UK Watchdog Clears Global Payments’ $22.7B Worldpay Acquisition
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Global Payments’ $22.7 billion takeover of Worldpay, removing a major regulatory hurdle for one of the largest payments mergers in recent years. The decision clears the way for Global Payments to integrate Worldpay’s global merchant network and expand its acquiring capabilities. This move solidifies Global Payments’ position as a dominant force in global payment processing, particularly across Europe and North America. The CMA’s approval suggests confidence that the deal won’t harm competition in the payments sector. The merger is expected to create new opportunities for innovation in merchant services and cross-border payments.
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Let’s learn how Visa sees AI-initiated payments evolve
Visa envisions the evolution of agentic payments in four stages — each building on the last, from AI acting as a smart advisor to becoming an autonomous orchestrator of transactions.
1. AI Recommends
This is where we are today. AI tools like ChatGPT serve as intelligent advisors, providing tailored suggestions based on prompts, preferences, and previous interactions. Users ask for purchase ideas or comparisons, and AI offers recommendations — but it doesn’t yet execute payments.
At this stage, AI helps users make smarter spending decisions, identify cost-effective merchants, or choose better delivery options. For instance, OpenAI’s shopping results in ChatGPT display product carousels with prices and direct merchant links. It’s advisory — the user still completes checkout manually.
2. AI Initiates
Here, AI agents begin to take action. They can interact with eCommerce platforms to initiate checkout processes, though users must still confirm and authorise each payment.
This is where OpenAI’s Operator or early browser-based agents come in — simulating user behaviour to perform tasks on their behalf. While still in beta and not fully reliable, these prototypes mark a shift from advice to execution.
This stage also introduces integrations via plugins and APIs, setting the groundwork for what Visa calls Agentic Commerce — the first wave of AI-initiated payments.
3. AI Transacts
In this phase, AI gains conditional autonomy. Agents could complete low-risk, repetitive purchases within predefined limits — like renewing subscriptions, paying for cloud credits, or restocking office supplies.
The system would handle payments end-to-end, provided parameters (amount, merchant type, frequency) are pre-approved. Human oversight remains, but manual steps shrink.
Curated News
💳 Payments
Lloyds Expands ‘Pay by Bank’ to Boost Hospitality Payments
Lloyds has rolled out its Pay by Bank service to the hospitality sector, enabling faster and more secure account-to-account transactions. This move supports merchants by reducing card fees and improving cash flow efficiency.
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Gr4vy and Mastercard Partner for Next-Gen Merchant Payments
Cloud payments platform Gr4vy has teamed up with Mastercard to enhance transaction security and speed for merchants. The partnership aims to streamline payment infrastructure and strengthen fraud prevention tools.
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Cubic3 Launches AI FleetWallet3 for Smarter Fleet Payments
Cubic3 has unveiled FleetWallet3, an AI-powered platform for fleet operators to manage payments and expenses more efficiently. The system uses predictive analytics to optimize fuel and maintenance costs.
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Pay.com.au Debuts International Payments Scheme for SMEs
Australian fintech Pay.com.au has launched a new international payments and rewards program designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The initiative aims to simplify cross-border transactions while offering FX rewards.
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MoneyHash and Tabby Bring BNPL to MEA Merchants
MoneyHash has partnered with BNPL provider Tabby to enable flexible payment options for merchants across the Middle East and Africa. The collaboration will expand access to deferred payment methods and enhance regional e-commerce growth.
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PayRetailers Unveils AI Platform ‘EON’ to Elevate Merchant Operations
PayRetailers has launched EON, an AI-driven platform designed to improve merchant experience and streamline internal operations. The platform enhances payment efficiency through automation and real-time data insights.
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🏦 Banking
Revolut Secures Mexico Banking License, Expanding in Latin America
Revolut has obtained a banking license in Mexico, marking a major step in its Latin American expansion following entries into the US and Brazil. The move positions Revolut to offer full banking services in a fast-growing fintech market.
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BNY Releases Community Bank Insights in Annual Survey
BNY has published its second “Voice of Community Banks” report, revealing key insights into digital transformation and lending trends. The survey highlights continued investment in fintech partnerships among smaller banks.
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Emirates NBD Launches 4th National Digital Talent Incubator
Emirates NBD has opened the fourth cohort of its National Digital Talent Incubator program to nurture future Emirati fintech leaders. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s national strategy to boost digital and financial innovation.
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💰 Fintech
Versana Debuts Cashless Roll Solution in Syndicated Loan Market
Versana has launched the first cashless roll solution for syndicated loans, with J.P. Morgan leading adoption. The innovation simplifies loan settlements, enhancing efficiency and transparency in capital markets.
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Investa Returns to Crowdcube Following Record Fundraise
After a successful 2024 campaign, Investa has launched a second crowdfunding round on Crowdcube to accelerate its fintech expansion. The move underscores rising investor confidence in community-driven capital raising.
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HV Capital Expands Investment Mandate Across Europe
HV Capital has announced a broader investment focus, supporting startups from seed to late growth stages across Europe. The firm aims to strengthen the continent’s venture ecosystem and support sovereign tech innovation.
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🪙 Crypto
Crypto Leaders to Meet US Senators for Regulation Talks
Top crypto executives are set to meet US Senate Democrats to discuss regulatory frameworks for digital assets. The dialogue could shape future legislation balancing innovation with investor protection.
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Japan Considers Allowing Banks to Trade Crypto
Japan’s government is reportedly exploring allowing local banks to participate in crypto trading. The proposal could mark a major policy shift, integrating digital assets into traditional financial systems.
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Gold-i Enables Institutional Crypto Liquidity Link for Finery Markets
Gold-i has connected Finery Markets and Sage Capital to establish a new OTC crypto liquidity channel for institutions. The integration aims to boost market depth and streamline digital asset trading infrastructure.
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Solana Co-Founder Builds Hyperliquid Rival, Invites Open Collaboration
Solana’s co-founder has launched an experimental DeFi trading platform to rival Hyperliquid, openly inviting developers to build upon or “steal” the idea. The project reflects a collaborative ethos within the Web3 space.
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BingX Achieves ISO 27001 Certification for Web3 Security
Crypto exchange BingX has earned ISO 27001 certification, reinforcing its commitment to robust cybersecurity and data protection standards. The recognition strengthens BingX’s position as a trusted Web3 platform.
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⚖️ Regulation
Canada Establishes New Financial Crime Agency
The Canadian government is setting up a dedicated financial crime agency to enhance enforcement against money laundering and fraud. The initiative reflects global momentum toward stronger financial integrity frameworks.
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🌐 Other
Businesses Warned of Rising Nation-State Cyber Attacks
Experts are urging organizations to strengthen cyber defenses amid a surge in nationally significant cyber incidents. The warning comes as geopolitical tensions heighten risks of state-backed digital threats.
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AWS Recovers After Major Global Outage
Amazon Web Services has confirmed a return to normal operations following a widespread service disruption. The outage impacted numerous businesses, underlining global dependence on cloud infrastructure.
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Indonesia Reports $422M in Scam Losses by October 2025
Indonesia has recorded over $422 million in scam-related losses this year, highlighting escalating cybercrime challenges in Southeast Asia. Authorities are calling for stronger consumer protection measures.
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