The Interledger Community 🌱: Julaire Hall

Designing Digital Money: A 2026 Blog Series

Julaire Hall — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:05:04 +0000

Where design, education, and infrastructure meet the future of money.

Welcome back to the Digital Money blog series.

In the previous series, we explored the waves of disruption and experimentation that marked the early rise of digital money. Those blogs sparked valuable insights and dialogue across the Interledger ecosystem on what resilient, inclusive, and interoperable financial systems might look like in an increasingly digital economy.

Since then, the discussion around digital money has matured.
Our ecosystem includes a wide cross-section of technologists, developers, academics and innovators who are actively shaping the foundations of tomorrow’s financial architecture. A shift in the discussion is evident and beyond what is technically possible towards deeper understanding around:

What systems are sustainable?
What designs are equitable and inclusive?
What infrastructure will remain secure and trustworthy in a rapidly digitized world?

As these questions grow more urgent, this series enters a new phase: one focused on intentional system design.

The Future of Money is Being Designed

Digital money is not emerging by chance. It is being deliberately designed, through choices about technology, governance, policy, and education. With this shift comes a new perspective. Instead of focusing only on broad industry trends, this series will explore more fundamental questions:

Where are the future architects of digital money being trained? Who will design, build, regulate, and maintain financial systems for decades to come?

Interestingly, but not unexpectedly, the answer points to: Universities.

Across the world, classrooms, research and innovation labs, and interdisciplinary programs are preparing the next generation of technologists, economists, policy specialists, and financial innovators who will shape the digital financial ecosystem. Universities are no longer just observers of digital finance, but are becoming active laboratories for the future of money where ideas are tested, talent is cultivated, and emerging norms are quietly shaped.

The New Architects of Digital Money

By focusing on universities in 2026, this blog series aims to surface an important shift. Academic institutions are rapidly becoming environments where:

Curricula are evolving to include digital finance, fintech infrastructure, and payment interoperability.
Research agendas align with real-world policy and market challenges.
Students develop interdisciplinary skills needed to build and govern digital financial systems.

Across campuses, new programs blend computer science, economics, law, public policy, and ethics. Research centers and innovation labs prototype payment systems, explore the implications of programmable money, and study how digital finance impacts communities. A new generation is emerging, in which students are being trained to become future fintech developers, payment infrastructure engineers, and regulators. Understanding where they learn, and what they learn, helps us understand how digital money itself will evolve.

Highlighting the work of universities matters because digital money is no longer purely a technical challenge. It is a societal one. The design choices made today will shape fundamental aspects of financial life for generations to come, including: privacy, access to financial services, competition in financial markets and public trust in digital systems.

Universities have a central position within this landscape as they provide:

Intellectual independence to question dominant financial models
Institutional memory to learn from past financial transformations
Educational mandates to prepare professionals capable of navigating complexity

Universities offer a rare neutral space to explore digital money without immediate pressures from profit, politics, or platform dominance. This neutrality matters.

Academic environments can bring together engineers, designers, legal scholars, social scientists, and students for shared inquiry. Together, they can ask not only whether digital money works, but also: Who benefits? Under what conditions? According to which values?

At the same time, universities are increasingly engaging with real-world financial systems. Experimentations are emerging across campuses, including digital wallets for campus ecosystems, programmable payments for research grants and scholarships, and credential-linked digital identities. These are not abstract exercises. They are hands-on experiences shaping how future generations understand and interact with digital financial systems.

Enabling Universities

The Interledger Foundation (ILF) has been working with universities and colleges around the world as they explore these questions. Through funding, experimentation, pilot programs, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Interledger Foundation helps ensure the next generation of digital money is equipped with knowledge on interoperability, openness, financial inclusion and public interest design.

To learn more about our past initiatives you can watch the Interledger on Campus Webinar, read about the 2025 Interledger Summit session, From Classroom to Codebase: How Universities Cultivate the Next Generation of Open Payments Talent, and also view our Education grant page.

Listening Lab Lessons | From Classroom to Codebase: How Universities Cultivate the Next Generation of Open Payments Talent

Ayden Férdeline ・ Nov 20 '25

#summit2025 #listeninglab

This series is an invitation to think differently about digital money. Not as a finished product but as an evolving system, one that must be designed, taught, tested, and challenged in the open.

Interledger Foundation Launches “Interledger on Campus” Mini-Grant Program to Support Student-Led Initiatives in Open Payments

Julaire Hall — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:43:59 +0000

Up to USD $5,000 grants available to university student clubs exploring open payments, digital financial access, and financial health.

Interledger on Campus is a brand new mini-grant program designed to support student-led, club-level initiatives at accredited universities around the world. The program will award up to USD $5,000 in grant funding to student organizations exploring open payments, interoperability, digital financial access, and financial health through hands-on, peer-driven activities.

Building on the Foundation’s Interledger NextGen Higher Education program, the Interledger on Campus grant program places students at the center of innovation, empowering campus clubs to design and deliver engagement activities that bring open payment concepts to life.

Chief Program Officer, Chris Lawrence, states that “student clubs are powerful engines for experimentation and leadership. Interledger on Campus is about giving students the resources and autonomy to explore how open, interoperable payment systems can expand access and inclusion, right where learning and innovation happen.”

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from March 16 through July 31, 2026, with priority review for projects planning implementation for the first half of the year. Projects are expected to run for no longer than 3 months and must be student-led, with required institutional support for fund management and project oversight.

Applicants will be required to submit a short application, including a two-page concept note, a budget and timeline document outlining key milestones, and an institutional letter of support from an accredited higher education institution confirming fund management and oversight.

