The Green Sheet Online Edition
March 3, 2025 • 25:03:01
Industry Update
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ETA recognizes POPcodes for innovation
POPcodes won the Most Innovative Product or Solution Award from the Electronic Transactions Association for its Direct-to-Merchant (D2M) Communication Platform. The award recognizes advancements in usability, profitability and reducing friction in the payments ecosystem. D2M enhances merchant engagement by enabling instant, campaign-based messaging at the point of purchase, reducing training costs and increasing value-added service adoption, judges noted, adding that POPcodes serves top global payment processors and continues to drive innovation in the industry.
Fold Holdings goes public on Nasdaq
Thesis*, a venture studio behind a number of Bitcoin-native financial products, celebrated a milestone as Fold Holdings Inc. became the first Bitcoin financial services company to go public on Nasdaq under FLD and FLDDW. Fold, initially incubated by Thesis*, enables users to earn Bitcoin rewards on everyday purchases. Fold CEO Matt Luongo sees the company's success as validation of Thesis*' venture model. Following a $13 million Series A and a SPAC merger, Fold’s listing marks a step toward mainstream Bitcoin adoption, Thesis*, noted, adding that it continues innovating with projects like Mezo, focused on Bitcoin-backed lending.
VikingCloud files patent for universal merchant ID system
VikingCloud, a provider of cybersecurity and PCI compliance, filed a new patent for its Universal Merchant Identification System, adding to its 28 granted patents. Partnering with Mastercard, VikingCloud aims to enhance SMB cybersecurity against AI-driven social engineering threats. The system, VikingCloud pointed out, offers social engineering-resistant multi-factor authentication and seamless single sign-on for secure access to cybersecurity tools. Using cryptography and digital fingerprints, it ensures only authorized agents access sensitive systems, the company affirmed. Expected in the second quarter of 2025, the innovation is expected to strengthen protection across industries.
Workato now PCI Level 1 certified
Workato reported it has achieved PCI DSS v4.0 Level 1 compliance, the highest industry standard for payment security, reinforcing its commitment to cybersecurity and compliance. This milestone enables secure automation for industries handling sensitive payment data, including retail, financial services, healthcare and hospitality, the company stated. Workato mentioned it also earned ISO/IEC 27002:2022 and ISO/IEC 27701 certifications, strengthening its enterprise-grade security posture. With robust encryption, access controls and risk management, Workato strives to empower businesses to automate critical workflows while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Its secure, low-code platform simplifies compliance for highly regulated industries, the company added.
RESEARCH
FPC shares 2025 Faster Payments Barometer results
The U.S. Faster Payments Council and Volante Technologies released the 2025 Faster Payments Barometer, analyzing adoption trends and challenges in U.S. faster payments. Surveying over 400 organizations, the study found 80 percent view faster payments as essential, with financial institutions leading adoption. Key growth areas include ecommerce, payroll and P2P transactions, though fraud, interoperability and costs remain barriers. Multi-rail strategies are gaining traction, with FedNow and RTP adoption expected to rise significantly. Industry collaboration and enhanced security measures like multifactor authentication will be crucial for sustained growth and ubiquity.
U.S. bankruptcy filings increase 14 percent in 2024
U.S. bankruptcy filings in 2024 increased 14.09 percent over 2023, reaching 494,169, despite a 1.4 percent decline in the fourth quarter, breaking a two-year upward trend. Analysts at G2 Risk Solutions forecast a further 12 percent rise in 2025, though regional trends vary. The Southeast led 2024 bankruptcy growth, with Florida seeing the highest volume increase. Four regions (Mountain, Pacific, Southeast, and North Central West) saw declines in filings in the fourth quarter of 2024, while others continued rising. States leading in bankruptcy growth include Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Washington, Florida and Texas.
Team8 offers guidance on combatting AI-powered fraud
Team8 released Fraud Exposed, a report analyzing how AI and disruptive technologies are reshaping fraud. Written by Team8’s fintech leadership with insights from Mastercard, Moody’s, AWS, and others, the report highlights the fusion of fraud prevention and cybersecurity teams, AI-powered defenses, and the role of evolving regulations. The report also explores how scammers increasingly exploit human vulnerabilities rather than just systems, and it advocates for a lifecycle approach to fraud prevention to stay ahead of emerging threats. In discussing the report, Managing Partner Ronen Assia stressed the need for intelligence-driven strategies as AI-driven fraud accelerates.
