Trawling through markets while being assaulted by assorted sights, smells and sounds has always been a part of Chinese city life, and now swiping a smartphone to pay for items could be, too. Chinese consumers are using their smartphones to pay for anything and everything.

A fake bank with all the trimmings of a real one – security guards, computers and LED screens displaying real-time interest and foreign exchange rates – swindled Chinese savers out of $32 million. How will this affect the already prominent distrust of banks in China?

We know that seamless payments can affect how we splash out, but could they also impact how we feel about the things we’re buying? Canvas8 sat down with Dr. Avni Shah, co-author of ‘Paper or Plastic?’, to understand how the method by which we pay influences product satisfaction and brand loyalty.

2014 has seen China's distrust of corporations, banks and the government grow more than ever before. By positioning itself as a cheaper and more trustworthy alternative to intermediary agents, can finance service Rong360 attract customers that don't understand online banking?