A host of surveys on mobile payments have provided conflicting information on the state of the industry. But new research from international payments provider VocaLink may provide some guidance, at least as far as the U.K. is concerned. The research included survey data from 10,000 U.K. adults, most of whom are growing more comfortable with the idea of paying, shopping and banking on their smartphones.

According to VocaLink's research, half the U.K. population is either already using mobile payments (20 percent) or interested in doing so (30 percent). The research also showed that among younger consumers, the number of mobile payment users is even higher, with 41 percent of 16- to 24-year-olds already paying with their mobile devices.

Not surprisingly, the research shows banks are seen as the most trusted providers of mobile payments. More than one third (35 percent) of respondents said they are more likely to pay for items using their mobile phone if it was provided by their bank. Nearly two third (63 percent) of those already using mobile payments said they would also trust their banks to provide the service, VocaLink said.

"The prolific growth in smartphone ownership and app usage, combined with an already established mobile banking market and the availability of faster payments, means we are entering a perfect storm for mobile commerce," said Paul Stoddart, managing director of strategy and business development for VocaLink. "Our research confirms there is prevailing consumer trust in the banks to provide this service."

Stoddart said it is crucial for banks to work with retailers, billers and mobile network operators to create the necessary infrastructure for mobile payments to really take off.

Other findings of the survey included:

• More than one quarter (27 percent) said they use mobile banking services.
• Half of respondents (52 percent) of respondents already using mobile payments cited convenience as the reason
• One in five (21 percent) smartphone owners said they would use their bank's online services more if payment solutions were offered.

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