Today\u2019s businesses are faced with a trifecta of challenges. Organizational leaders must navigate technological advancements, economic pressures and shifting B2B expectations.
\nIn era where resilience is the new return on investment (ROI), finance teams are becoming architects of defensive, strategic\u00a0momentum. They\u2019re designing back offices that not only support growth but accelerate it. In doing so, they\u2019re making the back office a front-line differentiator.
\nKey trends powering this reinvention include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial operations, the modernization of payment systems, the adoption of zero-trust cybersecurity architectures and the strategic use of data analytics.\u200b
\nAt the same time, given ongoing macro uncertainties, every transformation must tie back to core value creation: faster close cycles, smarter capital allocation and stronger control.
\nAI has transitioned from a futuristic concept to a core component of financial management.\u00a0Companies are leveraging AI to enhance forecasting accuracy, detect fraud and automate complex tasks. For instance, Amazon has integrated generative AI into its finance operations, streamlining processes such as contract review and regulatory interpretation, thereby improving cost efficiency and accuracy.
\nMoreover, specialized AI models are being developed to address industry-specific challenges.\u00a0
\nForget static Excel models. Machine learning systems are parsing terabytes of structured and unstructured data \u2014 everything from supplier trends to weather forecasts \u2014 to generate rolling, adaptive forecasts. AI is handling invoice processing, automating compliance workflows and even suggesting where working capital should be parked or deployed based on macro signals.
\nArticul8\u2019s launch of domain-specific generative AI models for supply chain operations exemplifies this trend.\u00a0These models autonomously translate complex technical documentation into actionable insights, enhancing operational efficiency in manufacturing and industrial processes.
\nRead also: This Week in B2B: Embracing Complexity Is Transforming Back Offices
\nDespite technological advancements, many companies have been slow to adopt digital payment solutions.\u00a0PYMNTS spoke with Eric Frankovic, president of corporate payments at WEX, about the urgency of modernizing payment systems to maintain a healthy supply chain and control costs.
\nHe noted that increasing concerns about fraud and the operational benefits of virtual cards are prompting a digital shift across B2B payments, noting that virtual cards offer enhanced security, streamlined processes and improved capital management compared to paper-based and other traditional payment mechanisms.
\nAdditionally, partnerships with technology providers are helping in facilitating this transition. Mastercard\u2019s collaboration with Unipaas also aims to embed modern card processing capabilities into vertical SaaS platforms, enabling small-\u00a0to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to move from manual invoicing to efficient, secure digital payments. Discover also this week teamed up with Fyorin on a virtual B2B card program.
\nPYMNTS also covered how, while digitizing B2B payments\u00a0may\u00a0look different for every business,\u00a0the pressures on organizations to innovate are coming from several\u00a0shared\u00a0angles\u00a0that can include\u00a0fraud concerns, cross-border\u00a0complexities, real-time\u00a0expectations, heightened\u00a0security demands\u00a0and shifting\u00a0workforce demographics.
\nSee more: This Week in B2B: Entering an Age of Cross-Border Intelligence
\nWith digital acceleration comes digital vulnerability, making enterprise cybersecurity an important concern for leadership.
\nAs back-office functions become increasingly integrated with cloud-based solutions and interconnected platforms, traditional security perimeters are becoming obsolete.\u00a0This evolution necessitates the adoption of zero-trust architectures, which operate on the principle of \u201cnever trust, always verify.\u201d By implementing granular access controls and continuous monitoring, companies can enhance security in a landscape where remote work and mobile devices are prevalent.
\nCybersecurity threats are constantly advancing, as detailed in a report this week by U.S. agencies that highlighted the growing risks of cyber tactics such as \u201cfast flux\u201d attacks.
\nStill, it\u2019s not all bad news. The rise of cloud-native enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, real-time dashboards and low-code analytics tools is empowering CFOs to deliver insights on demand, without waiting on IT or behavioral insight teams. As finance functions become more embedded in strategic decision-making, the ability to tell stories with numbers has never been more critical.
\nRetailers, for example, are increasingly relying on payment processors and merchant acquirers not only for transaction processing but also for strategic insights.\u00a0By analyzing transactional data, acquirers can help retailers optimize operations, enhance customer experiences and drive revenue growth. This collaboration enables retailers to personalize customer interactions, improve marketing strategies and streamline checkout experiences.
\nThese analytics can be invaluable in an environment like today\u2019s, where the current economic climate presents significant challenges for small businesses, particularly in light of escalating tariffs.
\nThe April 2025 SMB Growth Report from PYMNTS Intelligence found that one in five SMBs without financing fear they may not survive the impact of the U.S. tariffs.
\nThe post This Week in B2B: Resilience Is the New ROI appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Today\u2019s businesses are faced with a trifecta of challenges. Organizational leaders must navigate technological advancements, economic pressures and shifting B2B expectations. \nIn era where resilience is the new return on investment (ROI), finance teams are becoming architects of defensive, strategic\u00a0momentum. They\u2019re designing back offices that not only support growth but accelerate it. In doing so, they\u2019re making the back office a front-line differentiator.\nKey trends powering this reinvention include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial operations, the modernization of payment systems, the adoption of zero-trust cybersecurity architectures and the strategic use of data analytics.\u200b\nAt the same time, given ongoing macro uncertainties, every transformation must tie back to core value creation: faster close cycles, smarter capital allocation and stronger control. \nEnterprise AI is Coming to Support Key Business Operations\nAI has transitioned from a futuristic concept to a core component of financial management.\u00a0Companies are leveraging AI to enhance forecasting accuracy, detect fraud and automate complex tasks. For instance, Amazon has integrated generative AI into its finance operations, streamlining processes such as contract review and regulatory interpretation, thereby improving cost efficiency and accuracy.\nMoreover, specialized AI models are being developed to address industry-specific challenges.\u00a0\nForget static Excel models. Machine learning systems are parsing terabytes of structured and unstructured data \u2014 everything from supplier trends to weather forecasts \u2014 to generate rolling, adaptive forecasts. AI is handling invoice processing, automating compliance workflows and even suggesting where working capital should be parked or deployed based on macro signals.\nArticul8\u2019s launch of domain-specific generative AI models for supply chain operations exemplifies this trend.\u00a0These models autonomously translate complex technical documentation into actionable insights, enhancing operational efficiency in manufacturing and industrial processes.\nRead also: This Week in B2B: Embracing Complexity Is Transforming Back Offices\nEmbracing the Modernization of Payment Systems and Financial Services\nDespite technological advancements, many companies have been slow to adopt digital payment solutions.\u00a0PYMNTS spoke with Eric Frankovic, president of corporate payments at WEX, about the urgency of modernizing payment systems to maintain a healthy supply chain and control costs.\nHe noted that increasing concerns about fraud and the operational benefits of virtual cards are prompting a digital shift across B2B payments, noting that virtual cards offer enhanced security, streamlined processes and improved capital management compared to paper-based and other traditional payment mechanisms.\nAdditionally, partnerships with technology providers are helping in facilitating this transition. Mastercard\u2019s collaboration with Unipaas also aims to embed modern card processing capabilities into vertical SaaS platforms, enabling small-\u00a0to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to move from manual invoicing to efficient, secure digital payments. Discover also this week teamed up with Fyorin on a virtual B2B card program.\nPYMNTS also covered how, while digitizing B2B payments\u00a0may\u00a0look different for every business,\u00a0the pressures on organizations to innovate are coming from several\u00a0shared\u00a0angles\u00a0that can include\u00a0fraud concerns, cross-border\u00a0complexities, real-time\u00a0expectations, heightened\u00a0security demands\u00a0and shifting\u00a0workforce demographics.\nSee more: This Week in B2B: Entering an Age of Cross-Border Intelligence\nTrust No One, But By Design\n With digital acceleration comes digital vulnerability, making enterprise cybersecurity an important concern for leadership. \nAs back-office functions become increasingly integrated with cloud-based solutions and interconnected platforms, traditional security perimeters are becoming obsolete.\u00a0This evolution necessitates the adoption of zero-trust architectures, which operate on the principle of \u201cnever trust, always verify.\u201d By implementing granular access controls and continuous monitoring, companies can enhance security in a landscape where remote work and mobile devices are prevalent.\nCybersecurity threats are constantly advancing, as detailed in a report this week by U.S. agencies that highlighted the growing risks of cyber tactics such as \u201cfast flux\u201d attacks. \nStill, it\u2019s not all bad news. The rise of cloud-native enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, real-time dashboards and low-code analytics tools is empowering CFOs to deliver insights on demand, without waiting on IT or behavioral insight teams. As finance functions become more embedded in strategic decision-making, the ability to tell stories with numbers has never been more critical.\nRetailers, for example, are increasingly relying on payment processors and merchant acquirers not only for transaction processing but also for strategic insights.\u00a0By analyzing transactional data, acquirers can help retailers optimize operations, enhance customer experiences and drive revenue growth. This collaboration enables retailers to personalize customer interactions, improve marketing strategies and streamline checkout experiences.\nThese analytics can be invaluable in an environment like today\u2019s, where the current economic climate presents significant challenges for small businesses, particularly in light of escalating tariffs.\nThe April 2025 SMB Growth Report from PYMNTS Intelligence found that one in five SMBs without financing fear they may not survive the impact of the U.S. tariffs. \nThe post This Week in B2B: Resilience Is the New ROI appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-10T17:12:00-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-10T19:04:05-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/this-week-in-b2b-resilience-economy-SMBs.jpg", "tags": [ "AI", "artificial intelligence", "B2B", "B2B Payments", "back office", "commercial payments", "Cybersecurity", "digital transformation", "GenAI", "News", "partnerships", "Payment Methods", "productivity", "PYMNTS News", "resilience", "small businesses", "SMBs", "this week in b2b" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2682026", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/branch-adds-full-service-paycard-workforce-payments-platform/", "title": "Branch Adds \u2018Full-Service Paycard\u2019 to Workforce Payments Platform", "content_html": "Branch added a \u201cfull-service paycard\u201d to its workforce payments platform.
\nThe paycard is delivered through the Branch App and Card, enables payments to a dedicated bank account and allows employers to provide workers with a path to a complete banking experience, the company said in a Thursday (April 10) press release.
