Navan announced a new integration with American Express that enables American Express U.S. Business and Corporate Card Members to instantly create unique virtual Cards for travel booked on the Navan Travel platform via Navan Connect. Navan Connect’s “Bring Your Own Card” functionality enables businesses to enjoy the benefits of the travel and expense solution employees love while keeping the benefits of the company’s existing bank and corporate card partner. To support and foster this integration, Navan is participating in the American Express Sync Commercial Partner Program. Combined with the end-to-end Navan T&E solution, the Navan-American Express Sync integration offers: Improved reconciliation. Speed up month-end close with automated reconciliation, all while earning the rewards of your American Express Card. Proactive spending policies. Create unique virtual Cards with built-in spending policies that make managing travel spend simple for finance teams. Real-time expense management. Companies have full visibility into every virtual Card expense the instant it happens with pending and cleared transactions that automatically appear in the Navan Expense dashboard to enable finance leaders to uncover savings opportunities — while keeping budgets and forecasts up-to-date. With Navan there are even more reasons to love your Card. American Express Card Members can earn the rewards of their eligible American Express Card when they use on-demand virtual Cards for travel payments.
Ecer launches GEO Enhanced Mode using four-step AI optimization framework; enabling Chinese exporters to bypass traditional SEO for direct global buyer access
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—an optimization strategy designed specifically for generative AI engines—has emerged. By ensuring a company’s information is deeply compatible with the content generation rules of AI engines, GEO is restructuring the entire process from “information retrieval” to “business matching.” It is carving out a new path for Chinese foreign trade companies to bypass the information silo and directly reach global buyers. Ecer.com recently launched its GEO Enhanced Mode, providing companies with a standardized solution for adapting to generative AI engines. Its core logic can be summarized in four progressive steps—Compliance, Structure, Context, and Authority—helping businesses move from simply “being found” to “being recommended.” Ecer’s GEO system first ensures that a company’s website meets AI crawling standards, including open data interfaces, clear content copyrights, and compliant privacy policies. Ecer’s GEO uses technologies like Schema markup and knowledge graph building to transform a company’s product parameters, certifications, and production capabilities into structured, AI-readable data. Ecer’s GEO analyzes user questions from AI engines to identify high-frequency sourcing scenarios (e.g., ” cross-border e-commerce drop-shipping suppliers”, “custom packaging solutions”). It then guides companies to build contextual content modules on their websites. Ecer’s GEO integrates a company’s industry certifications, media reports, and customer reviews to provide a multi-dimensional endorsement for the AI engine. Ecer’s GEO value is not just in “point-by-point optimization” of company information; it’s in promoting “ecosystem connectivity” across the foreign trade value chain. By integrating fragmented supplier data, logistics information, and industry trends into a dynamic knowledge network that AI can access, Ecer’s GEO is building a constantly updated “global trade brain.” By continuously outputting high-quality, structured information, they will become the “preferred source” for AI engines in their specific fields, giving them pricing and influence in their market segments.
Fifth Third and asset manager Eldridge partner to offer private credit arrangements to Commercial Banking clients
Fifth Third and Eldridge announced a strategic partnership to offer private credit arrangements to Commercial Bank clients. This program is built to enhance the ability for both parties to meet emerging and evolving needs and provide reliable private credit solutions to clients. Kevin Khanna, head of Commercial Banking. “By uniting complementary strengths and deepening our relationship, we are positioned to unlock new opportunities and enhance our collective value proposition. Most importantly both Fifth Third and Eldridge can deliver flexible, forward-looking financing solutions that empower clients to pursue strategic opportunities with confidence.” Nicholas Sandler, Co-President of Eldridge Capital Management. “This new partnership in private credit reflects a natural evolution of our engagement, grounded in a shared dedication to excellence. We’re excited to continue building on our foundation and expand what we can accomplish together across diverse forms of credit.” This program reflects a strong alignment of vision and capabilities, enabling Fifth Third and Eldridge to create new opportunities and deliver measurable value for clients and stakeholders.
