As the global economy increasingly shifts toward digital-first experiences, consumer trust in digital platforms has become a crucial driver of economic growth. Recognizing this, Checkout.com has unveiled the Digital Economy Trust Index — the first global benchmark designed to measure consumer confidence in the digital economy across 16 countries.
This index ranks nations based on digital trust indicators such as security, transparency, and user experience. It reveals a strong correlation between digital trust and GDP growth rates over the past decade (2014–2024). Building trust is no longer optional as digital ecosystems continue to grow; it is essential.
The Digital Economy Trust Index, launched by Checkout.com, evaluates how people interact with, trust, and adopt digital systems — including payment platforms, AI tools, and biometric technologies. It surveys 18 key dimensions across 16 markets to assess where nations stand in building digital trust and highlights its direct economic benefits.
The report found a clear correlation between higher trust in digital systems and GDP growth. Countries with the highest trust scores also experienced faster economic growth between 2014 and 2024, showcasing that confidence in the digital economy fuels national prosperity.
"In the digital economy, trust is earned," says Jenny Hadlow, COO of Checkout.com. “This index helps leaders understand the barriers to digital trust and how to overcome them to unlock economic potential.”
China leads the globe in trust in digital payments, biometric security, and AI adoption, supported by a robust tech ecosystem and a forward-thinking regulatory environment. The Middle East also ranks high due to government-backed digital strategies and early blockchain and AI technologies investments.
Despite high levels of digitization, Japan ranks lowest, mainly due to low consumer confidence in digital wallets, AI, and biometric technologies. Similarly, European markets show hesitancy due to privacy concerns, cybersecurity anxieties, and skepticism toward blockchain and emerging tech.
Europe
The Index confirms that trust in technology is not just a tech issue—it’s an economic one. Key dimensions that influence trust most significantly include:
These indicators reflect consumer willingness to engage in digital commerce, share sensitive information, and adopt innovative financial technologies.
“The digital economy is the economy of the future — and the future is coming fast,” Hadlow emphasizes.
The Checkout.com Digital Economy Trust Index is a wake-up call for businesses and governments worldwide. In an era where digital interactions define economic performance, trust is currency. Countries and companies that build trust through secure, innovative, and transparent digital systems will unlock the next wave of growth.
As the global economy digitizes rapidly, understanding and investing in digital trust is not only strategic — it’s imperative.
It’s a global ranking by Checkout.com measuring how much consumers trust digital systems, including payments, AI, and digital IDs, across 16 countries.
Higher digital trust leads to greater consumer participation, faster innovation adoption, and more efficient digital economies, which in turn directly influence GDP growth.
Despite its tech infrastructure, Japan’s population shows low confidence in AI, digital wallets, and biometric security, possibly due to cultural preferences and risk aversion.
Investing in security technologies, improving user experiences, complying with data protection regulations, and educating consumers.
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