\nEmployers can use the paycard and platform to deliver cashless tips, earned wage access, same-day pay and other payment methods, with no pre-funding required, according to the release.
\nThey can also provide a digital bank account and Mastercard debit card; up to eight free ATM withdrawals per month; over-the-counter withdrawals; international spend and ATM usage in the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico; and financial wellness offerings like savings, cash flow management tools and cash back rewards, the release said.
\nThese features include no overdraft fees, late fees or minimum usage fees, per the release.
\n\u201cOur new paycard not only provides businesses with a comprehensive solution for paying their entire workforce but also helps deliver a mobile-first, accessible experience for workers that traditional paycards lack,\u201d Branch founder and CEO Atif Siddiqi said in the release.
\nBusinesses are looking to partnerships to make their payments faster, Branch Chief Financial Officer Brian Whalen told PYMNTS in an interview posted in 2023.
\n\u201cIn business, the trend is clearly toward getting everyone paid as soon as possible,\u201d Whalen said. \u201cThe companies that are moving faster in this direction have also created a real competitive advantage. Once upon a time, they might have said they can build it themselves, but they\u2019re reconsidering that and saying, \u2018I know what I\u2019m good at. Let\u2019s go look for a partner who can do the digitization of the payments because that\u2019s their expertise.\u201d
\nBranch partnered with temporary staffing platform Indeed Flex in September to create Same Day Pay, which lets Flex users get up to half their earnings within an hour after finishing a shift.
\n\u201cTimely and accessible payment solutions are more critical than ever for today\u2019s temporary workforce, as about 3 in 4 contingent workers want to be paid every day,\u201d the companies said at the time.
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post Branch Adds \u2018Full-Service Paycard\u2019 to Workforce Payments Platform appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Branch added a \u201cfull-service paycard\u201d to its workforce payments platform.\nThe paycard is delivered through the Branch App and Card, enables payments to a dedicated bank account and allows employers to provide workers with a path to a complete banking experience, the company said in a Thursday (April 10) press release.\nEmployers can use the paycard and platform to deliver cashless tips, earned wage access, same-day pay and other payment methods, with no pre-funding required, according to the release.\nThey can also provide a digital bank account and Mastercard debit card; up to eight free ATM withdrawals per month; over-the-counter withdrawals; international spend and ATM usage in the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico; and financial wellness offerings like savings, cash flow management tools and cash back rewards, the release said.\nThese features include no overdraft fees, late fees or minimum usage fees, per the release.\n\u201cOur new paycard not only provides businesses with a comprehensive solution for paying their entire workforce but also helps deliver a mobile-first, accessible experience for workers that traditional paycards lack,\u201d Branch founder and CEO Atif Siddiqi said in the release.\nBusinesses are looking to partnerships to make their payments faster, Branch Chief Financial Officer Brian Whalen told PYMNTS in an interview posted in 2023.\n\u201cIn business, the trend is clearly toward getting everyone paid as soon as possible,\u201d Whalen said. \u201cThe companies that are moving faster in this direction have also created a real competitive advantage. Once upon a time, they might have said they can build it themselves, but they\u2019re reconsidering that and saying, \u2018I know what I\u2019m good at. Let\u2019s go look for a partner who can do the digitization of the payments because that\u2019s their expertise.\u201d\nBranch partnered with temporary staffing platform Indeed Flex in September to create Same Day Pay, which lets Flex users get up to half their earnings within an hour after finishing a shift.\n\u201cTimely and accessible payment solutions are more critical than ever for today\u2019s temporary workforce, as about 3 in 4 contingent workers want to be paid every day,\u201d the companies said at the time.\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.\nThe post Branch Adds \u2018Full-Service Paycard\u2019 to Workforce Payments Platform appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-10T13:53:36-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-10T13:53:36-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Branch-paycard-B2B-payments.jpg", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B Payments", "banking", "Branch", "commercial payments", "debit", "debit cards", "digital disbursements", "earned wage access", "EWA", "faster payments", "MasterCard", "Mobile Applications", "News", "PYMNTS News", "wages", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2679897", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/wex-president-theres-an-urgent-need-to-modernize-payment-systems-for-a-digital-world/", "title": "WEX President: There\u2019s an Urgent Need to Modernize Payment Systems for a Digital World", "content_html": "The business landscape hasn\u2019t gotten the memo about moving entirely to digital payments.
\nDespite technological advancements and increasing calls for modernization, progress in the migration from paper-based payment systems to digital alternatives remains slow. There are still a lot of memos being passed around.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s now an age-old question that we\u2019ve been talking about for so long,\u201d WEX President of Corporate Payments Eric Frankovic told PYMNTS\u2019 Karen Webster.
\n\u201cCOVID was the most recent event that we all would have sworn would drive everybody to digitize their back office and get away from paper altogether,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I think it did push us in that direction. But we came out the other side, and what we\u2019re seeing is there are still a lot of companies that are just getting back to doing whatever it is that they do. And digitizing their back office is falling down the priority list.\u201d
\nBut while paper-based payment processes still represent a formidable iceberg of institutional inertia, companies are beginning to see the writing on the wall when it comes to embracing digital payments in earnest as the pressures of fraud, supply chain fragility and generational shifts continue to mount.
\nThe reasons for the ongoing inertia across the payments landscape are complex, spanning priorities, infrastructure and entrenched cultural practices.
\nHowever, a renewed focus on fraud prevention is finally moving the needle.
\n\u201cFraud is now what we\u2019re seeing that\u2019s pushing more and more people to take this seriously and move it back up the priority list,\u201d Frankovic said.
\nAgainst today\u2019s operational backdrop, any conversation about payments innovation increasingly revolves around virtual cards, which can offer benefits like enhanced security, streamlined processes and improved working capital management.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re seeing more companies that maybe have been a little resistant in the past now making outreach,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat\u2019s going to drive adoption not only short term, but over the next five or 10 years, is going to be the sellers of these products \u2014 the banks and payment companies getting sharper, making it easier, integrating with their ERP systems, and consulting with them on the best treatment of suppliers.\u201d
\nThe fragility of supply chains has also contributed to a rising interest in digital payment solutions.
\n\u201cThe really progressive companies are getting in front of it,\u201d Frankovic said. \u201c\u2026 They have to cut costs, they have to control costs, they have to keep a healthy supply chain. And in order to do that, they have to start those conversations.\u201d
\nFrom tokenized virtual cards to mobile wallets, companies are exploring various options to streamline processes. However, the conversation often pivots toward the dichotomy between big suppliers and the so-called \u201clong tail\u201d of smaller suppliers. For smaller suppliers, virtual cards are often the most straightforward solution.
\n\u201cWhen you talk about big strategic suppliers as well as the long tail of small suppliers, for the long tail, it may be in everyone\u2019s best interest just to accept a virtual card,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe the transaction sizes aren\u2019t as big, the volumes aren\u2019t as big, and you don\u2019t really need to rationalize anything other than getting paid as quickly as you can from the buyer.\u201d
\nAs payments continue to evolve, Frankovic acknowledged that the adoption of new technologies will be gradual rather than revolutionary.
\n\u201cI think it\u2019s going to be a slow trickle,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be hand-to-hand. It\u2019s going to be a company at a time. It\u2019s going to be payment companies like WEX differentiating themselves enough so there\u2019s word of mouth. Company A says, \u2018Hey, we\u2019re using WEX, it\u2019s working great. Here\u2019s what they\u2019re doing for us.\u2019 And then the next company and the next company follow suit.\u201d
\nHowever, while technology solutions are improving, they must contend with entrenched business processes that have been in place for decades.
\nStill, Frankovic highlighted the fact that younger generations entering the workforce have no familiarity with paper checks and expect instant, digital solutions.
