In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, payments are no longer a back-end function—they’re a strategic driver of growth, innovation, and customer trust.

This EDC whitepaper, sponsored by Stripe, explores how leading ecommerce enterprises in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan are transforming payment strategies. Drawing on over 600 survey responses and executive interviews, it highlights how modernising legacy systems, adopting AI and biometrics, and strengthening security can unlock new value and deliver seamless customer experiences.

Key Findings

• Payments as a growth engine: 96% of ecommerce enterprises say managing payments strategically is more important than ever, and 98% plan checkout enhancements.
• Modernisation gap: 66% still rely on outdated payment infrastructures, yet only 22% prioritise upgrading them—highlighting a major opportunity for innovation and scalability.
• Technology adoption: 98% already use AI, and 32% rank new technologies among their top-three strategic priorities.
• Security and compliance: 74% plan to strengthen fraud prevention tools, and 93% focus on regulatory readiness.
• Evolving business models: 71% currently offer subscription-based services, with another 28% planning to introduce them.
• Provider dissatisfaction: Only 35% are fully satisfied with their current payment service providers, citing limited scalability and weak fraud support.

Regional Insights

• Australia & New Zealand: Digitally mature markets where innovation and alternative payment methods are top priorities.
• Singapore: Focused on adopting advanced tools and expanding into new markets, supported by strong digital infrastructure.
• Japan: Prioritises payment security, technology adoption, and cost optimisation, reflecting a culture focused on efficiency and trust.

Why Payments Are a Strategic Battleground

The rise of eCommerce has transformed customer expectations. Shoppers now demand speed, security, and seamless experiences, and a poor payment journey can lead to abandoned carts and lost revenue. Payments play a critical role across the entire customer lifecycle - from checkout and fraud prevention to refunds, loyalty, and engagement.

Emerging models such as marketplaces, subscription services, and cross-border commerce are creating new growth opportunities. Leading eCommerce businesses are responding by adopting flexible payment systems, localised options, and AI-driven solutions, moving beyond cost optimisation to view payments as a strategic driver of growth and differentiation. Modern infrastructure, regional adaptability, and strong, innovative partnerships are key to turning payments into a competitive advantage.

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