Africa leapfrogs to mobile-first finance; Asia QR codes; Europe digitizes fast
Payment digitization paths diverge: Africa skips cards for mobile money (partnering with telcos like MTN), China uses proprietary QR ecosystems (WeChat/Alipay), while Europe catches up with diverse local schemes (MobilePay, Blik, Bizum) alongside global networks.
India excites external managers with quality focus and demographic tailwinds
Local managers in Mumbai and Delhi generated excess returns by avoiding expensive small caps and focusing on large quality companies, benefiting from India's 40-year growth resilience, young workforce, and potential government infrastructure support.
AI democratization could drive disproportionate gains in developing economies
AI and automation democratize intelligence and manufacturing capability, potentially allowing developing countries to leapfrog traditional development stages; Brazil cited as pole position for AI supercycle benefits over next two decades.