\n\u201cI had to explain to my 16-year-old daughter recently what a check was,\u201d he recalled with a laugh. \u201cWhen you\u2019re trying to explain it, it sounds really insane. And she was like, \u2018What do you mean, why would you do that? And where does it go?\u2019\u201d
\n\u201cIn a year from now, I think we\u2019ll still be talking about this,\u201d Frankovic said. \u201cWe will be talking about exactly this for five more years, and then we\u2019ll start to see the precipitous decline of checks.\u201d
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post WEX President: There\u2019s an Urgent Need to Modernize Payment Systems for a Digital World appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "The business landscape hasn\u2019t gotten the memo about moving entirely to digital payments.\nDespite technological advancements and increasing calls for modernization, progress in the migration from paper-based payment systems to digital alternatives remains slow. There are still a lot of memos being passed around.\n\u201cIt\u2019s now an age-old question that we\u2019ve been talking about for so long,\u201d WEX President of Corporate Payments Eric Frankovic told PYMNTS\u2019 Karen Webster.\n\u201cCOVID was the most recent event that we all would have sworn would drive everybody to digitize their back office and get away from paper altogether,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I think it did push us in that direction. But we came out the other side, and what we\u2019re seeing is there are still a lot of companies that are just getting back to doing whatever it is that they do. And digitizing their back office is falling down the priority list.\u201d\nBut while paper-based payment processes still represent a formidable iceberg of institutional inertia, companies are beginning to see the writing on the wall when it comes to embracing digital payments in earnest as the pressures of fraud, supply chain fragility and generational shifts continue to mount.\nTo Scale Digital Payments, Look No Further Than Virtual Cards\nThe reasons for the ongoing inertia across the payments landscape are complex, spanning priorities, infrastructure and entrenched cultural practices.\nHowever, a renewed focus on fraud prevention is finally moving the needle.\n\u201cFraud is now what we\u2019re seeing that\u2019s pushing more and more people to take this seriously and move it back up the priority list,\u201d Frankovic said.\nAgainst today\u2019s operational backdrop, any conversation about payments innovation increasingly revolves around virtual cards, which can offer benefits like enhanced security, streamlined processes and improved working capital management.\n\u201cWe\u2019re seeing more companies that maybe have been a little resistant in the past now making outreach,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat\u2019s going to drive adoption not only short term, but over the next five or 10 years, is going to be the sellers of these products \u2014 the banks and payment companies getting sharper, making it easier, integrating with their ERP systems, and consulting with them on the best treatment of suppliers.\u201d\nThe fragility of supply chains has also contributed to a rising interest in digital payment solutions.\n\u201cThe really progressive companies are getting in front of it,\u201d Frankovic said. \u201c\u2026 They have to cut costs, they have to control costs, they have to keep a healthy supply chain. And in order to do that, they have to start those conversations.\u201d\nFrom tokenized virtual cards to mobile wallets, companies are exploring various options to streamline processes. However, the conversation often pivots toward the dichotomy between big suppliers and the so-called \u201clong tail\u201d of smaller suppliers. For smaller suppliers, virtual cards are often the most straightforward solution.\n\u201cWhen you talk about big strategic suppliers as well as the long tail of small suppliers, for the long tail, it may be in everyone\u2019s best interest just to accept a virtual card,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe the transaction sizes aren\u2019t as big, the volumes aren\u2019t as big, and you don\u2019t really need to rationalize anything other than getting paid as quickly as you can from the buyer.\u201d\nDigital Transformation\u2019s Role in Future-Proofing Payments\nAs payments continue to evolve, Frankovic acknowledged that the adoption of new technologies will be gradual rather than revolutionary.\n\u201cI think it\u2019s going to be a slow trickle,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be hand-to-hand. It\u2019s going to be a company at a time. It\u2019s going to be payment companies like WEX differentiating themselves enough so there\u2019s word of mouth. Company A says, \u2018Hey, we\u2019re using WEX, it\u2019s working great. Here\u2019s what they\u2019re doing for us.\u2019 And then the next company and the next company follow suit.\u201d\nHowever, while technology solutions are improving, they must contend with entrenched business processes that have been in place for decades.\nStill, Frankovic highlighted the fact that younger generations entering the workforce have no familiarity with paper checks and expect instant, digital solutions.\n\u201cI had to explain to my 16-year-old daughter recently what a check was,\u201d he recalled with a laugh. \u201cWhen you\u2019re trying to explain it, it sounds really insane. And she was like, \u2018What do you mean, why would you do that? And where does it go?\u2019\u201d\n\u201cIn a year from now, I think we\u2019ll still be talking about this,\u201d Frankovic said. \u201cWe will be talking about exactly this for five more years, and then we\u2019ll start to see the precipitous decline of checks.\u201d\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.\nThe post WEX President: There\u2019s an Urgent Need to Modernize Payment Systems for a Digital World appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-10T04:03:21-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-09T22:06:01-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/wex-digital-inertia.jpg", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B Payments", "commercial payments", "Digital Payments", "Eric Frankovic", "Featured News", "fraud", "Mobile Payments", "News", "PYMNTS News", "pymnts tv", "Security", "video", "virtual cards", "WEX" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2541789", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/from-fraud-fears-to-gen-z-cfos-5-trends-driving-b2bs-digital-shift/", "title": "From Fraud Fears to Gen Z CFOs, 5 Trends Driving B2B\u2019s Digital Shift", "content_html": "Digitizing B2B payments is typically a one-way street. Businesses don\u2019t typically\u00a0revert to paper payments after embracing technological advancement.
\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean some firms don\u2019t still need a little push to get the ball rolling.
\nWhile digitizing B2B payments may look different for every business, the pressures on organizations to innovate are coming from several shared angles that can include fraud concerns, cross-border complexities, real-time expectations, heightened security demands\u00a0and shifting workforce demographics.
\nThese factors, as well as many others, are converging to create a new payments paradigm where the agility to adapt is a competitive advantage. The result is that, across certain operational relationships, automating and digitizing B2B payments is no longer a forward-thinking ambition \u2014 it\u2019s becoming a necessity. The five reasons below spell out why.
\nRead more: Can Agentic AI Solutions Help CFOs and Treasurers Unlock Growth?
\nAutomation has long been a cornerstone of payment innovation, but the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) is taking it to new heights. Businesses are increasingly deploying AI to enhance invoice processing, manage complex accounts payable (AP) workflows and predict cash flow trends with unprecedented accuracy.
\nAI-driven systems can help to streamline reconciliation processes, identify discrepancies before they escalate into disputes and offer predictive insights that help firms optimize their cash positions.
\n\u201cBusinesses\u00a0often adopted payment automation in parts,\u201d\u00a0Holly Tennent, director, B2B payment solutions and card product management at\u00a0Bank of America, told PYMNTS. \u201cIt\u2019s important to ensure that we\u2019re capturing the different priorities of AP, IT, treasury and procurement stakeholders.\u201d
\nPYMNTS Intelligence research found that\u00a0more than\u00a0one-third of middle-market firms now\u00a0utilize AI for at least half of their AP processes. Because of this, these businesses are 47% less likely to report high levels of operational uncertainty. This is a critical advantage, as they often operate with tighter margins and have greater sensitivity to cash flow disruptions than larger competitors.\u00a0
\nAt the end of the day, PYMNTS has found the question isn\u2019t whether firms will automate and evolve their back offices. It\u2019s how quickly and effectively they can do it.
\n\u201cFor a long time, the industry has offered up\u00a0paperless alternatives to payments,\u201d including virtual cards, and real-time payments are poised to gain even more traction,\u00a0Alex Hoffmann, general manager of North America at\u00a0Edenred Pay, told PYMNTS. \u201cWhat GenAI adds on top of all this is that beyond the payment, we can\u00a0automate the invoice-to-pay cycle.\u201d
\nSee also: Fraudsters Love Clerical Errors; Automation Helps Eliminate Them
\nPYMNTS intelligence found that, despite their declining popularity for personal transactions, checks still account for nearly 40% of U.S. B2B payment volume. In fact, 68% of companies relied on checks for B2B payments in 2023, and 70% of businesses stated\u00a0they\u00a0have no plans to discontinue their use in the next two years.
\n\u201cIf you have not operationalized your procurement process appropriately, [and] if you don\u2019t have a certain level of maturity, you\u2019re receptive to fraud,\u201d\u00a0Michael van Keulen, industry principal, procurement at\u00a0Coupa, told PYMNTS in an\u00a0interview posted in February. \u201cFraud prevention isn\u2019t just a finance problem or a procurement problem \u2014 it\u2019s a business imperative.\u201d
\nMany firms can tend to perceive checks to be low-cost or \u201cfree,\u201d but\u00a0manual processing creates hidden expenses. Time, labor and delayed payment cycles add to these costs, and fraud losses only amplify the financial burden.
\n\u201cA lot of fraud is in the checks. If you cut out checks, you cut 60% of fraud right there,\u201d\u00a0Ernest Rolfson, founder and CEO of\u00a0Finexio, told PYMNTS.
\nMore like this: Stablecoins Keep Racking Up Milestones, but Can They Crack B2B Payments?
\nThe consumerization of payments has shaped expectations in the B2B arena. Clients now expect instantaneous transactions, mirroring the ease and speed of P2P platforms like Venmo or Zelle. In response, companies are embracing real-time payment solutions to meet the growing demand for immediacy.
\nAccording to PYMNTS intelligence, nearly 65% of companies reported that their clients now expect faster payments, especially when dealing with high-value transactions. Real-time payment infrastructures not only enhance customer satisfaction but also improve cash flow management \u2014 a critical factor for firms navigating today\u2019s volatile economic environment.
\nYou may like:\u00a0Your Business Has Its Payments Data. Now What?
\nThe transformation of B2B payments is also increasingly being driven by changing demographics within the workforce. As millennials and Generation Z professionals take on leadership roles, their preferences and expectations are influencing how companies approach payments.
\nThese digital-native generations prioritize user-friendly platforms, seamless integrations and automated solutions. They\u2019re also more likely to advocate for embedded finance solutions that provide greater transparency and efficiency. As a result, businesses are investing in intuitive, streamlined payment systems that align with the expectations of a younger, tech-savvy workforce.
\nRelated: Know-Your-Business Is Key to Stability as Trump\u2019s Tariffs Shake Up Supply Chains
\nThe rise of digital-first business models has only amplified the need for seamless cross-border payments. As companies expand internationally, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and mitigating currency fluctuation risks becomes paramount. Innovative FinTech solutions are addressing these challenges through multi-currency accounts, real-time currency conversion and blockchain-powered settlements.
\nMoreover, collaboration between traditional financial institutions and agile FinTechs has led to more efficient payment rails designed to facilitate cross-border transactions. The demand for streamlined international payment solutions is especially pronounced among mid-market firms seeking to expand their global footprint without incurring prohibitive transaction costs.
\nFor B2B firms, cross-border payments are among the most promising use cases for stablecoins, as PYMNTS has covered.
\nThe convergence of these trends is accelerating the pace of change within the B2B payments ecosystem. While innovation is essential, it must be balanced with security, compliance and user-centric design. As automation and AI continue to advance, cross-border solutions become more robust and generational preferences shape business expectations, companies will need to remain agile to thrive.
\nUltimately, those who can harness these trends to create seamless, secure and scalable payment solutions will be best positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. The future of B2B payments is being written now \u2014 by those bold enough to embrace the transformation.