To learn more about this grant program, students can download the program factsheet and view our resources.

Apply online at Submittable.

2025 Digital Financial Services Grant Recipient: miPlata

Julaire Hall — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:39:24 +0000

As the Interledger Foundation continues to advance equitable financial access worldwide by enabling new solutions that lower costs, improve efficiency, and bridge gaps between existing systems; we are pleased to announce miPlata (USA) as the recipient of the March 2025 Digital Financial Services (DFS) grant.

The Interledger Foundation will support miPlata in developing the first integrated financial platform designed specifically for unbanked Latinos, connecting employers, workers, and families across borders. miPlata will leverage the Interledger Protocol (ILP) to create a seamless, end-to-end financial solution that unites payroll processing, digital banking, and cross-border remittances. This innovation addresses systemic challenges such as the high costs of financial services, reliance on cash-based remittances, and the administrative burdens tied to paper paychecks.

The Interledger Foundation’s Digital Financial Services (DFS) grant program supports projects that use open payment technologies to expand access to affordable, interoperable, and inclusive financial systems. Through this program, the Foundation seeks to empower innovators who are building digital tools that remove barriers to financial participation for underserved populations. In 2025, two DFS grant cycles were launched: the first on March 1, in which miPlata was selected as a grantee, and the second in July 2025, which is currently under review, with new grantees to be announced by the end of Q4 2025.

We encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and announcements, and to follow the progress of our grantees through their published #grantreports.

We congratulate miPlata on their selection and look forward to see the impact of their work.

Announcing the Awardees of the Interledger Nextgen Higher Education Grant Program

Julaire Hall — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:50:03 +0000

The Interledger Foundation is excited to announce the inaugural cohort of awardees for its Interledger Nextgen Higher Education Grant Program, marking an important milestone in our commitment to expanding access, equity, and innovation in digital financial inclusion through higher education partnerships.

This is the first open call under the grant program, following successful pilot collaborations with the University of Cape Town and Bowie State University. These pioneering partnerships were instrumental in shaping the framework for this grant, demonstrating how universities can empower the next generation of students, policymakers, and fintech leaders to build an open and inclusive financial future.

The first call, which is still open and is accepting letters of interest up to Friday, October 3, attracted inspiring proposals from institutions across the world. To date, we have selected three grantees that represent a diverse set of higher education institutions committed to reimaging financial systems through education and innovation.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands) - Future of Open Payments: Bridging Finance, Technology, and Law for Financial Inclusion
This semester-long interdisciplinary course introduces law and finance students to the technical and regulatory dimensions of open payment technologies, including the Interledger Protocol (ILP). By linking financial innovation with regulatory education, the program prepares graduates to tackle challenges like cross-border remittances and microtransactions, building a pipeline of talent for fintech and open payment ecosystems.
United States International University of Africa (Kenya) - Design Your Future Integrated Innovation Pipeline Program (The Future of Open Payment Technologies for Financial Inclusion & Social Impact)
USIU-Africa’s DYF IPP program combines design thinking workshops, startup incubation, and leadership training to inspire transformative ideas for financial inclusion in Kenya. By integrating ILP into innovation pipelines and collaborating with MSMEs, students, and institutions, this initiative aims to produce impactful open payment solutions that expand digital financial access across underserved communities.
Alabama A & M University (USA) - Dollarcraft: Digital Banking Launch Program
Dollarcraft is a 13-week interdisciplinary challenge where students explore digital banking, entrepreneurship, and ILP-powered financial tools through applied research and a culminating Hackathon. Over two semesters, participants will design, prototype, and showcase inclusive payment solutions, producing 6–8 minimum viable products that connect underserved communities to the digital economy.

About the Interledger Nextgen Higher Education Grant Program

The Interledger Nextgen Higher Education Grant Program supports universities and academic institutions in developing courses, research, and innovation projects focused on open payments, ILP technology, and financial inclusion. Projects are designed to cultivate knowledge, foster innovation, and prepare students to become future builders in the digital finance ecosystem.

This is an open-cycle grant program, meaning applications are still being accepted. If your institution is ready to innovate at the intersection of education, technology, and financial inclusion, we encourage you to apply here.

Shaping the Future of Digital Financial Services: We Want Your Input / Apply Now for the July 2025 CFP

Julaire Hall — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:44:48 +0000

At the Interledger Foundation, we believe in building a more open, accessible, and inclusive digital financial future for everyone. As part of our commitment to supporting innovative solutions that leverage open-source technology, including the Interledger Protocol (ILP), we’re excited to announce that we are exploring the idea of an Early-Stage Innovation Grant stream.

This potential grant track would focus specifically on startups, emerging teams, and early-stage innovators working on bold ideas to make digital financial systems more interoperable, inclusive, and user-centered. It’s designed to address the unique challenges that early-stage projects face such as lack of access to capital, mentorship, and community support.

But before we launch, we want to hear from you, our community of past, current, and aspiring grantees. We’ve created a short survey to gather your feedback and insights on what an innovative, early-stage focused support should look like. Your voice will help us in shaping a more responsive, relevant, and impactful grant program.

Help Us Shape the Program - Complete the Survey

Are You Ready to Apply for the DFS Grant?

If you’re already building or scaling a solution that supports open financial ecosystems and meets our current eligibility requirements, don’t wait! The application window for our July 2025 Digital Financial Services (DFS) Grant is now open!

Apply for a grant - July 2025 DFS Cycle

For further information on the current call for proposals, review the announcement below.

