Motley Fool Money The War on Cash, Revisited
6 snips
Dec 3, 2023 The discussion centers on the evolving dynamics of the payments space and the ongoing 'war on cash.' Insights reveal how major players like Visa and MasterCard are adapting to competition and innovation, even with the rise of cryptocurrencies. PayPal is examined for its growth challenges alongside emerging strategies in embedded finance. The podcast highlights Mercado Libre's meteoric rise as a fintech leader, showcasing its potential to reshape the industry much like early Amazon did.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Visa and Mastercard's Role
- Visa and Mastercard function as "toll booths" in the payments space.
- Fintechs and crypto companies rely on these established networks, benefiting Visa and Mastercard regardless of who wins specific market battles.
PayPal's Strategic Shift
- PayPal's growth strategy has shifted from aggressive user acquisition to maximizing the value of existing users.
- Despite market pessimism, PayPal demonstrates strong financials, including growing payment volume and increased user engagement.
Block's New Focus
- Block, formerly Square, is streamlining its focus and prioritizing cost control after a period of disjointed growth.
- Despite past acquisitions like Tidal and the expensive Afterpay, Block shows strong growth in gross profit and Cash App.