\nThe post From Fraud Fears to Gen Z CFOs, 5 Trends Driving B2B\u2019s Digital Shift appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Digitizing B2B payments is typically a one-way street. Businesses don\u2019t typically\u00a0revert to paper payments after embracing technological advancement. \nBut that doesn\u2019t mean some firms don\u2019t still need a little push to get the ball rolling. \nWhile digitizing B2B payments may look different for every business, the pressures on organizations to innovate are coming from several shared angles that can include fraud concerns, cross-border complexities, real-time expectations, heightened security demands\u00a0and shifting workforce demographics. \nThese factors, as well as many others, are converging to create a new payments paradigm where the agility to adapt is a competitive advantage. The result is that, across certain operational relationships, automating and digitizing B2B payments is no longer a forward-thinking ambition \u2014 it\u2019s becoming a necessity. The five reasons below spell out why. \nRead more: Can Agentic AI Solutions Help CFOs and Treasurers Unlock Growth?\nAutomation and AI are Creating an Efficiency Imperative in B2B\nAutomation has long been a cornerstone of payment innovation, but the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) is taking it to new heights. Businesses are increasingly deploying AI to enhance invoice processing, manage complex accounts payable (AP) workflows and predict cash flow trends with unprecedented accuracy. \nAI-driven systems can help to streamline reconciliation processes, identify discrepancies before they escalate into disputes and offer predictive insights that help firms optimize their cash positions.\n\u201cBusinesses\u00a0often adopted payment automation in parts,\u201d\u00a0Holly Tennent, director, B2B payment solutions and card product management at\u00a0Bank of America, told PYMNTS. \u201cIt\u2019s important to ensure that we\u2019re capturing the different priorities of AP, IT, treasury and procurement stakeholders.\u201d\nPYMNTS Intelligence research found that\u00a0more than\u00a0one-third of middle-market firms now\u00a0utilize AI for at least half of their AP processes. Because of this, these businesses are 47% less likely to report high levels of operational uncertainty. This is a critical advantage, as they often operate with tighter margins and have greater sensitivity to cash flow disruptions than larger competitors.\u00a0\nAt the end of the day, PYMNTS has found the question isn\u2019t whether firms will automate and evolve their back offices. It\u2019s how quickly and effectively they can do it.\n\u201cFor a long time, the industry has offered up\u00a0paperless alternatives to payments,\u201d including virtual cards, and real-time payments are poised to gain even more traction,\u00a0Alex Hoffmann, general manager of North America at\u00a0Edenred Pay, told PYMNTS. \u201cWhat GenAI adds on top of all this is that beyond the payment, we can\u00a0automate the invoice-to-pay cycle.\u201d\nSee also: Fraudsters Love Clerical Errors; Automation Helps Eliminate Them\nFraud Prevention and Security Continue Proving Paper\u2019s Weaknesses\nPYMNTS intelligence found that, despite their declining popularity for personal transactions, checks still account for nearly 40% of U.S. B2B payment volume. In fact, 68% of companies relied on checks for B2B payments in 2023, and 70% of businesses stated\u00a0they\u00a0have no plans to discontinue their use in the next two years.\n\u201cIf you have not operationalized your procurement process appropriately, [and] if you don\u2019t have a certain level of maturity, you\u2019re receptive to fraud,\u201d\u00a0Michael van Keulen, industry principal, procurement at\u00a0Coupa, told PYMNTS in an\u00a0interview posted in February. \u201cFraud prevention isn\u2019t just a finance problem or a procurement problem \u2014 it\u2019s a business imperative.\u201d\nMany firms can tend to perceive checks to be low-cost or \u201cfree,\u201d but\u00a0manual processing creates hidden expenses. Time, labor and delayed payment cycles add to these costs, and fraud losses only amplify the financial burden.\n\u201cA lot of fraud is in the checks. If you cut out checks, you cut 60% of fraud right there,\u201d\u00a0Ernest Rolfson, founder and CEO of\u00a0Finexio, told PYMNTS.\nMore like this: Stablecoins Keep Racking Up Milestones, but Can They Crack B2B Payments?\nInstant Payments are Leading to Real-Time Expectations\nThe consumerization of payments has shaped expectations in the B2B arena. Clients now expect instantaneous transactions, mirroring the ease and speed of P2P platforms like Venmo or Zelle. In response, companies are embracing real-time payment solutions to meet the growing demand for immediacy.\nAccording to PYMNTS intelligence, nearly 65% of companies reported that their clients now expect faster payments, especially when dealing with high-value transactions. Real-time payment infrastructures not only enhance customer satisfaction but also improve cash flow management \u2014 a critical factor for firms navigating today\u2019s volatile economic environment.\nYou may like:\u00a0Your Business Has Its Payments Data. Now What?\nGenerational Shifts: Evolving Workforce Expectations\nThe transformation of B2B payments is also increasingly being driven by changing demographics within the workforce. As millennials and Generation Z professionals take on leadership roles, their preferences and expectations are influencing how companies approach payments.\nThese digital-native generations prioritize user-friendly platforms, seamless integrations and automated solutions. They\u2019re also more likely to advocate for embedded finance solutions that provide greater transparency and efficiency. As a result, businesses are investing in intuitive, streamlined payment systems that align with the expectations of a younger, tech-savvy workforce.\nRelated: Know-Your-Business Is Key to Stability as Trump\u2019s Tariffs Shake Up Supply Chains\nCross-Border Innovation is Helping to Bridge Global Markets\nThe rise of digital-first business models has only amplified the need for seamless cross-border payments. As companies expand internationally, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and mitigating currency fluctuation risks becomes paramount. Innovative FinTech solutions are addressing these challenges through multi-currency accounts, real-time currency conversion and blockchain-powered settlements.\nMoreover, collaboration between traditional financial institutions and agile FinTechs has led to more efficient payment rails designed to facilitate cross-border transactions. The demand for streamlined international payment solutions is especially pronounced among mid-market firms seeking to expand their global footprint without incurring prohibitive transaction costs.\nFor B2B firms, cross-border payments are among the most promising use cases for stablecoins, as PYMNTS has covered. \nThe convergence of these trends is accelerating the pace of change within the B2B payments ecosystem. While innovation is essential, it must be balanced with security, compliance and user-centric design. As automation and AI continue to advance, cross-border solutions become more robust and generational preferences shape business expectations, companies will need to remain agile to thrive.\nUltimately, those who can harness these trends to create seamless, secure and scalable payment solutions will be best positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. The future of B2B payments is being written now \u2014 by those bold enough to embrace the transformation.\nThe post From Fraud Fears to Gen Z CFOs, 5 Trends Driving B2B\u2019s Digital Shift appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-04T12:19:08-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-04T12:19:08-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/b2b-payments-digital-transformation-PYMNTS-Intelligence.jpg", "tags": [ "accounts payable", "AI", "artificial intelligence", "B2B", "B2B Payments", "CFOs", "commercial payments", "cross-border payments", "digital transformation", "faster payments", "FinTechs", "Fraud Prevention", "Gen Z", "Generation Z", "Global Payments", "News", "PYMNTS Intelligence", "PYMNTS News" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2541451", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/tariffs-enterprise-ai-headline-this-week-b2b-innovations/", "title": "Tariffs and Enterprise AI Headline This Week\u2019s B2B Innovations", "content_html": "The business landscape is challenging, but firms are increasingly flush with innovations designed to beat back any operational challenges with cutting-edge tech.
\nArtificial intelligence, for example, has become a linchpin of modern financial operations, reshaping processes from fraud detection to credit risk assessment. As companies warm toward harnessing AI-powered algorithms, efficiency and precision are being positioned at the forefront of operational improvement.
\nAt the same time, B2B payments are undergoing a parallel transformation.
\nLegacy systems, which often relied on manual processes and paper-based invoicing, are being replaced by streamlined, digitized platforms. Businesses are turning to integrated payment solutions that enhance efficiency, security and transparency.
\nWhat is the reason for the accelerating digital transformation of back-office technology stacks and payment workflows?
\nA prominent root cause is the ongoing uncertainty afflicting the business environment. This includes escalating trade tensions marked by the imposition of tariffs, which have introduced a wave of hesitation across various sectors, impacting middle-market companies.
\nAs economic uncertainties persist, financial management has become paramount, and, as the B2B news this week shows, few things support agile decision making and real-time forecasting better than the digitization of previously manual workflows.
\nRead also: AI Agent Systems Are Here \u2014 Will They Transform B2B?
\nOne of the trends in B2B is the integration of AI-powered solutions to enhance operational efficiency. The adoption of agentic AI solutions is being explored to empower chief financial officers and treasurers by enabling autonomous financial decision making and operational efficiency.
\nPayments technology firm Transcard announced Tuesday (April 1) that it added agentic AI capabilities to its vendor network management solution. The changes to the company\u2019s SMART Exchange are designed to streamline payment interactions between buyers and suppliers, with agentic AI automating onboarding and know your business (KYB).
\nTesorio added an AI agent for supplier portals to its platform for accounts receivable automation, collections and cash flow management Thursday (March 27). The company\u2019s new Supplier Portals Agent autonomously manages portal-based invoicing, from invoice submission to payment tracking, eliminating the need for finance teams to submit and track invoices across portals, a task that Tesorio said has become \u201cone of the most manual, fragmented and error-prone parts of the AR process.\u201d
\nAI-driven platforms can offer CFOs and treasurers insights and analytical capabilities, helping them navigate complex finances. The collaboration between agentic AI and financial operations is one potentially poised to unlock growth by empowering executives to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence.
\nSee also: How CFOs Can Solve for Resource Bottlenecks in Back-Office Innovation
\nBeyond AI, the B2B sector is witnessing innovation in payment systems and risk management. Mastercard, for instance, launched a program Monday (March 31) aimed at encouraging the adoption of virtual cards for commercial payments. The initiative seeks to provide businesses with a more seamless, consumer-like experience, particularly in the realm of digital transactions.
\nMeanwhile, EasyPost on Tuesday introduced Forge, a B2B shipping solution designed to optimize logistics and reduce costs for enterprise clients. The development highlights the growing demand for specialized solutions that address the unique needs of B2B commerce, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount.
\nRisk management remains a concern for businesses operating on a global scale. To address this, Zip, also on Tuesday, rolled out a supplier risk management solution aimed at helping organizations assess and mitigate potential vulnerabilities in their supply chains. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions persist, such tools are key for maintaining operational resilience.
\nSee also: What Treasurers Can Learn From How Central Banks Approach Risk
\nThe ongoing evolution of FinTech is also shaping how businesses manage their assets and navigate economic uncertainties. A growing number of treasurers are turning to unconventional assets like bitcoin and gold as part of broader capital allocation strategies. The trend reflects a desire for diversification and a hedge against currency volatility, particularly as inflationary pressures and geopolitical risks continue to loom.
\nFor CFOs, the challenge of maintaining financial visibility in a volatile environment is ever-present. Enhanced financial visibility tools are proving essential in navigating tariff uncertainties and ensuring liquidity management remains robust. These tools empower executives to forecast potential disruptions and respond proactively rather than reactively.
\nSupply chain transparency is another area receiving heightened attention. Inspectorio\u2019s partnership with Open Supply Hub aims to promote greater transparency through open data platforms. The collaboration is intended to enhance accountability and ensure that sourcing practices adhere to evolving regulatory and ethical standards.