Bipartisan Small Entity Update Act mandates SEC reassessment of compliance costs for advisers under $100 million AUM, adjusting outdated $25 million threshold to reduce regulatory complexity for community and regional banks
A bipartisan pair of senators introduced legislation Monday aimed at overhauling the Securities and Exchange Commission’s definition of small businesses. Sens. Katie Britt, R-Ala., and Andy Kim, D-N.J., are set to introduce a bill that would compel the Securities and Exchange Commission to reassess how it classifies small investment advisory firms, and how it would measure compliance costs that these businesses face. The legislation would affect community and perhaps regional banks that compete with independent investment advisors for wealth advisory clients, or those seeking to purchase investment advisory firms. The bill also signals growing agreement among Democratic lawmakers to lower compliance costs on a number of small financial companies. The bill would “ensure these small entities across the state and country are not unduly impacted by onerous regulations so they can continue to play pivotal roles in our economy,” Britt said in a statement. “It is paramount that the SEC considers the unique challenges facing our smallest businesses when issuing any future rulemakings,” she said. The SEC is already required to assess the impact of regulations on “small entities,” defined as a small investment advisor with less than $25 million in assets under management. But the threshold to even be required to register with the SEC is $100 million of assets under management, with few exceptions, making the threshold “virtually meaningless,” according to the lawmakers. A companion bill, introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., has passed the full House and has been referred to the Senate Banking Committee. The new bill from Britt and Kim suggests at least some bipartisan buy-in on the committee, which any bill will need to pass the narrowly controlled Senate. “Every entrepreneur deserves a fair shot at success, free from outdated and overburdensome red tape,” Kim said in a statement. “This bill is a straightforward way we can modernize and stand by our smallest businesses so they can continue to contribute to our local communities and economies.” The legislation would require the SEC to conduct a study examining market growth and regulatory costs since the agency last modified its small entity definition. Based on those findings, the commission would need to issue new rules adjusting the threshold accordingly. The bill would then index the definition to inflation, with mandatory updates every five years. The proposal has drawn support from financial services industry groups that have long complained about regulatory complexity squeezing smaller firms out of business. Firms have complained that compliance costs have risen steadily as the SEC has expanded its rulebook in response to the 2008 financial crisis and other market disruptions, creating economies of scale that favor larger firms. “For too long, this outdated standard has allowed the SEC to bypass meaningful consideration of less burdensome regulatory alternatives for small investment advisers,” the Investment Adviser Association said in a statement.
Payroc’s acquisition of payment orchestration platform BlueSnap to enable it to offer end-to-end global card acquiring and eBanking processing capabilities to merchants, ISVs and embedded fintechs via a unified platform
Payroc WorldAcces is acquiring BlueSnap, a global payment orchestration and AR automation platform. This strategic acquisition unites Payroc’s direct-connect acquiring infrastructure across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and transforms Payroc’s capabilities by adding BlueSnap’s robust global and enterprise capabilities. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025 and is subject to regulatory approval and other customary items. The acquisition creates a unified acquiring powerhouse that offers both end-to-end global card acquiring and eBanking processing capabilities to merchants, ISVs, and embedded technology partners, including: Global CNP Leadership & Routing Optimization: Accept card-not-present, electronic check and alternative payments in 47 countries, 100+ currencies, and 36+ local methods through a single API. BlueSnap’s intelligent routing and fraud prevention tools improve authorization rates and reduce cross-border costs. AR Automation & Cash Flow Efficiency: Accelerate receivables with embedded invoicing, subscription billing, and automated reconciliation. Real-time dashboards and out-of-the-box workflows simplify billing and collections. Enterprise-Grade Scale & Partner Ecosystem: Trusted by global enterprises and integrated with leading ISVs, ERP platforms, and embedded fintechs. Global Footprint & Compliance Excellence: Local acquiring, combined card and electronic check, dynamic and FX currency conversion, routing and interchange optimization, consolidated and detailed reporting, and managed clearing ensures cost-effective processing and regulatory compliance worldwide.
Zeni.ai launches business debit card featuring 1.75% cashback on every transaction, with rewards automatically deposited into its Checking Account, issuance of virtual cards instantly and AI to help spend smarter and close books effortlessly
Zeni, the AI-driven finance platform for modern businesses, today announced the launch of the Zeni Business Debit Card, the first debit card to combine instant cashback rewards with built-in AI financial management. Unlike traditional debit cards, Zeni’s card offers 1.75% cashback on every transaction, with rewards automatically deposited into the company’s Zeni Business Checking Account. Businesses can issue virtual cards instantly—no waiting for plastic—and begin spending in seconds. The Zeni Business Debit Card is powered by AI to help companies spend smarter and close their books effortlessly. Each transaction is automatically categorized, reconciled, and matched with receipts by Zeni’s AI Bookkeeper. Finance teams also gain real-time visibility into company-wide spending, with smart spend controls to set limits by user, department, or project.
