Payment acceptance and financial services platform Stripe has agreed to acquire payment orchestration startup Orum for an undisclosed amount. The company’s payment API orchestrates instant payouts, using AI to predict the availability of funds within an account and pre-authorize transactions. In addition to its payment orchestration tools, Orum also verifies bank accounts and delivers payments 24/7 with its Direct to Fed solution that’s built on a connection to the US Federal Reserve’s payment rails as a service provider. CEO Stephany Kirkpatrick said that combining with Stripe offers a “rare” opportunity to help Orum accelerate its mission to power a better financial system where everyone has the opportunity to build their potential. For Stripe, which processed more than $1.4 trillion in total payment volume in 2024, the Orum purchase is just the latest in a string of acquisitions.
NACHA says AI is enhancing payment operations through real-time decision-making powered by intelligent exception handling to automated return code analysis; also end-user UX is improving through real-time status updates and self-service tools; AI is also identifying potential fraud
AI is changing that—accelerating processing, reducing human touchpoints, and giving end users more control over their payment experience. AI’s most immediate impact on payments is speed. From intelligent exception handling to automated return code analysis, AI enables real-time decision-making that traditional workflows can’t match. ACH files can be scanned, validated and corrected in minutes. Instant payments—via FedNow or RTP—can be verified, risk-assessed and cleared in milliseconds, supporting round-the-clock processing and meeting service-level terms and conditions. Automation also eliminates slowdowns, ensuring that payment systems can handle growing volumes without compromising performance or accuracy. AI can introduce smart automation: Predictive models can determine the best return reason for entries that can’t be posted; Machine learning can automatically classify and route exceptions, reducing manual decisioning; Natural language models can read remittance data and match it to payments, harnessing the power of payment-related data. Leveraging the power of AI enables operations teams to streamline functions, focusing on areas that are better served by intuition and experience, while leaving manual processes to be conducted more efficiently by the technology. AI also impacts the end-user experience. Instead of relying on manual processes, which may involve multiple parties and steps, users are increasingly able to self-address issues in real time. For instance: If an ACH payment fails, an AI-powered system can notify the user instantly and walk them through correction steps. Chatbots and smart interfaces can provide real-time status updates, reducing support inquiries related to outstanding payments. AI can identify potential fraud and anonymous activity, proactively reaching out to an end user, confirming if the payment is an issue, and then taking appropriate steps such as locking down the account from future posting, suspending services and payments, and notifying appropriate financial institution staff. A powerful trend emerging in 2025 is agentic AI—autonomous systems that not only analyze data but take action on behalf of users or teams to meet a desired objective. In payment operations, agentic AI could proactively resolve exceptions, initiate corrective workflows, communicate with counterparties, or reattempt payments using updated information—all without human involvement.
The GENIUS Act’s requirement for all approved stablecoin issuers to have robust AML, KYC and risk monitoring programs coupled with national trust bank charter that allows companies to offer crypto custodial services to open the stablecoin market to a wider range of users
With the GENIUS Act now law, stablecoin issuers—including banks and fintechs—finally have regulatory clarity under federal oversight, allowing for broader adoption. Federally insured banks can issue stablecoins, while fintechs require Federal Reserve approval. The law aims to legitimize stablecoins with rules on consumer protections, reserves, AML, and KYC, drawing more users and revenue. Paxos CEO Charles Cascarilla said the law will help stablecoins go mainstream, while Mastercard’s Jorn Lambert emphasized regulation as key to adoption. Paxos, PayPal, Fiserv, and Mastercard are part of the Global Dollar Network pushing for scale. Though stablecoins won’t likely replace everyday payments in developed economies, they’re seen as transformative for cross-border transactions, gig economy pay, and digital wallets. Tether and Circle welcomed the law, with Circle seeking a national trust bank charter to expand its services. Critics, including the ABA and Consumer Reports, warn that stablecoins could disrupt traditional banking and lack adequate consumer safeguards. Still, large banks like Citi, JPMorgan, and BofA are exploring stablecoin strategies, with Citi appearing the most bullish, according to KeyBanc.
Startup Lava Payments’s digital wallet enables users to buy a one-time usage credit that AI agents can simply charge as they perform various tasks on a “pay as you go basis” without requiring transaction approval and human intervention
Startup Lava Payments, aims to take on payment giants by building a solution for the modern web where AI agents now handle transactions for their customers. Lava is a digital wallet that lets merchants use usage credits to facilitate transactions. The idea is that one set of credits working across merchants and services makes it easier for autonomous agents to make payments without needing human intervention. It works like this: A merchant can enable the Lava wallet for their customers to use and upload (credits) money to. Once a customer does that, they can take that money and use it at any merchant that also accepts Lava and any of the foundational models, like GPT and Claude, on a “pay as you go basis.” So, rather than having to pay for each tool, a user buys a one-time usage credit that AI agents can simply charge as they perform various tasks. No more asking the user to approve transaction after transaction. Without Lava, agents can’t move smoothly through the internet because they constantly get blocked when it comes time to pay. Lava is set to be the “invisible layer that kind of powers the AI web,” especially as AI agents find themselves more and more in the checkout line. “We see the world as very interconnected,” founder Mitchell Jones said about what makes his product different. “What we’re really focused on is building [for the] agent-native economy.”
