The Central Bank Payments Conference 2027 in Bangkok examines agentic AI, stablecoins, CBDCs and the changing role of central banks in shaping the future of payments.
The Central Bank Payments Conference (CBPC) 2027 is a three-day gathering in Bangkok, Thailand, examining the future of the payments ecosystem and the role central banks should play in shaping it. Its theme, “Payments at a Crossroads: Sovereignty, Technology, Agentic AI and the Changing Role of Central Banks”, considers how agentic AI, tokenisation, stablecoins, Open Finance and interconnected digital infrastructure are reshaping who controls payments and who carries the risk.
The programme combines plenary sessions that frame strategic choices with interactive tracks where delegates examine practical implications and compare experiences across jurisdictions. Plenary topics include digital wallets, the boundary between central banks and retail payments, cross-border payments as a network of networks, the new money landscape spanning CBDCs, stablecoins and tokenised money, fraud, and resilience in an always-on world.
For trade, treasury and payments professionals, the conference matters because it addresses strategic dependencies on global networks and foreign-controlled platforms, settlement finality, interoperability and operational resilience. These questions bear directly on cross-border payment flows, liquidity and the risk and liability frameworks that corporates and banks operate within.
Topics covered
Payments are becoming faster, more intelligent, more interconnected and more politically important. What forces will reshape the industry over the coming decade? Where should markets lead, and where will policymakers intervene?
Discusses developments in digital wallets and contextual payments, and the policy aspects involved, e.g. standardisation, licensing, security and access.
Considers how instant payment systems, CBDCs, digital identity, QR infrastructures and public payment platforms can place central banks closer to consumers and businesses, and how far they should go.
Examines the emerging architecture of cross-border payments, including interconnected FPS networks, regional systems connecting, and where blockchain-based solutions, correspondent banking and global networks fit.
Brings together CBDCs, commercial bank money, tokenised deposits and stablecoins, considering monetary sovereignty, settlement finality, interoperability and financial stability.
Considers how AI, instant payments and social engineering are changing the economics of fraud, and the liability and data-sharing responsibilities of banks, PSPs, telecoms companies, technology platforms and consumers.
Examines systemic resilience as payments run 24/7 on a small number of technology, cloud, telecoms and infrastructure providers, including independent fallback mechanisms and the role of cash as a contingency.
Panellists make their case on critical questions, including whether central banks should operate retail payment infrastructure, whether payment sovereignty matters more than global harmonisation, whether stablecoins will become mainstream, whether fraud data sharing should be mandatory, and whether redundancy is worth sacrificing efficiency for. Audience views gathered through live polls.
Explores agentic AI as the ‘New Frontier’ for payments. Details to be confirmed.
Scenario-based discussion around cyber incidents, third-party dependencies and how payment infrastructures should prepare for the longer-term quantum threat.
Continuation of the development programme for future payment leaders established in Istanbul in 2026.
Presentation of the latest research papers curated by a panel of executive payment leaders following an open call for papers.
Invitation only. Topic TBC.
Published 27 Oct 2026
