Join us in New York on September 29-October 1 for our next Payments Boot Camp and Advanced Payments workshop!
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.
Search Payments News
July 23, 2026
On the web
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."
Ant International’s Alipay+ Connects Argentina's National QR Payment Scheme via PVS, Enabling Cross-Border Payments at Millions of Merchants
Yahoo Finance
Alipay+ announced that it will enable global travellers to make QR code payments at millions of merchants across Argentina through integration with the country's national QR payment scheme Transferencias 3.0, in partnership with PVS, a fintech company specialized in developing customized payment solutions in Latin America.
Education: Automated Clearing House Payments
The Federal Reserve History
"Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments were first established in the 1970s by the Federal Reserve System and the banking industry. Up to that point, cash and checks had been the principal methods for retail payments in the United States. ACH payments, which are initiated electronically, were envisioned as a more-efficient payment method. At first, ACH payment volumes were relatively low, and the Fed processed far more ACH payments than private-sector ACH operators."
July 16, 2026
Top Post
Ushering in a New Era of Digital Wallet Innovation [Mastercard Wallet Services]
Mastercard
"Apple's decision to open device access is now creating more room for mobile payment choice and innovation. Mastercard is introducing Mastercard Wallet Services, a set of software tools and services that simplifies the creation of wallet capabilities on both iOS and Android. Mastercard Wallet Services is a solution including a Secure Element applet and software developer kits that enable contactless payments for Android and iOS environments. Partners can build contactless capabilities across platforms without managing separate integrations."
Visa Introduces Platform for Stablecoin Minting, Movement and Management
VIsa
"Visa announced the Visa Stablecoin Platform (VSP), an enterprise platform designed to help financial institutions, fintechs, and crypto natives access stablecoin capabilities through a single Visa-managed environment. VSP gives FIs, fintechs and other payment providers a simple way to access, store, and redeem stablecoins, beginning with Open USD (OUSD), a stablecoin introduced by Open Standard. This includes onchain wallet infrastructure through a newly introduced Wallet-as-a-Service offering and connectivity for minting and burning Open USD."
On the web
Are U.S. Consumers Ready to Use Pay-by-Bank at the Point of Sale?
The Federal Reserve
"Pay-by-Bank, a direct transfer from individuals’ bank accounts to merchants’, is gaining popularity as a point-of-sale payment method in countries around the world. Although Pay-by-Bank has yet to become available at points of sale in the United States, data suggest that U.S. consumers are increasingly ready to use this method."
Inside Cash App Borrow: Expanding Access Through Responsible Lending
Block
"Borrow provides eligible customers with access to small-dollar loans directly within Cash App, offering a simple, transparent and fast way to access funds when they need them. Rather than relying on traditional credit scores, we consider signals from a customer's activity on Cash App when determining eligibility and make those factors transparent through Cash App Score, an in-app view that helps customers understand the behaviors that influence their Borrow eligibility."
On the wires
Visa Reimagines Visa Infinite for Asia Pacific's Modern Affluent
PR Newswire
"Visa unveiled a refreshed Visa Infinite in Asia Pacific, designed for the modern affluent and how they live, spend and travel today. The refresh introduces a more flexible and personalised offering, anchored in a three-tier card suite. Alongside Visa Infinite, the portfolio includes the two newly launched tiers of Visa Infinite Privilege and Visa Infinite Private, each tailored to distinct affluent segments within a unified premium offering."
Take us with you
Payments on Fire is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and other podcast apps and services.
Watch new video episodes on our YouTube channel.