FedNow enters year three with increasing users, volumes, and competition, reporting a whopping 1,200% year-over-year increase in transaction volume, growing from 97,424 settled payments in the first quarter of 2024 to 1,310,017 in the quarter ending March 31, 2025
FedNow, which turned two years old on July 20, reported a whopping 1,200% year-over-year increase in transaction volume, growing from 97,424 settled payments in the first quarter of 2024 to 1,310,017 in the quarter ending March 31, 2025. At its one year anniversary last July, the Fed had enrolled more than 850 financial institutions into FedNow and had at least 1,000 more in the pipeline. But as of July 7, more than 1,400 financial institutions—including large and small banks and credit unions—were participating in the FedNow Service. Community banks and credit unions make up more than 95% of the platform’s total participants. That all sounds impressive until you look at data recently reported by competitors RTP and Zelle. The RTP network, which is operated by The Clearing House and owned by multiple large banks, makes FedNow’s transaction volume look tiny by comparison. RTP handles more than 1 million daily transactions and, in fact, set a new single-day record for payments volume at nearly 1.6 million transactions on Jan. 31. The RTP network currently reaches 70% of demand deposit accounts in the United States, meaning that millions of consumers and businesses are benefiting from instant payments through the 850 financial institutions connected to the network. Tim Scholten, founder and president of the credit union and community bank consultancy Visible Progress, told Tyfone that FedNow adoption is growing but slowly.
Ripple to pay $200 million for stablecoin payment platform Rail, adding virtual accounts and automated back-office infrastructure capability
Ripple announced it has agreed to acquire Rail, a stablecoin-powered platform for global payments, for $200 million. With this deal, Ripple and Rail will deliver the most comprehensive stablecoin payments solution available in the market. This acquisition will boost Ripple’s standing as the leader in digital asset payments infrastructure. Rail adds to Ripple’s capabilities with virtual accounts and automated back-office infrastructure, streamlining operations. Together, they will: Stablecoin On/Off-Ramps and Asset Flexibility: offer comprehensive stablecoin pay-ins and pay-outs across key corridors, including USD payments, without requiring customers to hold crypto on their balance sheets. Third-Party and Treasury Payments: offer flexibility to customers, enabling them to manage multiple payment types including third-party payments (on behalf of their customers) as well as internal treasury flows, seamlessly through a single platform. Premium Digital Asset Liquidity: support payments across a variety of digital assets like RLUSD, XRP and others, and provide competitive pricing on high-value tickets. Virtual Account and Collections: enable customers to transact with digital assets without the need to open dedicated crypto bank accounts or wallets on centralized exchanges, lowering barriers to entry and removing operational hurdles. Simple Integration and Always-On Infrastructure: connect customers to a global payment network that operates 24/7/365 through a single API for streamlined onboarding. Enterprise-Grade Compliance and Licensed: deliver regulated, secure payment flows with 60+ licenses that meet the highest standards for financial institutions. Banking Partner Network: offer a new level of built-in redundancy and reliability through the collective multi-bank partner network, giving clients resilient global coverage.
WEX and BP partnership to enable fleet drivers to pay for parts and service, tolls, car washes, parking, and roadside assistance using earnify fleet card and earn rebates for fuel an vehicle-related purchases at over 8,000 stations
WEX and bp announced a new partnership to provide fleet drivers access to fuel savings through the earnify™fleet fuel card program in the U.S. Moving forward, earnify™fleet cards can be used for fuel and vehicle-related purchases at merchants that accept WEX and Mastercard® with on-going fuel rebates available at over 8,000 stations across the bp family of brands. Designed for small businesses and large fleets, this partnership will expand the program’s valuable fuel rebates to bp, Amoco, TravelCenters of America, TA Express, and Petro stations across the country. “With the earnify™fleet card, we’re combining WEX’s payments technology with bp’s fueling network to give fleets a smarter, more efficient way to manage operations,” said Brian Fournier, Americas SVP & GM, Mobility at WEX. Drivers can use their earnify™fleet card to pay for parts and service, tolls, car washes, parking, and roadside assistance. With all of these options available on one card, this simplified solution can also be utilized for integrated reporting and invoicing. Business owners and fleet operators can set purchase controls on employee spending based on product type, dollar amount, time of day, and more. The cards come with EMV chip technology, giving businesses extra protection from fraud. earnify™fleet drivers can sign up for the earnify™ rewards program and earn personal loyalty points when they fuel for work at participating locations. This added benefit is designed to enhance earnify™fleet driver satisfaction and encourage in-network fueling, benefiting both drivers and fleet managers.