PARTNERSHIPS
Aevi, IXOPAY to advance payment orchestration
Aevi and IXOPAY partnered to unify global payment systems by integrating Aevi’s in-person payment orchestration with IXOPAY’s enterprise-grade digital payment platform. This collaboration is designed to allow merchants to manage in-person and online transactions seamlessly, connect any POS device to multiple processors, optimize payment routing for cost savings, and support diverse payment methods without extra integrations. The partnership enhances flexibility, scalability and transaction success rates, empowering businesses to adapt to evolving payment needs, the partners noted, adding that their unified solution will deliver frictionless, best-in-class payment experiences without provider lock-in.
Intermex launches wire transfers via WhatsApp
Intermex said it launched wire transfers via WhatsApp, making money transfers seamless and secure for U.S. Hispanics, 95 percent of whom use the app. This innovation simplifies remittances by integrating transactions into a trusted messaging platform, the company added. Chief Digital Officer Marcelo Theodoro emphasized the ease of sending money “like a message.” The feature also provides real-time support and tracking, Intermex noted. Initially launching in key markets, Intermex stated, this move aligns with its digital-first strategy, reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion and enhancing accessibility for Latino communities.
Payfinia, Metallicus team up on instant payments, crypto
Metallicus partnered with Payfinia to provide credit unions with embedded instant payments and cryptocurrency services. By integrating Metallicus’ blockchain solutions and Payfinia’s instant payment framework, credit unions can offer members secure fiat-to-crypto transactions within traditional banking platforms, the partners stated, adding that as a preferred API partner for Metal Pay, Payfinia enables seamless money movement and crypto trading. Payfinia also joined Metallicus’ Banking Innovation Program, collaborating on compliant financial solutions like stablecoins and digital identity.
VikingCloud, Fiserv take on cyber thieves
VikingCloud, a cybersecurity and PCI compliance company, formed a multi-year partnership with Fiserv to provide SMBs with cybersecurity solutions that require no internal technical expertise. SMBs are prime targets for cybercriminals, yet only 29 percent rate their defenses as mature, the partners stated. VikingCloud CEO Jim Burke emphasized the need for simple, cost-effective protections to counter increasing cyber threats. Fiserv's Casey Klyszeiko highlighted the role of innovation in safeguarding transactions. VikingCloud noted that it currently manages cybersecurity and PCI compliance for more than 4 million merchants worldwide.
Worldline, FreedomPay team up for travel, hospitality
Worldline partnered with FreedomPay to enhance payment solutions in the travel and hospitality sector across Europe, with future expansion into retail. Launching mid-2025, the collaboration integrates FreedomPay’s Host2Host gateway with Worldline’s acquiring and dynamic currency conversion services to support seamless card-present and card-not-present transactions. The solution is expected to streamline hotel operations, improve customer experience, provide data-driven insights and ensure seamless system integration. The companies affirmed that their partnership strengthens their positions in the European hospitality market.
ACQUISITIONS
Lenders Cooperative, Ventures Lending merge
Lenders Cooperative merged with Ventures Lending Technologies to strengthen its position as a leading provider of commercial loan origination and servicing solutions. The combined company, which chose to retain the Lenders Cooperative name, said the merger enhances the company's ability to support banks, credit unions, CDCs, CDFIs, and fintech lenders with AI-driven workflows, integrated payments and expanded POS lending solutions. With Ventures’ expertise in SBA 504 and 7a loan processing and Lenders Cooperative’s track record in large-scale lending initiatives, the revitalized entity said it now supports over 500 financial institutions, delivering a seamless and innovative lending experience from application to loan management.
LNRS completes IDVerse acquisition
LexisNexis Risk Solutions completed its acquisition of IDVerse, an AI-powered document authentication and fraud detection provider. IDVerse, now part of LexisNexis’ Business Services segment, enhances identity verification within platforms like RiskNarrative and IDU. Founded in Australia in 2018, IDVerse combats fraud and deepfakes with biometric AI technology. Rick Trainor, CEO of business services at LNRS, emphasized the importance of advancing fraud prevention. The integration will strengthen risk insights, improve financial inclusion, and enhance defenses against AI-generated fraud, LNRS stated.
