# From Transactions to Transformations: A Bibliometric Study on Technology Convergence in E-Payments
## 2 Theoretical Underpinnings: Evolution of E-Payment Technology and Converging Domains  
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, e-payment technology has emerged as a pivotal component of the global economy, reshaping how financial transactions are executed. The advent of the Internet and the proliferation of mobile technology have catalyzed the growth of e-payment systems, making them indispensable in today's digital age. The genesis of e-payment systems can be traced back to the 1970s with the introduction of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), which marked the initial step towards electronic transactions. The development of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in 1967 revolutionized banking, offering a precursor to the convenience of e-payments [9]. The 1990s witnessed a significant leap with the advent of online banking, propelled by the Internet's commercialization. This era set the stage for the emergence of PayPal in 1998, a ground-breaking platform that simplified online transactions and heralded a new era for e-commerce [10]. These developments underscored a shift towards more accessible and efficient financial transactions, laying the groundwork for modern e-payment systems. In the early 2000s, technological advancements and increased internet accessibility led to the proliferation of digital wallets and mobile payment solutions. Companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung introduced digital wallets, further embedding e-payments into daily commerce [11; 12]. These innovations highlighted a growing trend towards seamless, user-friendly payment methods. Introducing blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in 2009 with Bitcoin presented a novel approach to e-payments, emphasizing decentralization, security, and transparency. This period marked the diversification of e-payment methods, reflecting a dynamic landscape of technological innovation and adoption. These digital currencies offer a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems, minimizing transaction costs and enhancing cross-border transaction efficiency. Integrating Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in smartphones enabled contactless payments, enhancing the convenience and speed of transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of contactless payments as consumers and retailers sought safer payment alternatives [4; 13]. The timeline of the e-payment evolution research is shown in Table 1 below. The primary focus of recent research is the development of advanced security measures to protect against fraud and cyberattacks. Techniques leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are at the forefront, with studies exploring how these technologies can be applied to detect fraudulent activities in real time and prevent security breaches [14; 15]. Blockchain technology is also a significant area of interest, providing a decentralized and tamper-proof framework for conducting transactions securely. Studies [6; 16; 17] have examined ways to make e-payments more intuitive, seamless, and inclusive, catering to a diverse user base. Current research in e-payment technology has significantly contributed to advancing security, usability, and accessibility. However, gaps remain in understanding and addressing the challenges of cross-border payments, interoperability, privacy, and adoption barriers, particularly in emerging markets. Legacy systems like SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) remain crucial for ensuring secure cross-border messaging and financial interoperability, complementing newer blockchain-based systems in the evolving global payment infrastructure. Addressing these gaps presents an opportunity for future research to innovate further and refine e-payment technologies, making them more secure, efficient, and accessible to a global audience.