On October 20, 2026, Splendor Labs SA publicly demonstrated a new payment system bypassing traditional card networks with a combination of smartphones and physical NFC cards. The architecture relies on the company’s integrating four complementary post-quantum security technologies for direct settlement. These include ML-DSA-65, ML-KEM-768, dual ML-DSA/SLH-DSA verification and Random Linear Network Coding. Splendor Labs’ process requires scanning a payment QR code and tapping a “Splendor Quantum Security Card” against a smartphone, authorizing transactions within its testnet environment.
A merchant creates a payment request using Splendor Wallet
Splendor Wallet initiates transactions when a merchant requests payment; the system bypasses conventional card processing by using a direct connection to the system. This infrastructure, built with four complementary post-quantum security and network technologies, allows for settlement without reliance on established financial networks. “Our objective is to make advanced cryptographic security practical for everyday financial transactions,” explains a Splendor Labs representative, detailing the patent-pending design connecting smartphones and physical security cards.
The architecture’s design prioritizes a shift in payment authorization methods, enabling direct settlement and opening opportunities for future financial services. Splendor Labs believes this fundamental change in payment technology will redefine how transactions are processed. “The significance is that payment authorization and settlement no longer need to depend on the traditional card-network model for every transaction,” the company states.
This new approach, demonstrated on October 20, 2026, aims to provide a secure and efficient alternative to existing payment systems. “Payment technology is undergoing a fundamental architectural change,” according to Splendor Labs, signaling a move toward a more resilient and streamlined financial future.
Our objective is to make advanced cryptographic security practical for everyday financial transactions. We have developed a patent-pending infrastructure that connects smartphones, physical security cards and direct settlement through a network designed for the post-quantum era.
The customer scans the payment QR code using their smartphone
Scanning initiates a two-factor authorization process, requiring users to also tap a “Splendor Quantum Security Card” against their smartphone to complete the transaction. Splendor Labs’ architecture uses the smartphone’s camera for the initial QR code read, then activates the NFC radio for card authentication. The company has filed patent applications covering this specific method of combining digital and physical authentication factors. Unlike conventional card payments, which typically involve several participants responsible for authorization, processing and settlement, Splendor’s demonstrated system connects payment authorization directly to its underlying settlement network.
The result is an architecture designed to reduce the number of intermediaries required to complete supported digital transactions. The demonstration presented a complete end-to-end payment flow, from merchant request to customer authorization and settlement.
The customer authorizes the transaction by tapping their Splendor Quantum Security Card
Scanning a smartphone’s camera initiates a two-factor authorization process, pairing a digital read with a physical interaction; this method adds a layer of security beyond purely digital transactions. The physical tap is a final confirmation step, verifying the user’s presence and intent before funds are transferred. This is a departure from relying solely on smartphone-based authentication, which can be vulnerable to remote attacks or device compromise.
The authorized payment is submitted directly to Splendor Quantum Chain
Splendor Quantum Chain operates as a Layer-1 network, bypassing established card processing rails and enabling immediate settlement of funds according to Splendor Labs SA. The company integrated four distinct post-quantum security technologies within this chain, a deliberate design choice to fortify transactions against future cryptographic threats. This architecture allows for a streamlined flow where a completed two-factor authorization triggers the direct transfer of value. The system’s design prioritizes resilience, aiming to minimize reliance on external networks susceptible to disruption.
The transaction is recorded on the network
Splendor Labs’ testnet environment now allows independent verification of each transaction via a blockchain explorer, a feature absent in many conventional systems. This direct recording bypasses intermediaries responsible for authorization, processing and settlement, streamlining the flow of funds and reducing potential delays.
Splendor has filed patent applications covering aspects of its Layer-1 architecture, payment authorization, NFC technology and related security infrastructure, signaling a commitment to protecting its innovations. The system currently operates on conventional computing hardware, removing the need for quantum computers to function, and is designed for potential use in merchant acceptance, digital commerce and financial services.
The significance is that payment authorization and settlement no longer need to depend on the traditional card-network model for every transaction. We believe this creates important opportunities for the next generation of financial services.
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