\nLooking forward, the question is not whether these technologies will continue to gain traction, but rather how quickly and effectively they will be adopted at scale.
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B and AI coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B and AI Newsletters.
\nThe post Tariffs and Enterprise AI Headline This Week\u2019s B2B Innovations appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "The business landscape is challenging, but firms are increasingly flush with innovations designed to beat back any operational challenges with cutting-edge tech.\nArtificial intelligence, for example, has become a linchpin of modern financial operations, reshaping processes from fraud detection to credit risk assessment. As companies warm toward harnessing AI-powered algorithms, efficiency and precision are being positioned at the forefront of operational improvement.\nAt the same time, B2B payments are undergoing a parallel transformation.\nLegacy systems, which often relied on manual processes and paper-based invoicing, are being replaced by streamlined, digitized platforms. Businesses are turning to integrated payment solutions that enhance efficiency, security and transparency.\nWhat is the reason for the accelerating digital transformation of back-office technology stacks and payment workflows?\nA prominent root cause is the ongoing uncertainty afflicting the business environment. This includes escalating trade tensions marked by the imposition of tariffs, which have introduced a wave of hesitation across various sectors, impacting middle-market companies.\nAs economic uncertainties persist, financial management has become paramount, and, as the B2B news this week shows, few things support agile decision making and real-time forecasting better than the digitization of previously manual workflows.\nRead also: AI Agent Systems Are Here \u2014 Will They Transform B2B?\nAI Integration in Financial Operations\nOne of the trends in B2B is the integration of AI-powered solutions to enhance operational efficiency. The adoption of agentic AI solutions is being explored to empower chief financial officers and treasurers by enabling autonomous financial decision making and operational efficiency.\nPayments technology firm Transcard announced Tuesday (April 1) that it added agentic AI capabilities to its vendor network management solution. The changes to the company\u2019s SMART Exchange are designed to streamline payment interactions between buyers and suppliers, with agentic AI automating onboarding and know your business (KYB).\nTesorio added an AI agent for supplier portals to its platform for accounts receivable automation, collections and cash flow management Thursday (March 27). The company\u2019s new Supplier Portals Agent autonomously manages portal-based invoicing, from invoice submission to payment tracking, eliminating the need for finance teams to submit and track invoices across portals, a task that Tesorio said has become \u201cone of the most manual, fragmented and error-prone parts of the AR process.\u201d\nAI-driven platforms can offer CFOs and treasurers insights and analytical capabilities, helping them navigate complex finances. The collaboration between agentic AI and financial operations is one potentially poised to unlock growth by empowering executives to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence.\nSee also: How CFOs Can Solve for Resource Bottlenecks in Back-Office Innovation\nInnovations in B2B Payment and Risk Management Solutions\nBeyond AI, the B2B sector is witnessing innovation in payment systems and risk management. Mastercard, for instance, launched a program Monday (March 31) aimed at encouraging the adoption of virtual cards for commercial payments. The initiative seeks to provide businesses with a more seamless, consumer-like experience, particularly in the realm of digital transactions.\nMeanwhile, EasyPost on Tuesday introduced Forge, a B2B shipping solution designed to optimize logistics and reduce costs for enterprise clients. The development highlights the growing demand for specialized solutions that address the unique needs of B2B commerce, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount.\nRisk management remains a concern for businesses operating on a global scale. To address this, Zip, also on Tuesday, rolled out a supplier risk management solution aimed at helping organizations assess and mitigate potential vulnerabilities in their supply chains. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions persist, such tools are key for maintaining operational resilience.\nSee also: What Treasurers Can Learn From How Central Banks Approach Risk\nStrategic Financial Management Amid Economic Uncertainties\nThe ongoing evolution of FinTech is also shaping how businesses manage their assets and navigate economic uncertainties. A growing number of treasurers are turning to unconventional assets like bitcoin and gold as part of broader capital allocation strategies. The trend reflects a desire for diversification and a hedge against currency volatility, particularly as inflationary pressures and geopolitical risks continue to loom.\nFor CFOs, the challenge of maintaining financial visibility in a volatile environment is ever-present. Enhanced financial visibility tools are proving essential in navigating tariff uncertainties and ensuring liquidity management remains robust. These tools empower executives to forecast potential disruptions and respond proactively rather than reactively.\nSupply chain transparency is another area receiving heightened attention. Inspectorio\u2019s partnership with Open Supply Hub aims to promote greater transparency through open data platforms. The collaboration is intended to enhance accountability and ensure that sourcing practices adhere to evolving regulatory and ethical standards.\nLooking forward, the question is not whether these technologies will continue to gain traction, but rather how quickly and effectively they will be adopted at scale.\nFor all PYMNTS B2B and AI coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B and AI Newsletters.\nThe post Tariffs and Enterprise AI Headline This Week\u2019s B2B Innovations appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-03T17:27:56-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-03T17:27:56-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/tariffs-supply-chain-management.jpg", "tags": [ "accounts receivable", "AI agents", "artificial intelligence", "automation", "B2B", "B2B Payments", "Bitcoin", "Blockchain", "CFO", "commercial payments", "Cryptocurrency", "Digital Payments", "digital transformation", "EasyPost", "FinTech", "Innovation", "Inspectorio", "logistics", "MasterCard", "News", "Open Supply Hub", "partnerships", "PYMNTS News", "supply chain management", "tariffs", "taxes", "Technology", "Tesorio", "Transcard", "virtual cards", "Zip" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2540456", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/how-data-quality-is-powering-the-future-of-intelligent-b2b-payments/", "title": "How Data Quality Is Powering the Future of Intelligent B2B Payments", "content_html": "While the back offices of many large enterprises are hindered by technologies from the 1990s, others are embracing new digital solutions.
\nDespite institutional inertia, innovation remains non-negotiable in the evolving landscape of B2B payments technology.
\nThe latest frontier? Agentic artificial intelligence (AI), an evolution of enterprise AI.
\nUnlike its predecessor, GenAI, which focused primarily on producing content, agentic AI takes automation a step further by incorporating decision-making capabilities.
\n\u201cAn agentic AI model could actually be looking at the transactional data, proactively identifying trends, checking for data anomalies, reaching out to stakeholders, triggering the right workflows and making sure everything stays on track,\u201d Rinku Sharma, chief technology officer at Boost Payment Solutions, told PYMNTS during a discussion for the most recent edition of the What\u2019s Next in Payments Series, \u201cThe Rise of Digital Labor: Exploring Agentic AI in Banking and FinTech.\u201d\u00a0
\n\u201cIt\u2019s about intelligently acting on the data, taking decisions and creating those automated workflows that create the scale that is needed,\u201d Sharma said, noting that the technology\u2019s capacity to act autonomously is what sets it apart from standard automation models.
\nFrom loan underwriting to fraud detection and financial advisory services, agentic AI is poised to potentially revolutionize how banks and FinTechs operate.
\nSharma, a certified AWS Solutions Architect and AI proponent with over 23 years of experience, is spearheading Boost\u2019s integration of AI-driven solutions across the enterprise.\u00a0
\nThe company\u2019s journey with AI began with traditional rule-based automation but has now evolved to embrace the capabilities of large language models and agentic AI.\u00a0
\n\u201cWe are in very early stages so far, like everybody else,\u201d Sharma said. \u201cHowever, we\u2019ve taken some giant strides in terms of embedding AI into our day-to-day operational procedures and whatever we do in terms of parsing the information that\u2019s coming from our payments.\u201d
\nBoost, a FinTech acquirer exclusively focused on the B2B marketplace, processes payment information from numerous platforms daily, with that volume increasing as their network of issuers, buyers and suppliers grows.
\nScaling this system requires more than just incremental improvements. It demands intelligent automation.
\nOne key use case for Boost is reconciliation reporting. Sharma described how GenAI can create reconciliation reports based on settlement data. But with agentic AI, the system can go further, proactively detecting anomalies, alerting stakeholders and initiating workflows to resolve issues.
\nThrough agentic AI, Boost is further automating data validation, triggering workflows and even ensuring compliance criteria like KYB (Know Your Business) are met. Sharma believes this will free operational staff to focus on higher-value work rather than repetitive, time-sensitive tasks.
\nBoost is also exploring agentic AI for merchant onboarding and dynamic price optimization, two critical areas where streamlined processes can yield substantial benefits.
\n\u201cMerchant onboarding has historically been one of the more heavy, manual touchpoints,\u201d Sharma said. \u201cIt requires a lot of data gathering, setting up merchants and following up for additional information.\u201d
\nAI can help to change all that. And as it relates to dynamic price optimization, Boost\u2019s existing rules-based systems are evolving through AI to make real-time decisions based on transaction cost, currency, customer preferences and other variables.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re looking to leverage agentic AI to enhance that further and make those decisions in real time,\u201d Sharma said. \u201cIt\u2019s about finding the best route for a transaction and continuously improving the process.\u201d
\nStill, agentic AI implementation is only as good as the data it receives. Sharma stressed the importance of data validation and readiness as foundational pillars of Boost\u2019s AI strategy.
\n\u201cThe models are only as good as the data being fed to them,\u201d he said. \u201cGarbage in, garbage out holds true even with agentic AI.\u201d
\nFor its own part, Boost ensures quality data by implementing several layers of validation, enrichment and standardization before feeding it into their AI systems. Once the AI produces results, these are verified against internal data sources for accuracy.
\nFor Sharma, the focus remains on pairing innovation with accountability.
\n\u201cWe want to make sure that these models are not just smart, but they\u2019re accountable as well,\u201d he said. \u201cValidating the model outputs is what we believe in.\u201d
\nAs Boost scales its operations and continues to adopt new platforms and clients, Sharma remains committed to maintaining a balanced approach to AI integration.
