Mastercard Launches Commercial Connect API
Mastercard has unveiled its Commercial Connect API, a new solution aimed at streamlining commercial payments by connecting businesses, financial institutions, and partners through a unified platform. The API simplifies access to Mastercard’s data and services, allowing for faster onboarding, improved reconciliation, and enhanced automation for B2B transactions. This move underscores Mastercard’s commitment to driving efficiency and innovation across the commercial payments ecosystem. By empowering developers and enterprises with flexible integration options, Mastercard is positioning itself as a central player in the evolution of embedded finance and API-driven infrastructure. The launch further reflects the global trend of open finance and the growing demand for real-time, data-enabled payment solutions.
Insight of the Day
Using Data and AI to Combat Instant Payments Fraud
The rise of instant payments has made AI-powered fraud detection a necessity. Unlike traditional rules-based systems, AI can spot subtle behavioral patterns across vast datasets in real time—vital for detecting complex, fast-moving fraud.
Yet, as AI becomes central to fraud prevention, its responsible and transparent use is just as important. Consumers must be protected not only from fraud but also from the unintended harm of biased or opaque AI models. The stakes are high: an estimated 42.5% of fraud attempts now use AI, and nearly a third are successful.
Criminals are evolving too, leveraging deepfakes and generative AI to bypass controls. The global market for deepfake detection is projected to grow 42% annually, from €4.73B in 2023 to €13.5B by 2026. Businesses are responding—three-quarters plan to adopt AI-driven fraud prevention tools—but fewer than a quarter have begun implementation, exposing a gap between awareness and action.
At its core, AI’s strength lies in pattern recognition—automatically identifying relationships and anomalies in data. Just as a human analyst might, AI detects shifts such as unusual geolocation, new devices, or behavioral changes. In money-laundering cases, for example, mule accounts often move funds in chains; AI’s ability to view the network as a whole helps uncover these linked transactions.
Curated News
💳 Payments
Trustly Enables Recurring A2A Payments for seQura Eyewear Subscriptions
Trustly has introduced recurring account-to-account (A2A) payment capabilities for seQura’s eyewear subscription service, allowing customers to manage regular payments directly from their bank accounts. This marks another step forward in A2A adoption across consumer markets, reducing reliance on cards and improving payment efficiency.
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PayPoint and NoteMachine Partner to Support 3,000+ ATMs
PayPoint has partnered with NoteMachine, a Brink’s company, to enhance ATM access across the UK, supporting over 3,000 machines nationwide. The collaboration aims to improve cash availability and financial inclusion amid declining bank branch networks.
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U.S. Faster Payments Council Releases State of Play Report
The U.S. Faster Payments Council has published its latest State of Play report, assessing the adoption and challenges of faster payment systems nationwide. The findings highlight progress in real-time payment infrastructure while calling for greater interoperability and fraud mitigation efforts.
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🏦 Banking
Tech-Focused Erebor Bank Secures Conditional OCC Approval
Erebor Bank has received conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to launch operations as a tech-driven financial institution. The move marks a significant milestone in the ongoing digital transformation of the U.S. banking sector.
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Santander Merges Openbank With Consumer Finance Unit
Santander has announced the merger of its digital bank Openbank with its consumer finance division to create a unified retail platform. The integration will streamline operations and expand the bank’s digital offerings across Europe.
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Lunar Secures EU License as First Scandinavian Challenger Bank
Lunar has become the first Scandinavian challenger bank to obtain a new EU banking license, enabling broader expansion across the region. The move strengthens Lunar’s positioning as a leading digital-native financial institution in Northern Europe.
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💰 Fintech
SBS Reinvents Itself to Lead in Digital Finance
SBS has rebranded and modernized its operations to shed its legacy image, embracing innovation to compete with leading fintechs. The transformation includes digital product enhancements and strategic partnerships to deliver faster, tech-driven services.
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bunq Accelerates Global Growth With Premium Rewards
Digital bank bunq is expanding its global reach with a new premium rewards program powered by Ascenda. The offering aims to enhance user engagement and loyalty through exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits.
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Sonder Partners for Invoicing, Reports Q2 Results
Sonder has entered a new invoicing partnership while revealing its second-quarter financials, underscoring operational progress amid sector challenges. The partnership enhances corporate travel payment capabilities.
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Supermicro Expands Into Data Center Construction
Supermicro is launching a data center construction arm to complement its server business as it continues its recovery on the stock market. The initiative aims to capture growing demand for AI and cloud infrastructure solutions.
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🪙 Crypto
Coinbase Invests in India’s CoinDCX at $2.45B Valuation
Coinbase has backed India’s leading crypto exchange CoinDCX in a new funding round valuing the firm at $2.45 billion. The move highlights renewed investor confidence in India’s regulated digital asset market.
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YZi Labs Leads $50M Round for Stablecoin Network
YZi Labs has led a $50 million investment in Better Payment Network, a stablecoin-focused infrastructure startup. The funding will accelerate the development of global payment rails using blockchain technology.
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Bitget Wallet Launches Crypto Card Across Asia-Pacific
Bitget Wallet has introduced a new crypto-linked payment card across Asia-Pacific markets, allowing users to spend digital assets seamlessly in local currencies. The move signals growing mainstream crypto adoption in the region.
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Police Seize $34M From NextTech Founder in Crypto Fraud Case
Authorities have confiscated $34 million from the founder of NextTech following a large-scale crypto fraud investigation. The seizure underscores regulatory vigilance and the crackdown on illicit crypto schemes.
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Telcoin Raises $25M to Launch Regulated Digital Asset Bank
Telcoin has raised $25 million to establish a regulated digital asset bank, bridging crypto services with traditional banking. The move aims to strengthen compliance and mainstream blockchain-based financial services.
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M2 Capital Invests $21M in AVAX Digital Asset Treasury
M2 Capital has announced a $21 million investment in AVAX One, a new digital asset treasury built on Avalanche. The initiative enhances institutional access to decentralized asset management tools.
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📈 WealthTech
SS&C Acquires Calastone, Clover Emerges From Stealth
In a wave of wealthtech developments, SS&C has acquired fund network Calastone while fintech startup Clover emerged from stealth with a new digital investing platform. These moves signal increased M&A and innovation across the wealth management space.
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⚖️ Regulation
Bank of England Explores AI, DLT, and Quantum Computing
The Bank of England has released a comprehensive report outlining its strategy toward artificial intelligence, distributed ledger technology, and quantum computing. The paper emphasizes responsible innovation while maintaining financial stability and resilience.
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🤖 Other
Allianz UK Appoints Head of AI to Drive Growth
Allianz UK has named a new Head of AI to advance its innovation strategy and improve operational efficiency. The appointment reflects the insurer’s focus on data-driven transformation and smart automation.
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