With tariffs increasing the costs for imported components and more, companies are turning to digital procurement and payment platforms, many of which are capable of streamlining vendor onboarding, automating payments in multiple currencies, and allowing finance teams to negotiate early payment discounts. Amazon, for example, is surveying its third-party sellers to determine the effect of tariffs on their businesses. CEO Andy Jassy has acknowledged that shoppers could bear the brunt of these costs, as merchants recalibrate to safeguard their margins. Digital procurement isn’t just about buying things cheaper but is increasingly about creating a data-rich environment where finance and operations can collaborate in real time, making the business more agile in the face of geopolitical and economic shocks. Embedded financial services — offering banking, lending and insurance within non-financial platforms — are another piece of the puzzle. By integrating financing options directly into procurement workflows, companies can smooth out cash flow gaps caused by fluctuating tariffs and shifting supplier terms. Platforms like Flex and Lenkie, which raised $62 million also last month, illustrate a trend where financial services are integrated into business workflows. While some companies are struggling under the weight of rising costs and disrupted supply chains, others are seizing the opportunity to innovate their payment processes, with virtual cards emerging as a solution for B2B payments across digital platforms. Separately, firms are realizing that future-proofing their procurement operations when times are tough could pay off down the line as the macro environment finds its footing, and as the ongoing generational shift among procurement and executive leadership continues unabated with its preference for seamless, digital-first procure-to-pay experiences.