Call for Proposals Now Open: Digital Financial Services Grant – July 2025 Cycle

Julaire Hall for Interledger Foundation ・ Jul 1 '25

#announcements #financialservices #interledger #openpayments

Whether you’re sharing your input or applying to the DFS grant, we are grateful to have you as part of the Interledger community.

Call for Proposals Now Open: Digital Financial Services Grant – July 2025 Cycle

Julaire Hall — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:46:53 +0000

$250,000 in grant funding available to advance inclusive digital financial innovation.

The Interledger Foundation (ILF) invites applications for the second round of its 2025 Digital Financial Services Grant Program, opening today (July 1) and closing August 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm (EDT).

This funding opportunity supports the development and integration of financial services, platforms, and products designed to improve access, inclusion, and interoperability in digital finance, particularly for underserved and underrepresented communities. Through this grant, the Interledger Foundation aims to catalyze the growth of an open, interoperable financial ecosystem powered by Interledger Protocol (ILP) and its suite of technologies, enabling secure, fast, and cost-effective payments across currencies and ledgers.

Applicants may apply under one of the two following tracks:
- Track 1: Interledger | Enabled (up to $250,000)
For financial service providers such as digital wallets, mobile money platforms, banks, co-operatives, and neo-banks interested in integrating with Interledger technology, particularly by implementing Rafiki and establishing themselves as financial nodes on the Interledger Network.

- Track 2: Interledger | Unlocked (up to $150,000)
For web-based or online platforms (e.g., e-commerce, digital marketplaces, donation tools) seeking to offer users expanded payment options by integrating Open Payments APIs.

Who Should Apply
This opportunity is open exclusively to registered entities including companies, NGOs, educational institutions, co-operatives, and regulated digital finance providers. We are especially looking for innovative, community-rooted solutions emerging from non-traditional markets or demographics that are often overlooked in global finance.

Projects should demonstrate:

Clear readiness for integration with Interledger technologies (Rafiki, Open Payments, ILP, etc.).
A proof-of-concept, demo, or architectural plan showing how the system enables cross-ledger or cross-currency payments.
A defined, active user base or partner community ready to pilot and benefit from the service.
A thoughtful and feasible implementation 12-month timeline, with outlined milestones and sufficient team capacity.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Submittable no later than August 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (EDT).

Before applying, we strongly recommend that prospective applicants review our public grant resource folder, which contains all relevant materials, including:

The grant application guidelines and eligibility criteria
Recorded information sessions about the grant and the ILF technologies
Examples of past funded projects with links to their reports/project updates
List of other resources - podcast, blogs, FAQs, and Youtube video series.

Need Help or Have Questions?
Reach out to our team at programteam@interledger.org, or connect with the Interledger community via:

Start your application today and join the movement to build a more open and inclusive digital financial future.

Apply for the Digital Financial Services Grant, July 2025 cycle, here

2025 Digital Financial Services Grant: Second Call Opens This July

Julaire Hall — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:57:19 +0000

The Interledger Foundation is excited to announce the upcoming second Call for Proposals (CFP) for our 2025 Digital Financial Services Grant, launching July 1, 2025, and open through August 1, 2025.

As part of our ongoing mission to build a more equitable and inclusive global payments ecosystem, this grant round is designed to fund innovative projects that advance financial access and interoperability using Interledger technologies.

This year’s CFP features two distinct funding tracks to support a broad range of digital financial innovations:

Track 1: Interledger | Enabled Funding available: Up to $250,000

This track is designed for digital financial service providers—including digital wallets, mobile money operators, banks, credit unions, and neo-banks—who are ready to integrate Interledger technology into their core systems.

Participants will work to integrate Rafiki, the Interledger protocol stack, into their platforms, effectively establishing new financial nodes on the Interledger Network. The goal is to unlock seamless, secure, and inclusive cross-network value transfers for users globally.

Track 2: Interledger | Unlocked Funding available: Up to $150,000

This track targets web-based platforms, such as e-commerce marketplaces, digital content platforms, or donation portals, looking to expand their payment capabilities.

Grants will support projects that integrate Open Payments APIs into existing platforms, giving users more choice and flexibility in how they send and receive payments, with a focus on financial inclusion and open access.

To support prospective applicants, the Interledger Foundation will host a series of Grant Q & A Sessions before the CFP launches. These sessions offer a chance to ask questions, get feedback on project ideas, and gain clarity on application requirements. RSVP for a session below.

Q&A Sessions – Interledger Foundation’s Digital Fi | Eventbrite

Are you passionate about developing inclusive financial solutions for underserved communities? The Interledger Foundation is excited to announce the second call for proposals for our Digital Financial Services Grant, launching July 1.

eventbrite.com

Whether you're new to the Interledger technologies or exploring how to align your work with our goals, we encourage you to review our Grant Resource Folder and attend one of the sessions.

Stay tuned for more details, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and informational webinars. In the meantime, explore https://interledger.org/financial-services to learn more about this opportunity.

Let’s build a financial future that works for everyone, together.

An Evolving Digital Future: The Rise of Digital Public Infrastructures across the Caribbean (and Other Countries)

Julaire Hall — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:50:00 +0000

Reflections on the Caribbean Digital Public Infrastructure Summit held in April at the UWI Regional Headquarters in Kingston.

The first Caribbean DPI Summit held in Jamaica, marked a pivotal moment in the region’s digital transformation journey. Known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and tourism-driven economies, the Caribbean is gaining traction as it seeks to transform its economies into more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready societies. Against a backdrop of tourism-driven economies and historical disparities in digital access, governments across the region are quietly but steadily investing in DPIs to enhance public services and strengthen connections between citizens and institutions.

