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A leading payments industry news source for more than 17 years. Glenbrook curates the news and keeps you abreast of the important daily headlines in payments.
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July 24, 2026
Top Post
Mastercard Expands Virtual Card Platform with New Security Controls, Embedded Payments Network and Single API Access
Mastercard
"Mastercard announced enhancements to Mastercard In Control® – a virtual card number (VCN) platform for scalable B2B payments. New innovations include advanced virtual card controls that help reduce risk across the full payment lifecycle, and one scalable connection to Mastercard’s growing embedded partner network — enabling enterprises, financial institutions and platforms to manage payments with greater confidence, flexibility and efficiency."
On the web
Samsung Wallet Will Add Stablecoin Support, Bringing Payments, Rewards and Digital Assets Into One Service
Global Crypto
"Samsung has announced that Samsung Wallet will introduce stablecoin support, marking a significant step toward bringing digital assets into mainstream mobile payments. The update aims to combine payments, rewards, digital assets, and identity services into a single platform, giving users a more unified digital wallet experience. As competition intensifies among digital wallet providers, Samsung seeks to position Samsung Wallet as a comprehensive financial hub."
Meta Launches Standalone Seller App for Facebook Marketplace, Still Ignoring Crypto Payments
Crypto Briefing
"Meta just carved out a standalone app specifically for Facebook Marketplace sellers, giving millions of people hawking used furniture and vintage sneakers their own dedicated workspace. The app, which dropped in mid-July 2026, lets sellers manage listings, field buyer inquiries, and process sales without toggling back to the main Facebook app. It’s also a reminder that despite sitting at the center of one of the largest peer-to-peer commerce networks on the planet, Meta still wants nothing to do with crypto payments."
Visa and Lianlian Advance Trusted B2B Agentic Commerce Through LoopXPay's First Live B2B Agentic Transaction
Yahoo Finance
"Visa and Lianlian DigiTech Co., Ltd., an AI-native global financial infrastructure provider, announced the first live B2B agentic transaction completed using LoopXPay, Lianlian's AI agent. In the transaction, the LoopXPay agent was used to source a product sample from a supplier and complete the purchase in a single workflow."
Checkout.com Moves Airflow to Google Cloud, Cuts Costs
CFOtech Australia
"Checkout.com has migrated its data orchestration platform to Google Cloud's Managed Service for Apache Airflow, a move that changed the reliability and cost profile of its data platform. The payments company moved away from a self-managed Apache Airflow setup on another hyperscaler, where its data platform team handled server management, patching, upgrades, and incident response alongside day-to-day pipeline work. That arrangement also created strain during periods of heavy use."
Education: The Federal Reserve Cash Services
Federal Reserve History
One purpose for the establishment of the Federal Reserve System was to "to furnish an elastic currency." The Federal Reserve issues and distributes currency in the form of Federal Reserve notes. The Federal Reserve provides cash services to ensure that cash (currency and coin) in circulation is sufficient to meet public demand. Cash remains an important means of payment, even as Americans have adopted other forms of payments since the Fed's founding.
July 23, 2026
On the web
For the 19th Year in a Row, American Express Has the Lowest U.S. Credit Card Fraud Rate Among Major Card Networks
American Express
"For 19 consecutive years, Amex has maintained the lowest U.S. fraud rate among major card networks, reflecting our long-standing commitment to protecting customers. Behind this achievement is a powerful combination of data scientists, advanced AI and machine learning models, emerging Gen AI capabilities, and a closed-loop network which provides end-to-end visibility into transactions, enabling strong protection and fast fraud detection."
Visa and Airwallex Join Forces to Build the Next Generation of Financial Infrastructure for Freight Platforms
Airwallex
"Visa and Airwallex announced a collaboration to develop embedded-finance solutions tailored to freight and shipping platforms, helping modernise how businesses manage payments, working capital and cross-border commerce across one of the world's most complex industries. The collaboration brings Visa's expertise in commercial payments, acceptance strategy, risk management and industry-specific solution design with Airwallex's embedded-finance capabilities, multi-currency infrastructure and global platform technology."
Google Slapped with $1 Billion Fine Under Landmark EU Digital Law
CNBC
"European regulators have fined Google 890 million euros ($1 billion), alleging the company gives preferential treatment to its own services. The fine is Google’s first under the European Union’s sweeping Digital Markets Act (DMA) which aims to scrutinize Big Tech’s operating practices in Europe. European regulators alleged the company gives preferential treatment to its own services."