\n\u201cWe need automation, but not just automation. We need intelligent automation that can take decisions and help us move faster,\u201d he said. \u201cIn the next few years, agentic AI is going to be a foundational part of the B2B payments industry. Here at Boost, we want to be the industry leader.\u201d
\nThe post How Data Quality Is Powering the Future of Intelligent B2B Payments appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "While the back offices of many large enterprises are hindered by technologies from the 1990s, others are embracing new digital solutions. \nDespite institutional inertia, innovation remains non-negotiable in the evolving landscape of B2B payments technology.\nThe latest frontier? Agentic artificial intelligence (AI), an evolution of enterprise AI. \nUnlike its predecessor, GenAI, which focused primarily on producing content, agentic AI takes automation a step further by incorporating decision-making capabilities.\n\u201cAn agentic AI model could actually be looking at the transactional data, proactively identifying trends, checking for data anomalies, reaching out to stakeholders, triggering the right workflows and making sure everything stays on track,\u201d Rinku Sharma, chief technology officer at Boost Payment Solutions, told PYMNTS during a discussion for the most recent edition of the What\u2019s Next in Payments Series, \u201cThe Rise of Digital Labor: Exploring Agentic AI in Banking and FinTech.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s about intelligently acting on the data, taking decisions and creating those automated workflows that create the scale that is needed,\u201d Sharma said, noting that the technology\u2019s capacity to act autonomously is what sets it apart from standard automation models.\nUnlocking the High-Impact Applications of Agentic AI \nFrom loan underwriting to fraud detection and financial advisory services, agentic AI is poised to potentially revolutionize how banks and FinTechs operate.\nSharma, a certified AWS Solutions Architect and AI proponent with over 23 years of experience, is spearheading Boost\u2019s integration of AI-driven solutions across the enterprise.\u00a0\nThe company\u2019s journey with AI began with traditional rule-based automation but has now evolved to embrace the capabilities of large language models and agentic AI.\u00a0\n\u201cWe are in very early stages so far, like everybody else,\u201d Sharma said. \u201cHowever, we\u2019ve taken some giant strides in terms of embedding AI into our day-to-day operational procedures and whatever we do in terms of parsing the information that\u2019s coming from our payments.\u201d\nBoost, a FinTech acquirer exclusively focused on the B2B marketplace, processes payment information from numerous platforms daily, with that volume increasing as their network of issuers, buyers and suppliers grows. \nScaling this system requires more than just incremental improvements. It demands intelligent automation.\nOne key use case for Boost is reconciliation reporting. Sharma described how GenAI can create reconciliation reports based on settlement data. But with agentic AI, the system can go further, proactively detecting anomalies, alerting stakeholders and initiating workflows to resolve issues.\nThrough agentic AI, Boost is further automating data validation, triggering workflows and even ensuring compliance criteria like KYB (Know Your Business) are met. Sharma believes this will free operational staff to focus on higher-value work rather than repetitive, time-sensitive tasks.\nBoost is also exploring agentic AI for merchant onboarding and dynamic price optimization, two critical areas where streamlined processes can yield substantial benefits.\n\u201cMerchant onboarding has historically been one of the more heavy, manual touchpoints,\u201d Sharma said. \u201cIt requires a lot of data gathering, setting up merchants and following up for additional information.\u201d\nAI can help to change all that. And as it relates to dynamic price optimization, Boost\u2019s existing rules-based systems are evolving through AI to make real-time decisions based on transaction cost, currency, customer preferences and other variables.\n\u201cWe\u2019re looking to leverage agentic AI to enhance that further and make those decisions in real time,\u201d Sharma said. \u201cIt\u2019s about finding the best route for a transaction and continuously improving the process.\u201d\nThe CTO\u2019s Vision for the Future\nStill, agentic AI implementation is only as good as the data it receives. Sharma stressed the importance of data validation and readiness as foundational pillars of Boost\u2019s AI strategy.\n\u201cThe models are only as good as the data being fed to them,\u201d he said. \u201cGarbage in, garbage out holds true even with agentic AI.\u201d\nFor its own part, Boost ensures quality data by implementing several layers of validation, enrichment and standardization before feeding it into their AI systems. Once the AI produces results, these are verified against internal data sources for accuracy.\nFor Sharma, the focus remains on pairing innovation with accountability.\n\u201cWe want to make sure that these models are not just smart, but they\u2019re accountable as well,\u201d he said. \u201cValidating the model outputs is what we believe in.\u201d\nAs Boost scales its operations and continues to adopt new platforms and clients, Sharma remains committed to maintaining a balanced approach to AI integration.\n\u201cWe need automation, but not just automation. We need intelligent automation that can take decisions and help us move faster,\u201d he said. \u201cIn the next few years, agentic AI is going to be a foundational part of the B2B payments industry. Here at Boost, we want to be the industry leader.\u201d\nThe post How Data Quality Is Powering the Future of Intelligent B2B Payments appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-03T04:01:42-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-03T22:08:20-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Boost-shama.jpg", "tags": [ "agentic AI", "AI", "artificial intelligence", "B2B", "B2B Payments", "back office", "Boost", "Boost Payment Solutions", "commercial payments", "digital transformation", "Featured News", "FinTechs", "News", "Payment Methods", "productivity", "PYMNTS News", "pymnts tv", "Rinku Sharma", "WhatsNextInPaymentsSeries", "What\u2019s Next in Payments: The Rise of Digital Labor 2025" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2540484", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/celigo-debuts-tool-to-give-clients-control-over-apis/", "title": "Celigo Debuts Tool to Give Clients Control Over APIs", "content_html": "Integration-platform-as-a-Service (iPaaS) firm Celigo has introduced a tool dubbed API Builder.
\nThis new offering, announced Wednesday (April 2), is designed to enhance the company\u2019s application programming interface (API) management capabilities.
\n\u201cThe release of API Builder represents a major step forward for Celigo and our customers,\u201d Mark Simon, vice president of strategy at Celigo, said in a news release. \u201cBy offering full lifecycle API management, we are empowering businesses to build APIs that they can securely share with partners and customers \u2014 all in one platform, maintaining complete visibility and control over their APIs.\u201d
\nHe added that companies are \u201cincreasingly looking to offer their B2B customers and suppliers multiple options to connect their data,\u201d which gives \u201cCeligo customers a best-in-class option to publish APIs with the Celigo platform.\u201d
\nThe release adds that API Builder integrates with Celigo\u2019s API management capabilities, which provide tools for securing, socializing and monitoring APIs.
\n\u201cThis release enhances Celigo\u2019s API Management offering, built on a strategic partnership with Gravitee, a leader in API security and management,\u201d the company said.
\nWriting about APIs last year, PYMNTS noted that they had become one of the most powerful tools in transforming treasury operations.
\n\u201cAPIs have become indispensable in the corporate finance ecosystem, allowing seamless integration and communication between various financial systems, enabling automation, and providing real-time data access,\u201d that report said.
\nAnd with APIs becoming more simplified and accessible and collaboration between FinTechs and financial institutions accelerating, treasury teams are enjoying the benefits.
\n\u201cOne of the primary benefits of API integration for treasury teams is the ability to access real-time data from banking and financial systems,\u201d PYMNTS wrote. \u201cTraditionally, treasury teams relied on manual processes and periodic data imports, which often resulted in delays and data discrepancies.\u201d
\nBut with APIs, teams can integrate data streams from banking partners and financial institutions directly into their treasury management systems, giving them an up-to-date view of cash positions across accounts and currencies.
\n\u201cThe most underappreciated part of any one of these finance organizations is the controller\u2019s office and the back end of treasury, where they need to be able to take in reporting at the end of every day, be able to close the books in two or three days at the end of a month,\u201d Cindy Turner, chief product officer at\u00a0Worldpay, said in an interview with PYMNTS.
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post Celigo Debuts Tool to Give Clients Control Over APIs appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Integration-platform-as-a-Service (iPaaS) firm Celigo has introduced a tool dubbed API Builder.\nThis new offering, announced Wednesday (April 2), is designed to enhance the company\u2019s application programming interface (API) management capabilities.\n\u201cThe release of API Builder represents a major step forward for Celigo and our customers,\u201d Mark Simon, vice president of strategy at Celigo, said in a news release. \u201cBy offering full lifecycle API management, we are empowering businesses to build APIs that they can securely share with partners and customers \u2014 all in one platform, maintaining complete visibility and control over their APIs.\u201d\nHe added that companies are \u201cincreasingly looking to offer their B2B customers and suppliers multiple options to connect their data,\u201d which gives \u201cCeligo customers a best-in-class option to publish APIs with the Celigo platform.\u201d\nThe release adds that API Builder integrates with Celigo\u2019s API management capabilities, which provide tools for securing, socializing and monitoring APIs.\n\u201cThis release enhances Celigo\u2019s API Management offering, built on a strategic partnership with Gravitee, a leader in API security and management,\u201d the company said.\nWriting about APIs last year, PYMNTS noted that they had become one of the most powerful tools in transforming treasury operations.\n\u201cAPIs have become indispensable in the corporate finance ecosystem, allowing seamless integration and communication between various financial systems, enabling automation, and providing real-time data access,\u201d that report said.\nAnd with APIs becoming more simplified and accessible and collaboration between FinTechs and financial institutions accelerating, treasury teams are enjoying the benefits.\n\u201cOne of the primary benefits of API integration for treasury teams is the ability to access real-time data from banking and financial systems,\u201d PYMNTS wrote. \u201cTraditionally, treasury teams relied on manual processes and periodic data imports, which often resulted in delays and data discrepancies.\u201d\nBut with APIs, teams can integrate data streams from banking partners and financial institutions directly into their treasury management systems, giving them an up-to-date view of cash positions across accounts and currencies.\n\u201cThe most underappreciated part of any one of these finance organizations is the controller\u2019s office and the back end of treasury, where they need to be able to take in reporting at the end of every day, be able to close the books in two or three days at the end of a month,\u201d Cindy Turner, chief product officer at\u00a0Worldpay, said in an interview with PYMNTS.\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.\nThe post Celigo Debuts Tool to Give Clients Control Over APIs appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-02T14:44:25-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-02T14:44:25-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Celigo-API-b2b.jpg", "tags": [ "API", "APIs", "application programming interface", "B2B", "B2B Payments", "Celigo", "commercial payments", "integration-platform-as-a-service", "iPaaS", "News", "PYMNTS News", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2540400", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/stablecoins-keep-racking-up-milestones-can-they-crack-b2b-payments/", "title": "Stablecoins Keep Racking Up Milestones, but Can They Crack B2B Payments?", "content_html": "The allure of stablecoins is straightforward.\u00a0They make payments simple by promising the efficiency of cryptocurrencies without the volatility.