Co-hosted by the University of the West Indies and Co-Develop, the Summit brought together a diverse group of policymakers, technologists, and development leaders from around the world. Their shared goal: to explore how the Caribbean can harness DPIs to address systemic development challenges, bridge digital divides, and foster cross-border collaboration through open infrastructure.

Digital Public Infrastructure is defined

Chapter 4 of the World Bank’s Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023, written by Marskell, Marin, and Varghese, defined Digital Public Infrastructure as

“The basic capabilities such as for identification, payments, and data sharing that are the building blocks for developing transformative digital services at a societal scale”.

DPIs are systems that underpin and enable digital life and access to essential services. Similar to how governments develop shared infrastructures like roads, ports, bridges, and power grids that enable access to basic amenities, just the same governments are tasked to ensure digital infrastructures are secure and accessible to their citizens. After all, we are living in a digitally-enabled, global society where marketplaces, essential services, and our personal information are online. DPIs, whether it be a national digital ID, e-payment systems like a mobile wallet, e-government portals, or data exchange platforms, provide the avenue for individuals and businesses to interact securely, efficiently, and reliably in the digital world.

A Region Ready for Transformation: The Caribbean DPIs Potential

As a Caribbean native, I’m fully aware that it’s quite a fascinating mix of promise and complexity when it comes to digital development. We are very small states with modest populations, limited public sector capacity, fragmented digital ecosystems, and ongoing challenges such as climate vulnerability and moderate digital literacy but we’re also a region full of potential rich in creativity, resilience, and a youthful, tech-aware citizenry that’s quietly fueling our digital transformation.

COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call for many Caribbean leaders, highlighting the critical need to invest in resilient, citizen-centric systems. In response, governments have increasingly turned to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to close the digital divide, modernize service delivery, and stimulate innovation. By embracing interoperable, open-source solutions, the region is laying the groundwork for inclusive and scalable digital systems built not from scratch, but by learning from proven global models and adapting them to local needs. This spirit of collaborative innovation was reflected in the structure of the Caribbean DPI Summit. The agenda featured country spotlights including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Rwanda each offering practical insights into how DPI can be designed, implemented, and adapted across diverse cultural and governance contexts. And of course, reference to Estonia’s digital transformation and its success in its implementation of a secure digital identity system, e-residency, and X-Road, a decentralized data exchange platform enabling seamless interagency communication.

Several Caribbean countries have launched or are actively developing foundational DPIs such as national digital ID systems, e-payment platforms, and government data portals. Governments are beginning to reimagine how public infrastructure can serve people more efficiently, securely, and equitably. And whilst the Caribbean is actively laying its digital foundation, it's not doing so in isolation. Parallel efforts in Latin America and Africa reveal a growing global convergence around building open, citizen-centric Digital Public Infrastructure serving as benchmarks though the implementation reflects the distinct needs, capacities, and governance realities of each region. Here are some key highlights of countries across the Caribbean Latin America and Africa that are making bold strides in developing and deploying Digital Public Infrastructure to modernize governance and catalyze economic resilience:

- Digital ID Systems
Jamaica is taking the lead with its National Identification System (NIDS), designed to provide every citizen with a secure, verifiable digital identity, a foundational layer for building trusted, citizen-centered services. Barbados is rolling out Trident ID, a digital ID framework that supports secure access to public services and enables digital signatures. Saint Lucia is also exploring similar digital identity pathways, signaling a regional shift toward more inclusive and interoperable ID systems.

- E-Government Platforms
Trinidad and Tobago, along with Antigua and Barbuda, are enhancing service delivery through digital government portals that streamline essential interactions like business registration, tax compliance, and access to social services. These platforms are helping to simplify bureaucratic processes and increase accessibility especially for underserved communities.

In Brazil, where platforms like gov.br provide centralized access to over 4,000 services. In Rwanda, e-government has advanced rapidly, with platforms like IremboGov simplifying everything from birth registrations to business permits. Dominican Republic's Digital Republic (República Digital) initiative, integrating education, transparency, and digital economy elements.

These initiatives highlight a shared goal: making government more accessible, efficient, and transparent particularly for populations long excluded from bureaucratic processes.

- Digital Payments & Financial Inclusion
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has launched DCash, a central bank digital currency (CBDC) deployed across multiple member states. DCash represents a major step forward in enabling real-time, cross-border payments and supporting financial inclusion across a region where access to traditional banking services remains uneven.

In Brazil’s PIX, an instant, real-time payment system that has revolutionized digital transactions by allowing seamless peer-to-peer payments without fees. In Ghana, the Mobile Money Interoperability Platform enables citizens to transfer funds across different networks and banks, increasing financial access in underserved communities. These innovations align closely with the Interledger ethos frictionless, borderless transactions that work across platforms and providers.

- Cybersecurity and Data Governance
As DPI becomes more deeply embedded in national strategies, Caribbean nations are also prioritizing cybersecurity and data protection. There’s growing momentum around crafting robust legal and technical frameworks to ensure citizen data is protected and systems remain resilient especially in an era of increasing cyber threats.

Regional Nuances but Shared Themes

What ties these efforts together is a shared belief in infrastructure that is open, interoperable, and purpose-built for inclusion. Whether in the Caribbean, Latin America, or Africa, the movement toward DPI is about more than technology; it's about reimagining how citizens interact with the state, with each other, and with opportunity. These efforts, while still evolving, are aligned with a global movement toward open, interoperable infrastructure. For the Interledger community, they offer real-world examples of how digital systems can be designed with equity, access, and cross-border collaboration at their core. In fact, one of our grantees (Mifos) participated in a panel discussion at the Summit on Scaling Open-Source Solutions for Public Service Delivery in LAC. Ed Cable and Victor Romero spoke about Mifos open-source DPG which can serve a building block for national digital financial platforms; more so details in drawing on practical real-world experience of supporting DPIs in the local context. Mifos has been growing its presence in the Caribbean and has recently announced its first regional integration with the credit union sector in Trinidad and Tobago.

