The Green Sheet Online Edition
February 9, 2026 • 26:02:01
Industry Update
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Finseca applauds FSI's leadership in financial security
Finseca recognized the Financial Services Institute for a decade of leadership that helped secure new regulatory clarity for ensemble payments. Following years of advocacy by FSI, the SEC issued a no-action letter allowing firms to make payments to entities rather than individuals, a change seen as strengthening the financial security profession. Finseca said the guidance provides greater certainty, supports professional growth and helps attract new talent.
The SEC action, alongside newly introduced bipartisan legislation from Representatives Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, and Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., signals broad support for clearer rules that benefit financial security professionals and the Americans they serve, Finseca noted.
Klarna backs Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol
Klarna is joining Google's Universal Commerce Protocol, an open standard designed to enable AI agents, merchant systems and payment providers to work together across the full shopping lifecycle. Klarna said the move builds on its support for Google’s Agent Payments Protocol and deepens a multiyear partnership spanning Google Pay, Google Store, Google Play and Google Cloud.
Klarna says open, interoperable standards are critical as AI-driven shopping grows, helping ensure trust, transparency and seamless payments within AI-powered commerce experiences across platforms.
Mesh secures $75M Series C, reaches $1B valuation
Mesh celebrated the close of a $75 million Series C funding round, valuing the company at $1 billion and bringing total capital raised to more than $200 million. The round was led by Dragonfly Capital with participation from Paradigm, Moderne Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, SBI Investment and Liberty City Ventures. Mesh provides a unified crypto payments network designed to eliminate fragmentation across blockchains, wallets and assets.
The funding is expected to support global expansion, product development and partnerships, including work with stablecoins and regional growth across Latin America, Asia, Europe and India, as Mesh positions itself as interoperable infrastructure for large-scale crypto payments.
Newland NPT achieves TSYS certification
Newland Payment Technology reported that its PayExplorer payment application achieved Level 3 certification for processing on the TSYS Sierra platform, covering its attended Android terminal portfolio. The certification confirms that PayExplorer and supported devices meet TSYS technical and security requirements, enabling Newland to manage payment application certification and compliance on behalf of ISVs. As a result, Newland noted, ISVs can integrate via Newland’s SDKs, remain out of PCI scope, reduce onboarding complexity and accelerate time to market, adding that the milestone underscores Newland’s commitment to simplifying deployment for ISVs and payment partners as it expands across North America.
TSG simplifies payments benchmarking
TSG (The Strawhecker Group) announced the launch of its Executive Dashboard, a major enhancement to its Acquiring Industry Metrics platform designed to give payments leaders an immediate, executive-level view of portfolio performance. The dashboard consolidates key KPIs into a visual, intuitive interface, enabling users to spot anomalies, benchmark against the market, and make data-driven decisions quickly.
Used by organizations representing more than 75% of U.S. payment volume, AIM now delivers streamlined insights from login onward. The launch reflects TSG’s continued investment in expanding AIM as a central intelligence hub for payments executives and teams.
RESEARCH
AI, real-time data redefining lending confidence, Biz2X reports
Biz2X released a new report with Boston Consulting Group examining how AI, real-time data, and embedded finance are transforming small business lending. Unveiled at the Biz2X Frontiers conference, the analysis shows that improved visibility into cash flow, faster credit decisions, and earlier insight into liquidity needs are transforming access to capital, often ahead of traditional economic indicators. While demand for small business credit remains strong, many firms still struggle to secure financing.
The report argues that growth is shifting toward lenders that embed services into everyday business systems and use AI to lower costs, improve speed, and scale lending more effectively.
Castles finds EU regulation reshaping retail checkout
Castles Technology released a new white paper examining how European Union regulation is changing the retail checkout. Titled POS Compliance in 2026: What Retailers Need to Know, the report explains how compliance requirements are becoming embedded directly into the POS experience. It outlines the impact of regulations including PCI DSS v4.0, instant payments rules, accessibility mandates, e-invoicing, product safety and digital identity.
The white paper highlights upcoming regulatory milestones, technology implications for Android POS platforms and includes a practical compliance checklist. It positions compliance as a strategic opportunity to build trust, improve efficiency and future-proof retail operations.
Americans more selective about tipping, JIM reports
JIM.com released its 2025 JIM Generosity Index, analyzing nearly 90,000 tipping transactions from more than 6,200 small merchants nationwide. The report found that while consumer frustration with tipping is growing, most Americans continue to tip, typically within the 15 percent to 20 percent range, but are more selective about where gratuity applies. Tipping varies significantly by state, with South Carolina ranking highest and Oregon lowest.
The data also shows tipping expanding beyond restaurants into higher-ticket services such as automotive, beauty and specialized personal services. The findings highlight tipping’s continued economic importance for small, service-based businesses.
Mordor Intelligence reports on HSM market growth
According to Mordor Intelligence, the hardware security modules (HSM) market is growing rapidly as organizations prioritize cryptographic security, data protection and regulatory compliance. Valued at $1.98 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach $3.51 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 10.02 percent.
Growth is driven by expanding cloud adoption, rising digital payments, and broader use of encryption across industries. Instant payment systems are increasing demand for high-performance payment HSMs, while hyper-scale cloud security and data sovereignty rules are accelerating adoption, particularly in Asia-Pacific, researchers found.
PCI SSC issues first report on global payment security
The PCI Security Standards Council released its inaugural Annual Report, highlighting progress and priorities in advancing global payment security. The 2025 report outlines how the PCI SSC and its global community addressed evolving threats through collaboration, innovation and education. Key developments include a shift to a product-led operating model with seven new product families, major updates to standards and guidance, expanded global representation through a larger Board of Advisors and new India–South Asia Regional Engagement Board, and robust training and community engagement worldwide.