July 22, 2026
Top Post
Zelle Must Face New York Attorney General’s Lawsuit Over Fraud, Judge Rules
Yahoo Finance
"A judge rejected Zelle's bid to dismiss a lawsuit by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said the electronic payment platform's refusal to adopt critical safety features enabled fraudsters to steal more than $1 billion from consumers. Justice Phaedra Perry-Bond of a New York state court said James sufficiently alleged that Zelle's parent Early Warning Services "prioritized accessibility, convenience, consumer adoption, and market dominance at the expense of consumer safety" in rushing the platform to market, despite objections from its banking partners."
On the web
ACI Worldwide Explores Sale of Billing Division Valued at $1.5B
Guru Focus
"ACI Worldwide Inc is reportedly contemplating the sale of its billing division, which could be valued at approximately $1.5 billion. The potential sale of ACI Worldwide's billing division marks a significant strategic shift for the company, allowing it to focus on its core payments software business. This division's valuation of $1.5 billion suggests that ACI is looking to streamline its operations and enhance its financial health by divesting a segment that may not align with its long-term goals."
Revolut Launches as Licensed Australian Bank After APRA Approval
Yahoo Finance
"Revolut has received an independent authorised deposit-taking institution licence from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). The approval marks the neobank's official debut as a licensed bank in Australia. It is also Revolut's first banking entity in the APAC region."
Apple Teams up with Klarna to Facilitate the Payment of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches
BBN Times
"Apple is expanding its financing options with the introduction of a new lease-to-own program called Apple Upgrade, powered by fintech company Klarna. The service launches on July 28, 2026, initially in the United States, and aims to make premium Apple devices more accessible through flexible monthly payments while encouraging upgrades and potentially boosting sales."
American Express Launches Intelligent Capabilities to Help Streamline Buyer and Supplier Payments
American Express
"American Express announced a B2B payment feature and automated invoice reporting capabilities within Buyer Initiated Payments (BIP). Amex is introducing BIP Connect, a feature that connects eligible BIP customers to Paymode, one of the largest B2B payment networks in the U.S. through a new partnership with Bottomline, a leading provider of payments and financial technology solutions; and new capabilities that will automate reporting that matches invoices to payments."
Zelle Starts Minting New Stablecoin, Eyeing Global Expansion
Bloomberg Law
"Digital payments platform Zelle has started minting its US dollar-backed stablecoin, moving it one step further in an effort by Wall Street to compete globally with established crypto firms. Its ZelleUSD token went into production last week, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly."
Adyen and TAP Modernize Payment Infrastructure at Brazilian Airports with Pix at Service Counters
Adyen
"Adyen and TAP Air Portugal, Portugal's leading airline, announce the modernization of the airline's payment technology infrastructure at Brazilian airports. The new infrastructure provided by Adyen is equipped to seamlessly support multiple payment methods, allowing passengers to pay using cards, digital wallets (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay), and, for the first time at the airline's counters in Brazil, Pix."
Zip Research Reveals Two-Thirds of US Shoppers Turn to AI Before Making Purchase Decisions
Zip
"Zip Co Limited released new research revealing artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming embedded in the modern shopping journey. American shoppers are increasingly turning to AI tools to discover, evaluate, and purchase products with greater confidence. More than two-thirds of respondents (68%) reported using an AI tool within the past three months, while nearly two-thirds of those shoppers (65%) engage with AI at least weekly."
Solana Sees $330M Stablecoin Inflow in 24 Hours, Led by Circle
Crypto Briefing
"Solana has experienced a significant influx of stablecoins, with a reported $330 million entering the network in the past 24 hours. This development, primarily driven by Circle, the issuer of USDC, underscores Solana’s role as a major host for stablecoin liquidity. Circle’s recent activity on Solana aligns with reports suggesting that the network holds approximately $15 billion in stablecoins, with USDC constituting a substantial portion."
On the wires
U.S. Faster Payments Council Publishes Report Exploring Stablecoins for Cross-Border Payments
EIN Presswire
The U.S. Faster Payments Council (FPC) announced the publication of a new report from the FPC Cross-Border Payments Work Group titled, Stablecoins as a Cross-Border Payment Method. Developed in collaboration with the FPC Digital Assets Work Group, the report examines how GENIUS Act-compliant stablecoins could be used to improve cross-border payment processes and compares stablecoin-based models to traditional correspondent banking approaches.
Ramp Brings Stablecoin Accounts and Payments to All Customers
PR Newswire
"Ramp announced the general availability of stablecoin accounts and payments, giving every business one platform to hold, move, and account for both fiat and stablecoin funds. Ramp's stablecoin accounts let companies hold stablecoin balances, earn rewards, pay vendors and reconcile every transaction automatically in their existing accounting system."