For the Caribbean to fully realize the promise of Digital Public Infrastructure, a coordinated and holistic approach is essential. This means harmonizing policy frameworks across nations, investing strategically in core digital systems, and building the institutional and human capacity that will sustain these initiatives well into the future. Foundational components like secure, inclusive digital identity systems, interoperable payment platforms, and strong data governance must be prioritized not only to protect privacy but to unlock innovation that benefits all citizens. Regional cooperation through bodies like CARICOM and the OECS will be critical to establish shared standards and enable cross-border interoperability, helping smaller states leverage collective strength rather than going it alone. At the same time, investments in digital literacy and public engagement are just as important to foster trust and meaningful adoption of these systems.

As this region moves beyond fragmented efforts, it signals a collective commitment to building a future that is regionally integrated, globally competitive, and fundamentally inclusive a vision that resonates deeply with the values of the Interledger Foundation ecosystem and the broader movement toward open, interoperable infrastructure worldwide.

Reflections on the 2025 Payments Canada Summit: Innovate, Collaborate, and Transform the Future of Payments

Julaire Hall — Thu, 29 May 2025 14:26:00 +0000

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to join a few colleagues from the Interledger Foundation in attending the 2025 Payments Canada Summit in Toronto. Hosted by Payments Canada, the steward of Canada’s core payment systems, the annual summit highlights innovations, challenges and opportunities within the Canadian payment ecosystem. Although deeply rooted in the local context, the Summit draws on global insights and perspectives recognizing that payment systems are deeply interconnected and shaped by worldwide trends in technology, regulations and financial inclusion.

ILF @ 2025 Payments Canada Summit

For the Interledger Foundation, participating in this year’s staging was strategic and a mission driven choice. As a global non-profit committed to advancing open, accessible digital financial systems, the Foundation places a high priority on cross-border payments which was one of the six deep dives and session themes of the Summit. ILF sees cross-border remittances, particularly those sent by migrant workers, as a critical area where interoperability can drive meaningful change. As such, we convened a panel discussion on the topic “Interoperable Cross-Border Transfers: Revolutionizing Migrant Remittances”. It was only right, given that Canada is a major remittance-sending country, to use the platform to highlight to an esteemed audience how within the Interledger ecosystem, open protocols and user-focused innovations are transforming remittance systems to be faster and more inclusive for all.

At the core of this panel discussion was a great focus on people, not just systems. Moderated by Briana Marbury, President & CEO of Interledger Foundation, the session highlighted the fact that global remittances are estimated to have reached US $800 billion in 2023. However, migrants often face significant challenges when sending money home including high transaction costs averaging 6%, long delays, volatility in exchange rates and other systemic barriers. These obstacles can reduce the amount of money that actually reaches recipients and create financial stress for both senders and receivers. For many people and economies, remittance is a lifeline, not just a transaction and this underscores the need to make cross-border remittances more efficient, cost-effective and accessible.

The session featured the following panelists, and here are the key highlights of main points contributed to the discussion:

Uchi Uchibeke, CEO of Chimoney (Canada) shared his perspective on how technological innovations like digital wallets are reshaping remittance systems and are bypassing traditional banking inefficiencies to benefit users directly. Uchi highlighted Chimoney’s success in enabling instant, affordable, cross-border payments using APIs, blockchain, and mobile-first platforms; whilst emphasizing user experience and customer-oriented approach. By integrating its payment infrastructure with the Interledger Protocol (ILP), Chimoney is enabling consumers without bank accounts to send and receive money through digital wallets.
Roberto Valdovinos, CFO of The People’s Clearinghouse (Mexico) highlighted the importance of collaboration between financial institutions, regulators and tech companies to enhance the efficiency and security of remittance services. PCH is implementing a new cross-border payment infrastructure to facilitate remittances between the U.S. and Mexican residents via community banks in rural areas; thereby enhancing financial inclusion in underserved regions. Roberto underscored the importance of upgrading infrastructure and ensuring secure, real-time data exchange are pivotal for building future-ready systems. Roberto highlighted how such systems can bridge the gap for the unbanked population, allowing for more inclusive participation in the global economy
Julaire Hall, Program Officer of Interledger Foundation (Jamaica) provided insights on the importance of interoperability in cross-border remittances and underscored the role an enabling regulatory framework sets in facilitating seamless transactions. Referencing initiatives being implemented in various regions, Julaire highlighted the benefits of having harmonized, innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks enabling interoperable financial systems.

The panel underscored the critical role of interoperability in creating a more inclusive and efficient remittance ecosystem, particularly for underserved communities reliant on cross-border transfers. Looking ahead to the next 5-10 years, the focus must be on building global interoperability through open standards and inclusive infrastructure, while advancing regulatory clarity across borders. Remittance systems must center around the needs of migrants and underserved communities.

We were also joined by two ILF Ambassadors: Stephanie Perrin, renowned privacy and data protection expert and Andria Barrett an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the financial sector.

Now that we’ve recapped ILF’s participation, let’s talk about the 2025 Payments Canada Summit, generally.