Corpay worldwide FX and card network will integrate Circle Mint and related APIs, enabling clients to access and manage USDC directly through Corpay’s platform
Corpay announced a new collaboration with a subsidiary of Circle Internet Group, to expand stablecoin access across global payment channels. They will work together to embed USDC across Corpay’s cross-border pay-in and pay-out rails allowing companies to access blockchain’s 24/7 settlement and programmability. “By working with Circle and adding USDC to our funding and disbursement capabilities, we’re giving our clients a new real-time option that complements the payment networks they already trust. This collaboration will unlock programmable controls and 24/7 liquidity without changing the way they transact today,” said Mark Frey, Group President at Corpay Cross-Border Solutions. Early Benefits of the Collaboration: Integrated Access to USDC: Corpay will integrate Circle Mint and related APIs, enabling clients to access and manage USDC directly through Corpay’s platform. USDC Wallets Built Into Customer Accounts: Clients will be able to fund Corpay-branded digital wallets—powered by Circle Wallets—instantly, enabling onchain settlement and seamless currency conversion alongside traditional fiat balances. 24/7 Global FX with Stablecoins: Businesses can fund transactions in USDC (and where available, EURC), with payouts in local currencies across 80+ countries, enhancing speed and liquidity for global operations. Commercial Cards with Stablecoin Support: Corpay is working to enable its commercial card products—including fleet, purchasing, and travel cards—to draw directly from USDC balances. Each transaction will be authorized onchain and settled in fiat automatically.
Nuvei adds PINless debit and least cost routing to its authorization optimization suite tools to boost merchant authorization rates
Nuvei announced the addition of PINless debit and Least Cost Routing to its Authorization Optimization suite, improving its authorization rate for merchants in North America by up to 3.5 percentage points for applicable transactions. PINless debit and least cost routing are available now in the U.S., enabling eligible transactions to bypass traditional card rails in favor of lower-cost local debit networks. Nuvei’s smart routing engine uses real-time AI and machine learning to analyze every transaction and determine the most effective path to approval based on issuer behavior, network logic, card metadata, and regional preferences. Key routing capabilities include: Intelligent Routing – Routes transactions through the best-performing bank or card network; PINless Debit Routing (U.S.) – Routes eligible debit cards through lower-cost networks, with fallback to Visa/Mastercard. Nuvei’s enhanced smart routing helps merchants optimize margin, performance, and speed without adding operational complexity.Nuvei’s intelligent authorization stack ensures that once a transaction reaches the right place, it has the highest possible chance of being approved. These features work together to reduce friction, resolve soft declines, and adapt in real time to issuer requirements: Smart Auth Messaging – Dynamically configures payloads and message formats based on issuer-specific logic; Network Tokens – Increases issuer trust and compatibility through Visa and Mastercard network tokens; One-Click Payments – Accelerates repeat transactions with frictionless token-based experiences. If a transaction fails, Nuvei’s Smart Retry capabilities step in to recover revenue in real time, with no disruption to the customer experience. Built into the Authorization Optimization Suite, Smart Retry uses advanced decisioning logic to analyze failure reasons and automatically reattempt transactions through the most promising alternate paths. Nuvei’s Smart Retry engine includes: Account Updater – Automatically refreshes expired or replaced card credentials; Bank Failover Routing – Routes the transaction to a backup bank or APM if the primary path declines; Auth Reconfiguration – Modifies message format dynamically based on issuer response codes
Casap’s agentic AI platform for dispute and fraud resolution intelligently analyzes evidence, predicts outcomes, and automates issuing credits and filing chargebacks
Casap, the leader in intelligent automation for dispute and fraud operations, has raised $25 million in Series A funding led by Emergence Capital, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Primary Venture Partners, SoFi and others. The raise signals a surge in demand from financial institutions looking to streamline dispute resolution and reduce fraud losses while building consumer loyalty. Casap’s AI-powered platform is already in use by a fast-growing base of credit unions, banks and fintechs seeking to modernize their dispute process and lower fraud. Chartway FCU and MidSouth Community FCU are among the many institutions seeing real impact: over 51% reduction in fraud losses, positive ROI in weeks and scaled case volume without additional headcount. By replacing fragmented tools with a unified intelligent system, Casap helps teams resolve cases faster and build consumer trust. From intake to chargeback filing and member communication, Casap’s AI agents handle the full dispute lifecycle in one system. The platform intelligently analyzes evidence, predicts outcomes, and automates key actions, such as issuing credits, filing chargebacks and responding to merchants. Casap’s proprietary fraud score identifies suspicious consumers and merchants to proactively reduce disputes. Customers benefit from real-time decisions, predictive win scores, and self-service experiences that build trust.