Financial software company Misys has published the results of a global research indicating mixed views among bank professionals about wearables, with 72 per cent of those polled during a tech-related webinar admitting wearables "are on their three-year roadmap", while 52 per cent will have a wearable application in the next 18 months. Two thirds of banks claim "proximity payment" is the most attractive wearable capability, while 31 per cent state greater fraud protection through push notifications is a compelling feature. In the future, banks suggest authentication processes (64 per cent) and the ability to send push messaging (47 per cent) will increase adoption of wearable technology among their customers. Transferring the technology that underpins the cryptocurrency bitcoin into a money-saving payment system is challenging the world's largest investment banks. Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Barclays, UBS and Deutsche Bank are experimenting with their own technologies and have filed patents, the FT.com reports. But despite the buzz, there are few working models and a lack of joint adoption across the industry. Like all fads it could fade unless backed up, the FT says. Meanwhile money is flowing: Aite, a consultancy, has suggested that capital-market spending on blockchain research and development could reach US$400 million by 2019, up more than ten-fold from US$30 million last year. Wal-Mart's customers have started using its new mobile payment system, built as an add-on to the US retailer's mobile application, reports CNBC. Called Walmart Pay, it works by allowing shoppers to link their preferred payment method (ie, credit, debit, prepaid or Wal-Mart gift card) to their Walmart.com account; then pay after scanning a QR code via a proprietary software on Walmart's point-of-sale systems. This technology is unique in that it enables shoppers with nearly any type of smartphone to use its payment option, in contrast to systems such as Apple Pay or Android Pay, which are only available on certain devices.