\nThere are few places where efficiency matters more than B2B payments.
\nThe global B2B payments market is valued at over $125 trillion annually. Yet, the sector remains plagued by inefficiencies that include high transaction fees, slow settlement times and cumbersome processes involving intermediaries.
\nThese issues are particularly pronounced in cross-border transactions, where settlement can take days, and stacked fees can eat up chunks of each transaction.
\nStablecoins seem to observers like a natural fit for what ails B2B. With near-instant settlement, reduced costs and transparency through blockchain technology, stablecoins could address many of the pain points associated with traditional payment systems.
\nHowever, as stablecoins continue to rack up milestones unimaginable just a few years ago, the question remains, will they?
\nRead also: The Payment Professional\u2019s Guide to Stablecoins
\nWhen it comes to the embrace of stablecoins, B2B payments present a different challenge than consumer-facing applications. Businesses demand not only efficiency but also compliance, integration with legacy systems, and certainty in regulatory frameworks.
\n\u201cWhen you think about the needs of every FinTech or payments company, or a bank that wants to enter the [stablecoin] space, they need secure infrastructure, from the creation of assets, such as tokenizing them, to holding them, and of course moving them,\u201d Utila co-founder and CEO Bentzi Rabi told PYMNTS last month.
\n\u201cEveryone will enter the stablecoin era in the end,\u201d Rabi added.
\nStill, while companies like Circle, which is preparing an initial public offering (IPO), are working diligently with regulators, the broader stablecoin landscape remains ambiguous. The absence of a cohesive federal framework in the United States makes it difficult for enterprises to embrace stablecoins with confidence. At the same time, inconsistent standards and lack of transparency in some stablecoin projects present counterparty risks that enterprises are hesitant to shoulder.
\nSeparately, for most businesses, integrating stablecoins into existing payment systems is not a plug-and-play affair. It requires technological upgrades, staff training and assurances that such systems will be future-proofed against evolving standards. For adoption to truly scale, payment service providers must continue developing APIs and other tools that simplify the integration of stablecoin transactions into existing enterprise workflows.
\n\u201cWhen businesses want to move enterprise-grade money across borders \u2014 typically north of $500,000 \u2014 they run into three major pain points: limited liquidity for large transactions, long settlement times and complex integrations,\u201d Stable Sea CEO and co-founder Tanner Taddeo told PYMNTS last month.
\n\u201cStablecoin adoption will only grow if inefficiencies in usage are solved,\u201d he added.
\nThe marketplace is responding with innovations that paint a promising picture of the utility of stablecoins within the B2B payments ecosystem.
\nFor example, in advance of its IPO, Circle is teaming with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) to explore the broader use of stablecoins. The partnership, announced Thursday (March 27), will see ICE \u2014 operator of the New York Stock Exchange \u2014 explore the use of Circle\u2019s USDC stablecoin to develop new products and solutions for its customers.
\nElsewhere, asset manager Fidelity Investments is reportedly preparing to launch its own stablecoin. The Boston-based company, which manages more than $5 trillion in assets, is in the advanced stages of testing a stablecoin.
\nSee also: Treasurers Embrace Bitcoin and Gold as Capital Allocation Enters Innovation Era
\nTo fully unlock the B2B market, crypto stakeholders must navigate the complex interplay of technology, regulation and enterprise demands. At the same time, some easy applications exist across the marketplace, particularly as it relates to global B2B commerce.
\nCross-border payments are among the most promising use cases for stablecoins. For the Outlook 2030 B2B event at the end of last year, PYMNTS spoke with Ran Goldi, senior vice president of payments and network at Fireblocks, and Nikola Plecas, Visa Crypto\u2019s head of commercialization, to explore the benefits and myths surrounding blockchain-based payments.
\nThis included a discussion about the concept of the \u201cstablecoin sandwich,\u201d a method of using stablecoins to transfer value between currencies, which helps illustrate blockchain\u2019s efficiency in cross-border transactions.
\nEnterprise adoption of stablecoins doesn\u2019t need to solely be tied to B2B payments, either. Stablecoins are transforming corporate treasury operations.
\nUltimately, there is potential for stablecoins within the B2B space. Whether stablecoins will be capable of meeting it is still an open question.
\nThe post Stablecoins Keep Racking Up Milestones, but Can They Crack B2B Payments? appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "The allure of stablecoins is straightforward.\u00a0They make payments simple by promising the efficiency of cryptocurrencies without the volatility.\nThere are few places where efficiency matters more than B2B payments.\nThe global B2B payments market is valued at over $125 trillion annually. Yet, the sector remains plagued by inefficiencies that include high transaction fees, slow settlement times and cumbersome processes involving intermediaries.\nThese issues are particularly pronounced in cross-border transactions, where settlement can take days, and stacked fees can eat up chunks of each transaction.\nStablecoins seem to observers like a natural fit for what ails B2B. With near-instant settlement, reduced costs and transparency through blockchain technology, stablecoins could address many of the pain points associated with traditional payment systems.\nHowever, as stablecoins continue to rack up milestones unimaginable just a few years ago, the question remains, will they?\nRead also: The Payment Professional\u2019s Guide to Stablecoins\nEmbracing Blockchain for Business Payments\nWhen it comes to the embrace of stablecoins, B2B payments present a different challenge than consumer-facing applications. Businesses demand not only efficiency but also compliance, integration with legacy systems, and certainty in regulatory frameworks.\n\u201cWhen you think about the needs of every FinTech or payments company, or a bank that wants to enter the [stablecoin] space, they need secure infrastructure, from the creation of assets, such as tokenizing them, to holding them, and of course moving them,\u201d Utila co-founder and CEO Bentzi Rabi told PYMNTS last month.\n\u201cEveryone will enter the stablecoin era in the end,\u201d Rabi added.\nStill, while companies like Circle, which is preparing an initial public offering (IPO), are working diligently with regulators, the broader stablecoin landscape remains ambiguous. The absence of a cohesive federal framework in the United States makes it difficult for enterprises to embrace stablecoins with confidence. At the same time, inconsistent standards and lack of transparency in some stablecoin projects present counterparty risks that enterprises are hesitant to shoulder.\nSeparately, for most businesses, integrating stablecoins into existing payment systems is not a plug-and-play affair. It requires technological upgrades, staff training and assurances that such systems will be future-proofed against evolving standards. For adoption to truly scale, payment service providers must continue developing APIs and other tools that simplify the integration of stablecoin transactions into existing enterprise workflows.\n\u201cWhen businesses want to move enterprise-grade money across borders \u2014 typically north of $500,000 \u2014 they run into three major pain points: limited liquidity for large transactions, long settlement times and complex integrations,\u201d Stable Sea CEO and co-founder Tanner Taddeo told PYMNTS last month.\n\u201cStablecoin adoption will only grow if inefficiencies in usage are solved,\u201d he added.\nThe marketplace is responding with innovations that paint a promising picture of the utility of stablecoins within the B2B payments ecosystem.\nFor example, in advance of its IPO, Circle is teaming with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) to explore the broader use of stablecoins. The partnership, announced Thursday (March 27), will see ICE \u2014 operator of the New York Stock Exchange \u2014 explore the use of Circle\u2019s USDC stablecoin to develop new products and solutions for its customers.\nElsewhere, asset manager Fidelity Investments is reportedly preparing to launch its own stablecoin. The Boston-based company, which manages more than $5 trillion in assets, is in the advanced stages of testing a stablecoin.\nSee also: Treasurers Embrace Bitcoin and Gold as Capital Allocation Enters Innovation Era\nWhat Needs to Change for Stablecoins to Gain B2B Traction\nTo fully unlock the B2B market, crypto stakeholders must navigate the complex interplay of technology, regulation and enterprise demands. At the same time, some easy applications exist across the marketplace, particularly as it relates to global B2B commerce.\nCross-border payments are among the most promising use cases for stablecoins. For the Outlook 2030 B2B event at the end of last year, PYMNTS spoke with Ran Goldi, senior vice president of payments and network at Fireblocks, and Nikola Plecas, Visa Crypto\u2019s head of commercialization, to explore the benefits and myths surrounding blockchain-based payments.\nThis included a discussion about the concept of the \u201cstablecoin sandwich,\u201d a method of using stablecoins to transfer value between currencies, which helps illustrate blockchain\u2019s efficiency in cross-border transactions.\nEnterprise adoption of stablecoins doesn\u2019t need to solely be tied to B2B payments, either. Stablecoins are transforming corporate treasury operations.\nUltimately, there is potential for stablecoins within the B2B space. Whether stablecoins will be capable of meeting it is still an open question.\nThe post Stablecoins Keep Racking Up Milestones, but Can They Crack B2B Payments? appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-02T11:24:00-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-02T22:16:23-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/crypto-stablecoin.png", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B Payments", "Bitcoin", "Blockchain", "commercial payments", "cross-border payments", "Cryptocurrency", "Featured News", "Global Payments", "Innovation", "News", "PYMNTS News", "stablecoins" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2539976", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/transcard-turns-to-agentic-ai-to-streamline-b2b-payments/", "title": "Transcard Turns to Agentic AI to Streamline B2B Payments", "content_html": "Payments technology firm\u00a0Transcard\u00a0has added agentic AI capabilities to its vendor network management solution.
\nThe changes to the company\u2019s SMART Exchange are designed to streamline payment interactions between buyers and suppliers, with agentic artificial intelligence (AI) automating onboarding and know your business (KYB), according to a Tuesday (April 1) press release.
\n\u201cThe new streamlined onboarding process and dedicated portals are set to revolutionize how businesses interact, pay, and manage their vendors,\u201d Transcard CEO\u00a0Greg Bloh said in the release.
\n\u201cWe crafted these enhancements to address the struggles daunting buyer and supplier payments today and we\u2019re excited to provide our customers with a modern, digital B2B solution powered by AI.\u201d
\nAccording to the release, the new SMART Exchange makes it easier for businesses to convert their networks and fully automate enablement.