Payroc’s acquisition of payment orchestration platform BlueSnap to enable it to offer end-to-end global card acquiring and eBanking processing capabilities to merchants, ISVs and embedded fintechs via a unified platform
Payroc WorldAcces is acquiring BlueSnap, a global payment orchestration and AR automation platform. This strategic acquisition unites Payroc’s direct-connect acquiring infrastructure across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and transforms Payroc’s capabilities by adding BlueSnap’s robust global and enterprise capabilities. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025 and is subject to regulatory approval and other customary items. The acquisition creates a unified acquiring powerhouse that offers both end-to-end global card acquiring and eBanking processing capabilities to merchants, ISVs, and embedded technology partners, including: Global CNP Leadership & Routing Optimization: Accept card-not-present, electronic check and alternative payments in 47 countries, 100+ currencies, and 36+ local methods through a single API. BlueSnap’s intelligent routing and fraud prevention tools improve authorization rates and reduce cross-border costs. AR Automation & Cash Flow Efficiency: Accelerate receivables with embedded invoicing, subscription billing, and automated reconciliation. Real-time dashboards and out-of-the-box workflows simplify billing and collections. Enterprise-Grade Scale & Partner Ecosystem: Trusted by global enterprises and integrated with leading ISVs, ERP platforms, and embedded fintechs. Global Footprint & Compliance Excellence: Local acquiring, combined card and electronic check, dynamic and FX currency conversion, routing and interchange optimization, consolidated and detailed reporting, and managed clearing ensures cost-effective processing and regulatory compliance worldwide.
Coupa’s Tariff Impact Planning app explores specific tariff impacts on input and manufacturing costs, and identifies potential ways to qualify for duty drawbacks based on the flow of goods through the supply chain
Coupa, the AI platform for total spend management, announces its Tariff Impact Planning (TIP) app, part of Coupa’s Supply Chain Solutions suite, designed to help businesses navigate global trade and tariff policies and ensure profitability amidst widespread uncertainty. Coupa’s Supply Chain Solutions enable leaders to seamlessly build tariff-optimized supply chains that assess current networks, future implications, and alternate strategies to balance tariff reduction, operational efficiency, and protect bottom-lines. Coupa’s Tariff Impact Planning app, known as TIP, literally offers insights and tips needed for businesses to respond dynamically to safeguard margins and minimize disruption. Key features of the TIP app include: Tariff Optimization: Proactively review current supply chain networks and explore alternate strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, considering trade-offs between cost, service, and risk in production and sourcing locations. Duty Drawbacks: Explore specific tariff impacts on input and manufacturing costs, and identify potential ways to qualify for duty drawbacks based on the flow of goods through the supply chain. Layered Tariffs: Evaluate the costs of raw material inputs, manufacturing for semi-finished goods, and goods sold for finished goods to avoid unnecessary compounding. Pricing & Market Access: Assess market and policy scenarios to inform pricing strategies, helping to navigate potential cost increases while balancing competitiveness and customer impact
AI-powered tax-preparation tools are outpacing legacy platforms by integrating real-time error detection, predictive analytics, and seamless integration with financial data sources, reducing errors by 90% and cutting costs by up to 50%
The tax-preparation industry is experiencing a significant shift due to AI-powered platforms, outpacing legacy players like H&R Block and TurboTax. These platforms are redefining efficiency, accuracy, and user experience, offering investors a chance to capitalize on a market where innovation is outperforming tradition. Between 2023 and 2025, AI-driven tax platforms have captured significant market share, leveraging automation, machine learning, and cloud-native architectures to streamline tax workflows. 77% of tax professionals anticipate AI will have a “high or transformational impact” on their work within five years. AI platforms like TaxSlayer and Cash App Taxes are capitalizing on this trend by integrating real-time error detection, predictive analytics, and seamless integration with accounting software. This reduces human error and costs, while slashing costs. The global tax technology market is projected to grow to $54.3 billion by 2034, with AI-driven platforms dominating growth.
Fundwell acquires EveryStreet to integrate embedded checkout, real-time A/R and A/P management, and payments solutions—enabling seamless cash flow, payments, and capital from one platform
Fundwell announced the acquisition of EveryStreet, an innovator in accounts receivable (A/R), accounts payable (A/P), and flexible payment enablement. The acquisition brings EveryStreet’s team, including co-founders Logan Shedd, Scott Priddy, and Kevin Park into the Fundwell organization to strengthen its technology and product offerings to businesses around the country. EveryStreet’s platform is a one-stop shop for managing, distributing, and completing invoices, powered by an embedded checkout solution with a mix of payment and financing capabilities. The platform helps reduce A/R days, improve cash flow, and increase sales conversion, while integrating seamlessly with existing ERP and financial systems to make adoption and scaling simple. By combining Fundwell’s extensive lender network and credit products with EveryStreet’s A/R and A/P management platform, businesses will have the tools to not only access capital when needed but also to proactively manage their cash flow, bridging short-term needs and long-term financial health. As part of the acquisition, EveryStreet’s technology will be seamlessly integrated into Fundwell’s platform, enhancing its capabilities to help businesses get paid faster, access financing more efficiently, and gain greater control over their cash flow. This integration builds on Fundwell’s mission to move beyond one-time funding transactions to deliver year-round financial tools that support sustainable business growth.