IFC launches $700M risk-sharing program to expand digital payments in emerging markets

The World Bank's International Finance Corporation has launched a $700 million risk-sharing program to bring more banks and fintechs in emerging markets onto international payment networks, targeting 90 million new users. The article says this growth depends on stronger digital identity checks, and a payments webinar described prepaid-card tools that let governments restrict spending to approved retailers and potentially individual products. It shows financial inclusion and conditional access to money advancing together, though the evidence is of expanding capability, not compulsory control.