In a December 2017 interview with CNBC, Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, discussed the potential impact of Bitcoin on global trade and finance. Ma suggested that if Bitcoin proves successful, it could lead to a complete overhaul of existing international trade and finance rules, a change he believes society is not yet prepared for. Despite the potential of cryptocurrencies, Ma emphasized his focus on promoting a "cashless society" through Alipay, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency in digital payments.