\n\u201cReplacing the days of call centers and back-office constraints to onboard and update vendor information, the AI-powered solution delivers the following benefits to buyers and suppliers,\u201d the company said.
\nTranscard\u2019s announcement arrives at a time when AI agents are taking on more\u00a0responsibility in the B2B world, as PYMNTS wrote earlier this year, transitioning from assistants to key players in B2B processes.
\nFor instance, these agents are taking over\u00a0customer service and operations\u00a0at major companies, as covered here November.
\nThese agents can navigate complex business processes independently and use capabilities beyond basic chatbots, handling things like automating order management, scheduling appointments and loyalty promotion.
\n\u201cAfter all, in the B2B space, relationships matter. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all interactions,\u201d that report said. \u201cToday\u2019s customers expect personalized, high-touch experiences, even from the businesses they engage with. Agentic AI systems are increasingly able to learn about individual customer preferences, anticipate their needs, and offer tailored solutions \u2014 without the need for human intervention.\u201d
\nMore recently, PYMNTS examined how AI agents can help\u00a0chief financial officers\u00a0(CFOs) and treasurers foster greater growth.
\n\u201cWithin the space of the office of the CFO and accounts payable, that\u2019s where GenAI may be most\u00a0transformative,\u201d\u00a0Alex Hoffmann, general manager of North America at\u00a0Edenred Pay, told PYMNTS in an interview.
\n\u201cDo I want a central AI tool\u00a0analyzing all systems? Or do I want AI embedded within key financial platforms like AP and ERP?\u201d Hoffmann posed in a separate discussion. \u201cThe answer isn\u2019t obvious, but it\u2019s a crucial decision for CFOs.\u201d
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily\u00a0B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post Transcard Turns to Agentic AI to Streamline B2B Payments appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Payments technology firm\u00a0Transcard\u00a0has added agentic AI capabilities to its vendor network management solution.\nThe changes to the company\u2019s SMART Exchange are designed to streamline payment interactions between buyers and suppliers, with agentic artificial intelligence (AI) automating onboarding and know your business (KYB), according to a Tuesday (April 1) press release.\n\u201cThe new streamlined onboarding process and dedicated portals are set to revolutionize how businesses interact, pay, and manage their vendors,\u201d Transcard CEO\u00a0Greg Bloh said in the release.\n\u201cWe crafted these enhancements to address the struggles daunting buyer and supplier payments today and we\u2019re excited to provide our customers with a modern, digital B2B solution powered by AI.\u201d\nAccording to the release, the new SMART Exchange makes it easier for businesses to convert their networks and fully automate enablement.\n\u201cReplacing the days of call centers and back-office constraints to onboard and update vendor information, the AI-powered solution delivers the following benefits to buyers and suppliers,\u201d the company said.\nTranscard\u2019s announcement arrives at a time when AI agents are taking on more\u00a0responsibility in the B2B world, as PYMNTS wrote earlier this year, transitioning from assistants to key players in B2B processes.\nFor instance, these agents are taking over\u00a0customer service and operations\u00a0at major companies, as covered here November.\nThese agents can navigate complex business processes independently and use capabilities beyond basic chatbots, handling things like automating order management, scheduling appointments and loyalty promotion.\n\u201cAfter all, in the B2B space, relationships matter. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all interactions,\u201d that report said. \u201cToday\u2019s customers expect personalized, high-touch experiences, even from the businesses they engage with. Agentic AI systems are increasingly able to learn about individual customer preferences, anticipate their needs, and offer tailored solutions \u2014 without the need for human intervention.\u201d\nMore recently, PYMNTS examined how AI agents can help\u00a0chief financial officers\u00a0(CFOs) and treasurers foster greater growth.\n\u201cWithin the space of the office of the CFO and accounts payable, that\u2019s where GenAI may be most\u00a0transformative,\u201d\u00a0Alex Hoffmann, general manager of North America at\u00a0Edenred Pay, told PYMNTS in an interview.\n\u201cDo I want a central AI tool\u00a0analyzing all systems? Or do I want AI embedded within key financial platforms like AP and ERP?\u201d Hoffmann posed in a separate discussion. \u201cThe answer isn\u2019t obvious, but it\u2019s a crucial decision for CFOs.\u201d\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily\u00a0B2B Newsletter.\nThe post Transcard Turns to Agentic AI to Streamline B2B Payments appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-01T15:29:04-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-01T21:35:36-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Transcard-agentic-AI-B2B.png", "tags": [ "agentic AI", "AI", "AI agents", "artificial intelligence", "B2B", "B2B Payments", "commercial payments", "News", "PYMNTS News", "Transcard", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] }, { "id": "https://www.pymnts.com/?p=2539767", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/news/b2b-payments/2025/easypost-introduces-b2b-shipping-solution-forge/", "title": "EasyPost Introduces B2B Shipping Solution Forge", "content_html": "Shipping software provider EasyPost has debuted a solution aimed at B2B platforms.
\nForge, announced by the Utah-based company Tuesday (April 1), lets B2B operations quickly launch end-to-end shipping capabilities.
\n\u201cBusinesses today need robust, scalable solutions that can quickly adapt to their growing demands,\u201d Ching Pei, EasyPost\u2019s vice president of product, said in a news release.\u00a0\u201cWith Forge, we are excited to offer our customers a powerful tool that integrates directly into their platforms, providing them with a shipping solution that is not only reliable but also incredibly easy to manage.\u201d
\nAimed at helping platforms go to market more quickly and cost-effectively, Forge includes a comprehensive application programming interface (API) suite that covers each key step of the parcel shipping lifecycle \u2014 from address validation and label generation to tracking, insurance and claims.
\n\u201cWith low-code sub-account management and built-in analytics, Forge empowers businesses to offer branded, full-service shipping experiences while reducing engineering lift and accelerating time to value,\u201d the release added.
\nThe company adds that current white-label customers of EasyPost can switch over to Forge in under a minute and access an upgraded dashboard.
\nThe launch of Forge comes at a time when companies in the supply chain and logistics landscape are facing a surprising number of single points of failure, as PYMNTS wrote recently.
\n\u201cManaging chokepoints may require a combination of predictive technologies, strategic sourcing and a mindset oriented toward resilience and flexibility,\u201d that report said. \u201cFailure to adapt can expose deeper enterprise vulnerabilities such as issues in production capacity, logistics and demand forecasting.\u201d
\nRecent from PYMNTS Intelligence\u2019s March 2025 Certainty Project shows that escalating trade tensions marked by the recent imposition of tariffs have ushered in a wave of uncertainty across various sectors, most notably among mid-sized companies.
\nThese companies, often interacting with intricate global supply chains, now face obstacles that require strategic recalibrations to maintain resilience. Among these challenges: navigating complex global supply chains, digital transformation and market unpredictability, all of which increasingly fall under the purview of the finance chief.
\n\u201cAfter all, despite the best-laid plans, disruptions are inevitable,\u201d PYMNTS wrote. \u201cWhat separates resilient organizations from reactive ones is the ability to quickly pivot. Scenario planning around everything from port blockages to cyberattacks and natural disasters has become a critical tool for businesses seeking to prepare for the worst.\u201d
\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.
\nThe post EasyPost Introduces B2B Shipping Solution Forge appeared first on PYMNTS.com.
\n", "content_text": "Shipping software provider EasyPost has debuted a solution aimed at B2B platforms.\nForge, announced by the Utah-based company Tuesday (April 1), lets B2B operations quickly launch end-to-end shipping capabilities.\n\u201cBusinesses today need robust, scalable solutions that can quickly adapt to their growing demands,\u201d Ching Pei, EasyPost\u2019s vice president of product, said in a news release.\u00a0\u201cWith Forge, we are excited to offer our customers a powerful tool that integrates directly into their platforms, providing them with a shipping solution that is not only reliable but also incredibly easy to manage.\u201d\nAimed at helping platforms go to market more quickly and cost-effectively, Forge includes a comprehensive application programming interface (API) suite that covers each key step of the parcel shipping lifecycle \u2014 from address validation and label generation to tracking, insurance and claims.\n\u201cWith low-code sub-account management and built-in analytics, Forge empowers businesses to offer branded, full-service shipping experiences while reducing engineering lift and accelerating time to value,\u201d the release added.\nThe company adds that current white-label customers of EasyPost can switch over to Forge in under a minute and access an upgraded dashboard.\nThe launch of Forge comes at a time when companies in the supply chain and logistics landscape are facing a surprising number of single points of failure, as PYMNTS wrote recently.\n\u201cManaging chokepoints may require a combination of predictive technologies, strategic sourcing and a mindset oriented toward resilience and flexibility,\u201d that report said. \u201cFailure to adapt can expose deeper enterprise vulnerabilities such as issues in production capacity, logistics and demand forecasting.\u201d\nRecent from PYMNTS Intelligence\u2019s March 2025 Certainty Project shows that escalating trade tensions marked by the recent imposition of tariffs have ushered in a wave of uncertainty across various sectors, most notably among mid-sized companies.\nThese companies, often interacting with intricate global supply chains, now face obstacles that require strategic recalibrations to maintain resilience. Among these challenges: navigating complex global supply chains, digital transformation and market unpredictability, all of which increasingly fall under the purview of the finance chief.\n\u201cAfter all, despite the best-laid plans, disruptions are inevitable,\u201d PYMNTS wrote. \u201cWhat separates resilient organizations from reactive ones is the ability to quickly pivot. Scenario planning around everything from port blockages to cyberattacks and natural disasters has become a critical tool for businesses seeking to prepare for the worst.\u201d\nFor all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.\nThe post EasyPost Introduces B2B Shipping Solution Forge appeared first on PYMNTS.com.", "date_published": "2025-04-01T11:26:20-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-01T21:35:47-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "PYMNTS", "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/author/pymnts/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05cc0fdcc9e387e4f3570c17158c503?s=512&d=blank&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EasyPost-Forge-shipping-b2b.jpg", "tags": [ "B2B", "B2B Payments", "commercial payments", "delivery", "EasyPost", "Forge", "News", "PYMNTS News", "Shipping", "shipping software", "supply chain management", "supply chains", "What's Hot", "What's Hot In B2B" ] } ] }