July 21, 2026
On the web
Natural Raises $30M to Reinvent Payments for AI Agents — And Take on Stripe
TechCrunch
"AI agents are starting to execute more sophisticated tasks, such as identifying vendors that can deliver freight, comparing prices, and messaging the vendor to organizing a delivery. But when it comes to making a payment for the shipment, they still need to involve a human. One new startup, Natural, is redesigning the whole system from the ground up. And it now has $30 million in fresh capital to pursue an ambitious plan that will put it in direct competition with giants like Stripe."
Introducing Samsung Galaxy Card
Samsung
"Samsung Electronics America unveiled Samsung Galaxy Card, a seamless way to earn cash rewards on everyday purchases with increased cash rewards for purchases made from Samsung — including the latest devices. Samsung’s first ever credit card offers a new financing option, whether you are giving the gift of Galaxy, treating yourself to a new device, or want to earn cash rewards on all your favorite items. Samsung Galaxy Card is issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank on the Visa network."
Kansas City Fed: Smaller Institutions Embrace Faster Payments with FedNow
Kansas City Federal Reserve
"Since the launch of FedNow in July 2023, over 1,800 financial institutions have signed up to participate in the service. Over 96 percent of participants are smaller depository institutions, or those with less than $10 billion in assets. As of July 2026, a total of 1,031 small commercial banks, 129 small savings banks, and 588 small credit unions have adopted FedNow since its inception. Only 20.7 percent of the nearly 8,500 small institutions participate in FedNow."
Adyen Index 2026: Australian Retailers Race Ahead on AI, but Consumer Trust Lags at Checkout
Adyen
"The Adyen Index 2026 Australia Retail Report reveals retailers are increasingly focused on automation and AI-enabled shopping experiences, with 95% of retailers now familiar with agentic commerce. However, consumer trust has not kept pace: nearly two‑thirds (64%) of Australians say they feel uncomfortable allowing AI to complete a purchase on their behalf."
Expensify Expands Collaboration with Marqeta to Bring its Card Offering into Europe
Marqeta, Inc.
"Building on their long-term relationship in the US, Expensify has leveraged Marqeta’s card issuing platform to bring its expense management card offering to the UK and EU. Expensify customers in Europe can now access the same spend management capabilities that have allowed for the rapid growth of its card offering in the US. Marqeta’s comprehensive platform provides the multinational card issuing capabilities that enable customers to scale their card programs with a single integration."
On the wires
Ant International Raises Approx. US $1.2 Billion in Series a Equity Financing to Boost Cross-Border Payments, Agentic Commerce Solutions for Global Businesses
Business Wire
"Ant International announced the successful closing of its Series A equity financing of approximately US$1.2 billion. Existing investors including Ant Group and Alibaba Group participated in this round, as well as other renowned international investment institutions. The proceeds will be used to accelerate Ant International’s global expansion and innovation in merchant payment, account management and other inclusive financial services for SMEs and enterprises across the world."
July 20, 2026
On the web
How PayPal Went from Wall Street Favorite to Unwilling Merger Target
Forth
"Five years ago PayPal was a Wall Street favorite and a leader in digital payments. Owen Lau, an analyst at financial services firm Clear Street, said PayPal prioritized winning market share by pricing aggressively, but failed to charge enough to generate attractive returns. Lau added that growth has slowed across key parts of the business, including Venmo, while newer products such as buy now, pay later have not panned out. PayPal’s user base has plateaued, he said, making growth a secondary concern to boosting profits from existing customers."
Amazon Business Adds Affirm as Its First Buy Now, Pay Later Option at Checkout
Amazon News
"Amazon and Affirm announced an expanded partnership that makes Affirm the first pay-over-time option available at checkout on Amazon Business, a business-to-business (B2B) store that helps businesses of all sizes digitize and automate procurement with powerful management controls and analytic tools—all within the familiar experience of Amazon. Now, these Amazon Business customers can split the total cost of eligible purchases and pay over time with Affirm without late or hidden fees."
July 17, 2026
On the web
BBVA, the First Spanish Bank to Launch Swift’s New Global Retail Payments Scheme
BBVA
"The new scheme marks a step forward in the modernisation of cross-border payments. For customers, this new model delivers an experience that is increasingly similar to that of an instant domestic payment. Funds can be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts in Spain for the full amount within approximately 25 seconds, at any time of the day, every day of the year. In addition, the payer knows in advance the cost of the transaction, the exchange rate and the estimated time for the funds to be credited."
FIS and Anthropic Extend Partnership on Trusted AI for Financial Services
FIS Global
"FIS® is using Mythos 5 through Project Glasswing, Anthropic’s controlled-access initiative that applies frontier AI to help strengthen the security of software supporting critical infrastructure, to secure its own systems. Through Project Glasswing, FIS is putting Mythos 5, Anthropic’s most advanced frontier model, to work as an additional layer within its security program."
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