Sedgwick acquires Bottomline's LSM division
Sedgwick, a claims management specialist, is set to acquire Bottomline’s legal spend management (LSM) division, which provides cloud-based software and legal bill review solutions for the property and casualty insurance sector. Sedgwick will integrate Bottomline’s Legal-X and Legal eXchange platforms to help clients control litigation costs while operating LSM as a separate division. This acquisition, Sedgwick stated, strengthens its legal bill review capabilities, benefiting casualty clients with enhanced e-billing, case management and analytics. Approximately 300 LSM employees will transition to Sedgwick to ensure continuity and expertise.
Silver Lake, GIC complete acquisition of Zuora
Zuora, a specialist in monetization for the subscription economy, was acquired by Silver Lake and GIC for $10 per share in cash. As a result, Zuora’s Class A common stock will no longer trade on the NYSE. The acquisition marks a new phase for Zuora, which noted it pioneered recurring, usage-based and hybrid revenue models. With Silver Lake and GIC’s support, Zuora aims to enhance its technology for enterprise monetization at scale. Zuora believes the deal's approval by stockholders in February has helped to reinforce its role in driving modern financial operations.
APPOINTMENTS
Amanda Crocker moves up at SWIVEL
Amanda Crocker was appointed president of SWIVEL Transactions LLC, a fintech company specializing in integrated payment solutions. A seasoned leader in payments and money movement technologies, Crocker joined SWIVEL in 2023 as chief operations officer, where she streamlined operations and improved product launch capabilities, the company noted. Previously, she led global payment operations at Meta, overseeing 35 payment products and processing 700 million annual transactions. In her new role, Crocker aims to drive SWIVEL’s growth while fostering a culture of trust and leadership.
Steven Loranger joins Taulia
Taulia appointed Steven Loranger as head of sales, North America, where he will lead the company’s regional sales expansion and growth strategy. Based in New York, he brings over 25 years of experience in finance and technology to the company. Loranger spent 19 years at IBM, rising to general manager of global financing, and later served as managing director at Peridot Financing Solutions. His expertise in driving revenue growth and leading high-performing teams is expected to be instrumental in strengthening Taulia’s presence in North America and advancing its working capital management solutions.
Nacha selects 2025 board of directors
Nacha announced its 2025 board of directors, featuring top leaders from the payments industry. Joe W. Hussey of Wells Fargo was re-elected as chairperson, with Carl Slabicki of BNY as vice chairperson and Tina M. Knapp of ESL Federal Credit Union continuing as secretary/treasurer. The board provides strategic guidance for Nacha and the ACH Network, ensuring its continued role as the backbone of U.S. payments, Nacha stated. Nacha CEO Jane Larimer expressed excitement about working with the board to drive innovation and excellence in the industry.
Nuvei strengthens executive team with key hires
Nuvei appointed Moshe Selfin as chief product officer and Chad Gerhardstein as chief risk and compliance officer. Selfin, formerly chief operations & technology officer at Finaro, will lead Nuvei’s global product strategy, aiming to enhance its payment solutions and expand its technology reach. Gerhardstein, a payments industry veteran from PwC and Worldpay, will be responsible for strengthening Nuvei’s risk and compliance framework. Nuvei CEO Philip Fayer praised both executives for their expertise, emphasizing Selfin’s innovation-driven approach and Gerhardstein’s regulatory acumen in supporting seamless market entry and maintaining industry-leading compliance standards.
Weave heralds executive leadership transition
Weave Chief Financial Officer Alan Taylor will retire at the end of March 2025 after nine years with the company. He played a key role in Weave’s transition from a private to a public company, fostering financial discipline and shareholder relations, the company noted. Jason Christiansen, currently vice president of finance, will succeed him as CFO. Christiansen, who helped lead Weave’s IPO and business transformation, brings experience from NICE and inContact. Weave CEO Brett White praised both leaders, expressing confidence in Christiansen’s ability to drive Weave’s continued growth and success. 
Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact information, links and other details may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.