A Transformative Moment in Payments

I must say, over the course of the two and a half days, the sessions were content rich and engaging. The event was well-attended with some 1500 attendees from various traditional financial institutions like TD Bank, CBIC, Scotiabank, just to name a few. Fintechs were also in attendance and a constant theme of discussion was their readiness and ability to leverage their strengths and collaborate in unlocking the full potential of a functioning payments system. This demonstrates a strong recognition that real-time payments is no longer just a tech story and showcases the importance of fintech innovators, bank executives, regulators, and tech providers working together to build together.

Leadership and Collaboration: Fueling the Future of Payments

A strong focus on partnership and collaboration was evident across keynotes, panels, and featured initiatives highlighted at the Summit which underscored the shared commitment to innovation and resilience in Canada’s payments ecosystem. I’d love to share a few key takeaways that highlighted important developments shaping the future of payments.

Symcor’s President & CEO, Holger Kormann, in his keynote highlighted the importance of collaboration as the world seeks to develop Interoperable cross-border payments corridors. He used the example of the automotive industry, wherein eight companies developed a charging network for electric vehicles to facilitate long-distance travel across North America. IONNA, a real-world example of interoperability in action, ensures all its charging stations are compatible with major electric vehicles, regardless of the brand. So, just like IONNA creates a cohesive digital charging system for electric vehicles, interoperability builds a cohesive digital ecosystem for data and services wherein systems and platforms can interact with each other, no matter who built them or where they’re from.

Looking further at the Canadian context, a major topical initiative mentioned and referenced at the Summit was the Real-Time Rails (RTR). RTR, an initiative being driven by Payments Canada to modernize the nation’s payment infrastructure. RTR, similar to the US’ RTP and the UK’s Faster Payments, which enables speed, efficiency, and instant, data-rich transactions every day of the year, is Canada’s long-awaited instant payment system. This transformative initiative involves numerous stakeholders; including financial institutions, government agencies/regulators, technology partners and consumers. A fundamental collaboration reshaping of how money moves, how business interacts, and how consumers engage with financial services in Canada..

One keynote that I found rather interesting and invigorating was Interac Corp's CEO, Jeremy Wilmot, whose keynote was on Canada’s tiger leap opportunity to digitalization, referenced Estonia’s Tiigrihüpe’s national initiative on modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure, amongst other national initiatives Sweden’s Swish, India’s UPI and Brazil Pix. Now, Estonia has long been referenced by many as the success story benchmark for an ideal country-level transformational initiative in developing a digitally advanced society. And the results to date are very clear, we’ve seen the key impacts like their e-residency program, e-tax, e-voting system and digital ID cards. Although Canada is making strides to digitize its payment system, he pointed out that the countries referenced depended not only on technological innovation but also on strong public trust, institutional coordination, and the ability to move quickly. To become a leader in this space, Canada must prioritize building trust among consumers and businesses, ensure interoperability across platforms, and foster agile collaboration between government, financial institutions, and technology providers. Without this alignment, the country risks falling further behind in the global digital economy. His point was further enhanced with the following quote that resonated with me:

“bold action backed by alignment outperforms caution backed by consensus”.

In reflection …

The 2025 Payments Canada Summit underscored a pivotal junction in the evolution of digital finance; one where vision, collaboration and leadership must align to drive inclusive progress. The panel discussions, keynotes, and deep dives reinforced that payment modernization is not just a technical upgrade, but a transformative process with profound social and economic implications. As we continue our work at the Interledger Foundation, we are more committed than ever to fostering systems that are open, interoperable, and built with people at the center. The road ahead demands bold action, thoughtful regulation, and unwavering collaboration.

Now as a program officer overseeing initiatives aimed at enabling digital financial inclusion, particularly those centered on digital financial services, the sobering insight from Jeff Mulholland, Partner at IBM Consulting noted that at best, only 30% of payment modernization projects will succeed, with success largely hinging on leadership, resonates deeply. This underscores the critical role of program officers not just as administrators, but as strategic leaders who must navigate complex ecosystems involving technology, policy, and underserved communities. Effective leadership in this space means fostering collaboration among stakeholders, anticipating challenges in digital adoption, and ensuring that modernization efforts are not only technologically sound but also equitable and user-centric. In a domain where the goal is to bring marginalized populations into the financial fold, strong leadership becomes the linchpin for translating innovation into lasting impact.

Introducing the Digital Financial Services Grantees

Julaire Hall — Mon, 05 May 2025 15:45:33 +0000

The Interledger Foundation is thrilled to announce the selected grantees for the Interledger Foundation’s 2024 Call for Proposals under our Digital Financial Services (DFS) program.

Last year’s call attracted a dynamic and diverse group of applicants from 15 countries, all united by a common goal: to build a more equitable, inclusive, and interoperable digital financial system. After a highly competitive selection process, we are proud to support a new cohort of visionary projects harnessing the power of open technologies and the Interledger Protocol to drive meaningful impact in their communities.

The selected grantees represent a wide spectrum of innovative ideas and local solutions - from expanding access to financial services for marginalized communities to developing new technical tools that enhance interoperability and accessibility. Each project brings its unique approach to addressing financial exclusion and building systems that work for everyone.

We invite you to read the shareouts about their projects, the problems they’re addressing, and the change they’re working to create.

Paysys Labs (Pakistan)

Rafiki Remit: Advancing Seamless Remittances in Pakistan

Muneeb Asif for Paysys Labs ・ May 2 '25

#remittance #interledgerfoundation #paysys #rafiki
BessPay Plugin (Jamaica)

Introducing the BessPay Plugin Project

BessPay for BessPay ・ Apr 30 '25
Kanzu Microloans (Uganda)

Project Introduction: Kanzu Microloans – Real-Time Credit Access for the Underserved

Maria Gorrettie Namuddu for Kanzu Finance ・ May 4 '25

You can follow the journey of these grantees as they provide interim progress on their projects by viewing their updates here: #grantreports

To our new grantees, we are excited to support your journey and look forward to collaborating with you as you bring your ideas to life.

