Episode 116: E-Wallets, Big Tech, and the Future of Payments: What’s Next?

In Episode 116 of the Fintech Garden podcast by DashDevs, Igor Tomych is joined by fintech product strategist Sam Boboev for a forward-looking discussion on the role of e-wallets, tokenization, and big tech in reshaping the global payments landscape.

Sam Boboev is a fintech product leader and enthusiast, passionate about crafting simple, intuitive solutions to complex financial problems. He has successfully launched multiple products in the payments and fintech space, helping early-stage startups grow rapidly and optimizing product experiences for more mature ventures.

As physical cards decline and digital-first services dominate, wallets are becoming default financial hubs—connecting payments, subscriptions, savings, and even investments in a single interface. This episode explores how regional ecosystems, technological advantages, and network effects are shaping this new payment paradigm.

Why E-Wallets Are Taking Over

Igor and Sam unpack how tokenization has allowed big players like Amazon to bypass the limitations of physical cards. Even if your card expires, your wallet can continue processing payments via virtual tokens—especially for recurring services like subscriptions or streaming platforms.

They also examine how e-wallets go beyond just storage:

• Peer-to-peer transfers within a closed network
• Subscription management and seamless checkout
• Network lock-in through loyalty systems and faster money movement

Regional Perspectives and Big Tech Impact

The conversation moves from global trends to regional innovations, comparing:

• The rise of e-wallets across GCC markets
• Europe’s reliance on platforms like PayPal and super apps like Revolut
• The role of Vero, Europe’s proposed answer to Visa and Mastercard, which could evolve into a native EU wallet

As Sam points out, successful wallets are built on network effects. Revolut’s 50+ million users are already engaging in near-instant P2P payments—because the transaction stays within the app’s infrastructure.

What’s Next for Wallets?

The future of payments is instant, embedded, and invisible. From super apps to central bank-backed initiatives, the space is evolving rapidly.

This episode explores what that means for:

• Merchants—seeking lower fees and higher conversion
• Users—expecting seamless multi-functional apps
• Fintech product teams—deciding how to build or integrate with wallet ecosystems

Tune in to Episode 116 for a sharp, practical breakdown of where digital wallets are heading—and what your fintech product should be thinking about next.