PYMNTS AM Radar: Age of Change; Smart Convenience; Digital Transformation Momentum; Fighting Professional Fraudsters; ICYMI

Today is Friday, July 8 and in one of the world’s safest countries, a former prime minister was shot dead while giving a speech. Shinzo Abe, 67, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, died in the hospital after being shot twice in the chest. A 41-year-old suspect is now in police custody. Gun violence is rare in Japan, as is political violence. It’s also extremely difficult to obtain a firearm in the East Asian island country.

In other sad news, Kazuki Takahashi, 60, the creator of the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” manga game, was found dead at sea while apparently snorkeling in southwestern Japan. The cause of death is unknown, but the floating body showed signs of possibly being attacked by sharks.

James Murray, the head of the Secret Service since 2019, is stepping down to join Snap, the parent of SnapChat, as a chief security official. He begins Aug. 1 and will report directly to CEO and co-founder Evan Spiegel. Here’s what else should be on your radar this morning.

Age of Change. This is a time of great change for trade, consumption and investment, Conversion Capital Sole Founder and General Partner Christian Lawless told PYMNTS Karen Webster. The transition economy is unfolding amid record inflation, crypto market crashes, war and other geo-political issues. As old partnerships are overhauled and new ones formed, payments will play a central role. READ MORE

Smart Convenience. Digital technologies have paved the way to convenience and more people than ever are using smart home technologies and automated chore devices. “The ConnectedEconomy Monthly Report: The Rise Of The Smart Home” explores how consumers’ increased demand for convenience in the eCommerce space has run parallel to a rising desire for digital technologies that can simplify life’s regular chores. READ MORE

Digital Transformation Momentum. PayU CEO LatAm Francisco Leon told PYMNTS Karen Webster that the silver lining of the pandemic is accelerated digital transformation and adoption, especially in Latin America. Digital payments volumes are up 50% year on year for PayU and the company is working on facilitating the global connected economy. READ MORE

Fighting Professional Fraudsters. Dewald Nolte, chief strategy officer at Entersekt, told PYMNTS that experienced fraudsters work their thievery like it’s a lucrative day job, with weekend and holidays off. Digital criminals also take advantage of exploiting new, confusing technologies like NFTs while the average user is learning the ropes. Anytime there’s a market change, fraud follows, Nolte said. READ MORE

ICYMI. Historical homes are now available to rent on Airbnb. The online lodging firm created a separate category to meet the demand for heritage-related travel. The homes are initially available in the U.K., France, Germany, Spain and Italy, with plans to expand into other countries.  READ MORE