To our aspiring collaborators, do you have a compelling idea for a project that exemplifies the spirit of the Digital Financial Services program, which is to foster a more equitable digital economy through open-source innovation, community-driven development, and sustainable financial inclusion? Our next Call for Proposal will launch on July 1, 2025.

Subscribe to our Newsletter to get the latest news and updates on our programs, and join our program dedicated Slack channel #cfp-financial-services, or utilize the grant inquiry request form to ask specific questions or get further details on this grant opportunity.

Reflections from HBCU Engage 2025: Presenting on Building Effective Partnerships for Experiential Learning

Julaire Hall — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:35:09 +0000

In March, a small team of ILFers had the incredible opportunity to attend the HBCU Engage 2025 gathering held in Charleston, South Carolina. Organized by the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP), the annual HBCU Engage forum provides a platform to highlight and spark game-changing university-industry partnerships.

Attended by a wide range of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other universities, corporations, nonprofits, foundations and government entities, the two-day event was curated with the intention of exploring strategies for effective collaboration, gaining insights into building sustainable partnerships that drive innovation, and enhance student outcomes and readiness to address real-world challenges.

Day 1 | Centered around the participating HBCUs, the meaningful connections and partnerships they have in place and a highlight of areas for future collaboration. Included was a dedicated showcase dubbed HBCU Pavilion where local co-hosting universities exhibited and showcased their programs and areas of collaboration to the attendees. What I like particularly about this framework is that UIDP hosts this event in varying states, and depending on the location, the local universities get to be highlighted.
Day 2 | Featured companies from various industries highlighting the work they do, how they’ve collaborated with universities and best practices for corporate engagements to build impactful partnerships. Selected industry members had the opportunity to showcase their company at the Partners Pavilion.

Exploring Experiential Learning

The simplest definition of experiential learning is - learning by doing. In preparation for ILF’s participation at HBCU Engage, I came across the Experiential Learning Theory by David Kolbs, which basically surmised that learning is a process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. It is not solely about receiving information, but it is about engaging with it actively. Kolb’s theory explores four stages in a cyclical, continuous cycle where individuals gain knowledge by experience, reflecting, conceptualizing and actively experimenting with new ideas. The chart below, uploaded by Vijini Mallawaarrchchi on Researchgate.net, outlines the cycles which I think explain thoroughly the blended approach used by universities globally, which entails classroom exercises that mirror real-world scenarios and also include some elements of learning by doing beyond the classroom.

This backdrop of experiential learning is not just to share the ideas of David Kolb with you, but to set the stage for the Interledger Foundation’s participation at the HBCU Engage forum. At the Interledger Foundation, our mission is focused on addressing a significant global challenge - financial inclusion. We believe that empowering youth to co-create solutions to systemic financial exclusion is essential for building a more just and inclusive economic future. By equipping young people with the knowledge and access to reformative platforms, we not only address today’s barriers but also cultivate the next generation of leaders, driving equitable access to financial services for all. With the right mix of in-class and out-of-course engagement, students will be equipped with real-world skills, critical thinking, adaptability and personal growth that prepares them for complex and rapidly changing global challenges. To that end, we support universities via our Interledger NextGen Higher Education program to drive research, innovation, and education around open payments technologies.

Since 2022, we’ve had a thriving partnership with Bowie State University (led by @andrewmangle) where we’ve funded curriculum development to include open payments and financial interoperability concepts into its program, enabled capacity building via micro-internships and scholars program, hosted students at our annual Interledger Summit and support initiatives like BSU’s On Track for Good hackathon held on the Amtrak where students had the opportunity to conceptualize real world solutions using Interledger and related technologies. This pilot partnership has yielded great outcomes that have been impactful, inclusive and connected students to the real world. From this standpoint, we think it is an effective partnership on experiential learning; a great use case to present and share strategies, insights and areas of opportunities that educators could implement.

Interledger Foundation @ HBCU Engage 2025

Our 1-hour roundtable session, titled “Building Effective Partnerships for Experiential Learning”, was on day 2 and the key messages centered around industry and academia, exploring how experiential learning can bridge skills gaps and better prepare students for the workforce. Key themes included the importance of real-world experiences and project-based learning to develop future graduates, while referencing similar initiatives that BSU would have implemented in their program. In terms of building effective partnerships, here are the following key takeaways from our talk that I’d love to share with you, using the BSU’s program as a case study on how these best practices apply:

Shared Values - as with any relationship or partnership, it will only thrive if participants have a common goal or objective. Naturally, universities have a vested interest in preparing a pipeline of diverse talent for the future of work. Industry players must then choose to align themselves with universities with a specific focus on areas or segments of industry that align with the work they do.
Co-Design, Structured Programs - having well-structured programs with clear activities, expected outcomes for all involved is critical. Important too is having both industry partners and university(ies) working together from the onset in designing what that program will be to ensure it is mutually beneficial and, most importantly, meets the needs of the students.
Faculty Leadership & Support - having members of the faculty with accountability for the implementation of the program is critical from the perspective that a member of faculty is best suited to ensure the program design bridges the gap between classroom and the workforce, helping students to conceptualize real-world projects within the framework of their curriculum and ensuring the students can relate the experience back to their academic theories.
Community Engagement - it is important to embrace the support and involvement of local community organizations that will facilitate students working on real-world projects and problems. Not only does that provide a valuable learning experience for students, but it also helps them to connect with their communities in a meaningful way.
Communication & Reflections - prioritizing consistent communication is critical to a successful partnership. This provides an opportunity for structured reflection for all parties involved to ensure the learning remains dynamic, meaningful and achieves the outcomes planned. Institute time-bound updates and interim progress report shareouts to the ecosystem to highlight the work being done.
Celebrate! - highlight and celebrate the small wins along the way. Building on the outcomes of the reflection, proactively design ways to evolve and sustain the partnership.

