Making crypto payments usable: a deep dive with Pundi X’s Peko Wan

Sam kamani

August 17, 2025

In episode 157 of the Web3 with Sam Kamani podcast, we sit down with Peko Wan, Co-CEO of Pundi X, to explore the pragmatic side of crypto adoption — specifically, making crypto payments as seamless as traditional ones.

Since 2017, Pundi X has been building real-world infrastructure to normalize crypto payments for everyday use. In this conversation, Peko walks us through the evolution of their product, their reflections on compliance, and what it takes to bring Web3 tools to Web2 realities.

Bringing blockchain to the checkout counter

Pundi X started with an ambitious yet grounded mission: make crypto transactions easy for merchants and consumers. Their flagship product, XPOS, is a blockchain-based point-of-sale system that enables stores to accept cryptocurrencies just as easily as fiat.

Initially designed as a physical POS terminal, XPOS has since evolved. Today, Pundi X is pushing QR-code-based payment methods — a move that aligns with the shift toward mobile-first experiences, especially in Asia.

But the tech alone isn’t the whole story. As Peko emphasizes, usability is at the core of Pundi X’s philosophy. Crypto adoption won’t happen through complexity. It will happen when transactions become second nature — fast, reliable, and interoperable.

Why stablecoins lead the charge

One of the most striking takeaways from the episode is the dominance of stablecoins in actual usage. Despite the media hype around volatile tokens, most users are choosing stablecoins like USDT and USDC for real-world purchases. Why?

Predictable value: People want to pay with something that won’t change value in the next hour.
Lower friction: Merchants can better manage pricing, accounting, and conversions.

As Peko puts it, “It’s not just about crypto; it’s about predictable commerce.”

Web3 payments still face Web2 constraints

While innovation is happening fast, there’s no escaping the challenges that come with cross-chain support, regulatory complexity, and global compliance. From integrating multiple blockchains to dealing with country-specific licensing, the reality is that Web3 companies must navigate an increasingly nuanced regulatory landscape.

Peko offers a candid look at how Pundi X has approached compliance — not as a roadblock, but as a strategic necessity. Staying ahead of regulators, understanding market norms, and building with transparency are key to long-term sustainability.

This isn’t just a compliance checkbox. It’s the difference between a short-term pilot and a product that scales globally.

CBDCs, AI, and what’s next

Looking ahead, Peko shares her thoughts on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and AI in payments. While CBDCs are still in early stages, Pundi X sees them as potential partners — not threats. The infrastructure Pundi X has built can support CBDCs alongside crypto, providing the flexibility merchants need in an evolving financial landscape.

And when it comes to AI? The use cases are real:

Fraud detection
KYC automation
Personalized customer insights

As AI matures, it could become a powerful layer that complements decentralized finance infrastructure — not replaces it.

More than just payments

Pundi X isn’t just a product company — it’s a platform. They’re actively hiring, exploring partnerships with traditional fintech firms, and looking to collaborate across ecosystems. As Peko says, “Web3 doesn’t mean Web2 disappears. It means we build bridges.”

If you’re interested in partnering, check out their website or their community channels linked below.

Final thoughts

Peko’s journey with Pundi X underscores a deeper truth: The future of Web3 payments isn’t about hype. It’s about infrastructure.

Crypto payments will only go mainstream when they work for everyone — merchants, regulators, and users alike. That’s the hard, often invisible work being done by teams like Pundi X.

This episode is essential listening for founders, investors, and anyone building in the Web3 payment space.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
Spotify