Ä¢¹½AV

This enables third-party digital wallets like Google Wallet to offer in-app contactless transactions for in-store payments. Apple will also let users switch their default contactless app. Access became available with the release of Apple’s iOS 18.1 update in October.

The news: Shopify partnered with Coinbase and Stripe so customers can pay with the USDC stablecoin at checkout. Our take: Coinbase is the biggest winner in this partnership. Cryptocurrency needs to gain traction with a wide merchant network to accelerate its use, and Shopify represents a huge score for Base.

The news: Block’s Square will be Live Nation Canada’s exclusive provider of payments. Our take: Partnering with Live Nation Canada offers Square a space to test out its newest tech on large crowds in a confined space expecting fast turnaround times.

Retail media’s rapid growth has spurred nonretail verticals to harness their first-party data to fuel their own commerce media networks. Retail media spending still dominates the commerce media landscape, but distinct challenger cohorts are finding their footing.

Despite being a leader in AI use, the BNPL provider said leaning on AI for customer service lowered support quality

To compete, fintech still must measure up against regulated and consumer-favorite card-linked installment plans.

But its megadeal with Worldpay and FIS will transform its business and expand its revenue opportunities

They have higher customer satisfaction rates, adding to the competitive pressures

Macroeconomic uncertainty and an overreliance on Cash App led the company to slash its full-year guidance

The agency wants to rework the rules to address banks' concerns. We look at what it would mean for open banking adoption in the US.

It wants to become a one-stop shop for businesses and consumers alike

Agent Pay could transform the payments experience for consumers with hyperpersonalized recommendations

This can help the POS provider attract a wider range of customers and cross-sell other features

In the wake of slowing remittance volume, the company’s financial media network can help it diversify and boost revenues

The company’s acquisition spree could help accelerate growth despite an uncertain economic climate

The BNPL provider is racking up partners in a major expansion push before its now-delayed IPO

Its impressive growth gives Shopify a volume and cross-sell boost

The transition risks alienating customers who are frustrated by the app or uncomfortable with the AI surveillance tech

The BNPL provider is taking the lead on credit reporting as the industry waits for regulatory clarity

As AI search gains traction, Apple hints it won’t stay Google’s passive partner—potentially redrawing the future of search, ads, and browser dominance.

Partnering with a major BNPL player like Klarna could help Mastercard catch up to Visa’s head start

The company made major strategic moves during its transition year, but it may take longer for them to bear fruit