The DC International Payments Group convenes professionals to examine how payment infrastructure shapes international development and economic power, with particular focus on implications for developing countries.
Understanding payment systems as instruments of economic statecraft and development
The DC International Payments Group serves as a forum for professionals from multilateral institutions, financial services, technology companies, and policy organizations to explore the evolving landscape of global payment systems. As payment infrastructure increasingly determines economic sovereignty and development outcomes, our group examines these critical intersections through regular convenings and focused discussions.
Our members bring diverse perspectives from organizations including the World Bank, regional development banks, leading financial institutions, technology companies, think tanks, and government agencies. This cross-sector dialogue enables comprehensive understanding of how payment technologies—from traditional systems like SWIFT to emerging solutions such as stablecoins and digital public infrastructure—shape global economic relations.
Founded in 2025, the group emerged from recognition that payment systems sit at the nexus of multiple critical policy areas: financial inclusion, economic development, sanctions policy, monetary sovereignty, and technological innovation. Our discussions focus particularly on implications for emerging markets and developing economies.
Examining payment systems through multiple lenses
Analyzing implementations of payment systems as public goods, including lessons from India Stack, mobile money in Africa, and emerging digital ID systems.
Examining dollar dominance, stablecoin adoption, central bank digital currencies, and the evolution of cross-border payment systems.
Understanding payment infrastructure as tools of foreign policy, including sanctions implementation, financial surveillance, and economic coercion.
Exploring how payment innovations affect access to financial services, remittance flows, and economic participation in developing economies.
Tracking evolving regulations for digital assets, cross-border payments, and financial technology across jurisdictions.
Assessing emerging technologies including blockchain, stablecoins, and programmable money for development applications.
Structured learning and dialogue opportunities
Regular gatherings featuring expert presentations, case study discussions, and analysis of current developments in payment systems and their geopolitical implications. Recent topics have included stablecoin regulation, SWIFT alternatives, and digital ID implementation.
Curated selection of essential texts, policy papers, and cutting-edge research on payment systems, monetary economics, and financial technology. Materials span academic literature, industry reports, and policy analysis.
Participation in major conferences including DC Fintech Week, World Bank Spring Meetings, and specialized workshops on digital public infrastructure and economic statecraft.
A diverse network of payments and policy professionals
World Bank, IMF, regional development banks
Commercial banks, payment processors, fintech companies
Policy research organizations and academic institutions
Treasury, State Department, regulatory agencies
Digital infrastructure providers and blockchain companies
University researchers and graduate students
Join the conversation on payment systems and development
The DC International Payments Group welcomes participation from professionals working at the intersection of technology, finance, and foreign policy with interest in development outcomes.
Meeting Schedule:
Monthly convenings
Washington, DC area
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Membership:
Open to professionals with relevant experience
Contact us to learn more about participation
To learn more about the DC International Payments Group or to express interest in participating in our programs, please contact us at:
We welcome inquiries from:
Please include your name, organization, and area of interest when reaching out.