel in Toronto, Canada
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Street Art by David Zinn (3 photos)
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“UMI” Sculpture by Daniel Popper in Lisle, Illinois 4 photos
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Cuteness overload! Chalk Art by David Zinn (6 photos)
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Legend about Giants by Natalia Rak in Białystok, Poland
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16 Photos – Street Art by Michael Pederson in Sydney, Australia
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Street Art by Pejac – A Collection
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By Jonna Pohjalainen – In Turku, Finland
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By Wild Drawing in Athens, Greece
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Street Art by Oakoak – Calvin and Hobbes
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87 Perler Bead by Pappas Pärlor -Collection 1
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By Dr Love at Upfest – In Bristol, England
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Moss Graffiti by Carly Schmitt
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The Green Carpet – In Jaujac, France 6 photos to see it all
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Small Girl and small apple – By Oakoak
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Street Art by JPS – A Collection (+40 photos)
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Garden Hot Air Balloon – By Oakoak
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Street Art by Vinie – A Collection (24 photos)
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The sleeping beauty – In Picardie, France
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“Beautiful Love” by Alter OS in Mexico City
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Come in to Light – Wooden Sculpture By Daniel Popper In Tulum, Mexico
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Clothespin Sculpture by Mehmet Ali Uysal in Belgium.
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The Caring Hand by Eva Oertli and Beat Huber in Glarus, Switzerland.
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Kindergarten children dropped seeds in the crack of the sidewalk to see what would happen.
More: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature
Which one is your favorite?
Come in to Light - Wooden Sculpture By Daniel Popper In Tulum, Mexico - STREET ART UTOPIA
Sculptor Daniel Popper “VEN A LA LUZ” (Come in to Light) by Daniel Popper in Tulum, Mexico. The portal symbolizes our deep connection with nature and ourselves.Vidar (Street Art Utopia)
Vinie’s Stunning Murals: 24 Colorful Masterpieces You Need to See
Vinie grew up in Toulouse and loved drawing and painting from a young age. In high school, she started doing street art when she joined the “AH Crew” in 2001.
Back then, she mostly worked on graffiti lettering. Over time, she joined art events and worked on themed murals, which inspired her to create colorful characters and detailed scenes.In 2007, Vinie moved to Paris for a job as an Artistic Director. This move helped her focus on her own style of art. She began painting her now-famous female character on Paris walls. These characters are easy to spot with their big, bold hairstyles made of graffiti tags and designs. Vinie also likes to use things around her, like plants, to make her art blend into its surroundings.
With help from her art partner Anti, she started making sculptures in 2016 and again in 2019. Today, Vinie’s art is known all over the world. She takes part in urban art festivals and shares her creations across different countries. Her work mixes her love for painting and traveling, bringing bright and creative designs to city streets everywhere.
LINKS: www.viniegraffiti.com // Instagram / Facebook
More amazing murals: 9 Martín Ron Murals That Redefine Urban Art
More like this: Fabian Bane’s Murals: Stunning Street Art Transforming Walls Around the World
What do you think about the murals by Vinie? Should we do a new blog post with her latest murals?
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Saudi Arabia Asks Consultants To Reassess Feasibility of 'The Line' Megaproject - Slashdot
Saudi Arabia has asked consultants to reassess the feasibility of The Line, its ambitious 170km linear city project and centerpiece of the Neom initiative, as rising costs and falling oil prices force the kingdom to scale back its megaprojects.news.slashdot.org
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Just added my second favorite Bakery.
Sim's Bakery
Proprietor Brian (Manny) Sim is a third-generation baker based in Mid Canterbury. His grandfather, a skilled baker immigrated to New Zealand from Scotland in the late 1890s. Li...Experience Mid Canterbury
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IKEA Ditches Zigbee For Thread Going All In On Matter Smart Homes - Slashdot
IKEA is relaunching its smart home line with over 20 new Matter-over-Thread devices that will work across ecosystems such as Apple Home and Amazon Alexa, with or without IKEA's own hub.mobile.slashdot.org
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in reply to huppakee • • •It's (from top to bottom), blik, payment cards (including Google Pay and Apple), open banking transfers, and pay-by-links.
In Poland, Blik is the easiest way to pay online, it works by getting a one time 6-digit code from your banking app on your phone and typing it in the payment text box. Then you (in the banking app) get a notification with payment details, asking you to confirm. The best part is, that you can then save the account as the default in a cookie in your browser, so every time you pay with blik in the future, you no longer have to providr the code, you just get a notification. Much easier than cards IMO. Myself, wherever available and even Steam supports Blik nowadays), I prefer to pay with Blik.
Incomes with a downside of course, Visa and Mastercard customer protections (especially chargeback possibility) are better, though I've never had problems with Blik yet.
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