Our participation at HBCU Engage was then cemented by our Lunch Table Talk led by two of our current Ambassadors: Sheena Allen (@sheenaallen visionary entrepreneur, international speaker, author, and creative architect) and Victoria Coker (@victoriac multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur), who engaged attendees in a discussion about the financial divide and the importance of including youths in conversation and be equipped to problem-solve the systemic issues around financial inclusion.

Learning from Others…

One of the best parts of HBCU Engage was hearing about innovative approaches others are taking and getting a more diverse view on how, through partnerships, these institutions are preparing students from the workforce of varying industries. Attending the sessions on Day 1 where the universities highlighted their varying cross-sector partnerships reminded me that while every institution and industry is different, the underlying principles of collaboration, shared vision, mutual benefits, and ongoing dialogue are universal. To learn from universities participating as a consortium for the benefit of its students was also interesting and that model underscored the importance of intentionality in partnership development.

A common theme was the value of long-term relationship-building over transactional partnerships and the importance of collaborators growing together. We heard about pilot programs that have evolved into deep, transformative partnerships that not only enhance student learning but drive institutional innovation and community impact. The exchanges over the course of the two days enriched the collective understanding of how experiential learning and co-designed programs can equip students with the skills, adaptability, and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving space.

Final Reflections

Any event that couples professional growth and learning with cultural exploration is by default a big hit! A highlight of HBCU Engage 2025 was the visit to the International African American Museum, which offered a powerful and moving account of African American history and heritage, especially in the context of Charleston’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. The visit depended on my understanding of the historical roots that continue to shape social and cultural landscapes today. As a personal keepsake, receiving a palmetto rose, a handmade symbol of victory and resilience, was a meaningful reminder of Charleston’s unique traditions and the significance of honoring its past.

I am grateful for the experience at HBCU Engage and excited to continue the conversation with passionate educators who are committed to transforming education and have an interest in partnering with the Interledger Foundation.

Feel free to connect with me if you want to discuss ideas or connect on how ILF’s NextGen program can support your institution.

Register to Attend the Digital Financial Services Grant Info/Q&A Sessions

Julaire Hall — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:53:25 +0000

Hello Community,

Interledger Foundation is now accepting applications for its Digital Financial Services grant program. Are you interested in joining Interledger, the global network for inclusive digital payments?

Here’s your invitation to attend our upcoming Q&A/Grant Info Sessions for the 2025 Digital Financial Services grant. Interested and potential applicants will have the opportunity to connect with the ILF team, learn more about the grant opportunity and get the latest updates on ILF technologies.

This is a great space for you to ask any questions you may have about the call for proposals, and the ILF technologies e.g. Interledger Protocol, Rafiki, Open Payments APIs.

If you missed our first Grant Info Session, here’s a brief presentation outlining the grant opportunity.

Tech Q & A - Friday, March 14 @ 8:30 am (ET) / 1:30 pm (GMT)
Grant Info Session - Monday, March 24 @ 10:00 am (ET) / 3:00 pm (GMT)

Have a burning query or question, connect with us via the grant inquiry form and Interledger Slack.

Applications for this grant cycle will be accepted until Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:59 am (ET), via Submittable.

The Interledger Community 🌱: Julaire Hall

Designing Digital Money: A 2026 Blog Series

Listening Lab Lessons | From Classroom to Codebase: How Universities Cultivate the Next Generation of Open Payments Talent

Ayden Férdeline ・ Nov 20 '25

Interledger Foundation Launches “Interledger on Campus” Mini-Grant Program to Support Student-Led Initiatives in Open Payments

2025 Digital Financial Services Grant Recipient: miPlata

Announcing the Awardees of the Interledger Nextgen Higher Education Grant Program

Shaping the Future of Digital Financial Services: We Want Your Input / Apply Now for the July 2025 CFP

Call for Proposals Now Open: Digital Financial Services Grant – July 2025 Cycle

Julaire Hall for Interledger Foundation ・ Jul 1 '25

Call for Proposals Now Open: Digital Financial Services Grant – July 2025 Cycle

2025 Digital Financial Services Grant: Second Call Opens This July

Q&A Sessions – Interledger Foundation’s Digital Fi | Eventbrite

An Evolving Digital Future: The Rise of Digital Public Infrastructures across the Caribbean (and Other Countries)

Reflections on the 2025 Payments Canada Summit: Innovate, Collaborate, and Transform the Future of Payments

“bold action backed by alignment outperforms caution backed by consensus”.

Introducing the Digital Financial Services Grantees

Rafiki Remit: Advancing Seamless Remittances in Pakistan

Muneeb Asif for Paysys Labs ・ May 2 '25

Introducing the BessPay Plugin Project

BessPay for BessPay ・ Apr 30 '25

Project Introduction: Kanzu Microloans – Real-Time Credit Access for the Underserved

Maria Gorrettie Namuddu for Kanzu Finance ・ May 4 '25

Reflections from HBCU Engage 2025: Presenting on Building Effective Partnerships for Experiential Learning

Register to Attend the Digital Financial Services Grant Info/Q&A Sessions