In a conversation with Prashant Sharma, Executive Director of Biometrics and Identity Solutions at J.P. Morgan, the future of payments sounded a lot more seamless – and a lot more human.
This year, J.P. Morgan unveiled two cutting-edge payment terminals, PayPal and Pinpad, that do more than just take cards or phone taps -they can identify you by your face or palm. These devices are designed with modern retail in mind: portable, 4G/5G-enabled, and capable of running all day on a single charge.
Sharma explained that the real goal isn’t just faster transactions, it’s about transforming the customer experience. Imagine walking into a store, being recognised instantly, and completing your purchase with nothing more than a glance or a wave of your hand. No cards, no codes, no searching for your phone. The result? Shorter lines, smoother checkouts, and personalised service that feels effortless.
He acknowledged that bringing this kind of innovation into physical stores is complex, with many partners and systems involved. To solve that, J.P. Morgan is building an end-to-end payment ecosystem, so merchants can implement new tech through a single trusted partner.
When it comes to trust, Sharma says J.P. Morgan’s long history gives it a unique edge. Customers already rely on the bank to protect their money; now it’s extending that same trust to safeguard their biometric data.
Beyond payments, Sharma sees biometrics rapidly reshaping industries from travel to entertainment, helping move people through airports, stadiums, and venues with ease. Whether it’s skipping security lines or buying a snack mid-game, the technology is quietly making life faster and more intuitive.