The report also addresses emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and looks ahead to the council's 20th anniversary in 2026.
TCB notes January drop in consumer confidence
The Conference Board reported a sharp drop in U.S. consumer confidence in January 2026, with the Consumer Confidence Index falling 9.7 points to 84.5, its lowest level since 2014. Both the Present Situation Index and the Expectations Index declined significantly, with expectations sinking well below the level that often signals recession risk.
Consumers grew more pessimistic about business conditions, jobs and future income, citing concerns about inflation, prices, politics and the labor market. Confidence fell across all age, income and political groups. Spending plans weakened overall, reflecting greater caution, though dining and some travel-related services remained areas of relative strength.
PARTNERSHIPS
Giftcards.com, PayPal expand access to digital gift cards
Blackhawk Network extended digital gift card availability to PayPal users, enabling purchases through the PayPal wallet with a 5 percent cash-back offer via Giftcards.com. The collaboration gives consumers a convenient way to buy digital gift cards within a familiar wallet experience as digital wallet usage continues to grow. Giftcards.com offers hundreds of digital gift cards across retail, dining, entertainment, gaming and multi-brand categories. BHN said the partnership reinforces its leadership in digital gift cards and supports merchants by meeting consumers where they already shop. The initiative, BHN added, aligns with its broader strategy to expand wallet-based integrations and branded payment experiences.
Loomis Pay taps Castles for European expansion
Castles Technology was selected by Loomis Pay, the POS and digital payments division of Loomis, to support its expansion across Europe.
The partnership is expected to enable Loomis Pay to deliver flexible, secure POS and payment solutions supporting cash, card and digital transactions. Following a successful pilot in Norway, Castles’ Android-based devices are being deployed across multiple locations, with a broader rollout underway.
The collaboration, developed with Finnish payments specialist Seitatech, provides a fully integrated, end-to-end solution. Both companies said the partnership strengthens Loomis Pay’s ability to scale quickly, enhance merchant experiences, and advance its European growth strategy.
Merchant Rentals, FreedomPay offer flexible financing
Merchant Rentals, part of the PayPoint Group, partnered with FreedomPay to provide merchants with flexible leasing and financing options for POS payment technology. The collaboration, the partners noted, allows FreedomPay to expand its offering by integrating Merchant Rentals’ expertise in short-term hire and long-term finance, addressing growing demand for affordability and flexibility in retail and hospitality.
Executives from both companies said the partnership removes financial barriers to accessing modern payment solutions and supports business growth. Signed in December 2025, the agreement is already live, with the first joint client deploying more than 1,000 terminals.
NCR Atleos, Heart of England team up for inclusion
NCR Atleos renewed its long-standing partnership with Heart of England Co-operative, extending the agreement for five years and upgrading the retailer’s 35-site ATM estate.
The renewal reinforces both organizations’ commitment to providing convenient, free-to-use cash access across communities in Coventry and Warwickshire, NCR Atleos stated.
Under the agreement, Heart of England Co-operative will continue using NCR Atleos’ retail network solution, combining hardware, software and managed services to ensure high ATM availability and service quality. The upgraded ATM network supports financial inclusion, improves operational efficiency, and helps the retailer drive footfall while meeting evolving consumer needs through modern, self-service experiences, NCR Atleos added.
OneBill, linked2pay tackle seamless billing, payment
OneBill integrated strategically with linked2pay to deliver a unified billing and payments solution for merchants and ISOs. The integration combines OneBill’s subscription and revenue management capabilities with linked2pay’s cloud-based payment gateway, enabling automated billing, support for complex recurring and usage-based models, and acceptance of credit, debit, and ACH payments, the partners stated.
Designed for fast adoption, the solution requires minimal technical setup and provides real-time visibility through a unified dashboard, they added. The partnership aims to simplify monetization, improve cash flow and help ISOs drive merchant growth while generating recurring revenue through streamlined referrals.
Paysafe enables FuturePay’s LATAM expansion
Paysafe partnered with FuturePay Global to support FuturePay’s expansion into Latin America through the integration of Paysafe’s SafetyPay solution. The partnership enables FuturePay merchants to offer local payment methods widely used across the region, including bank transfers, online cash, Pix in Brazil, Boleto Bancario, and PagoEfectivo in Peru.
SafetyPay supports bank transfers through more than 175 banking partners across nine countries and allows cash-based consumers to complete online purchases at hundreds of thousands of physical locations, Paysafe noted, adding that the integration helps merchants reduce checkout friction, reach underbanked consumers and improve conversion as they enter LATAM markets.
ACQUISITIONS
IBM to acquire Confluent
IBM agreed to acquire Confluent for $31 per share in cash, valuing the data streaming company at $11 billion. Confluent provides an open-source, real-time data streaming platform critical for connecting and governing data used by AI and modern applications, IBM stated, adding that the acquisition aligns with IBM’s hybrid cloud and AI strategy, strengthening its Data and Automation portfolio and supporting the growing demand for real-time, trusted data across distributed environments.
IBM said it expects strong product synergies, operational efficiencies and accelerated growth, with the transaction projected to be accretive to adjusted EBITDA within one year. The deal is expected to close by mid-2026, subject to approvals.
Reliance Global to gain controlling stake in Enquantum
Reliance Global Group signed a non-binding term sheet to acquire a controlling interest in Enquantum, a post-quantum cryptography technology company. Through its new subsidiary, EZRA International Group, Reliance plans a milestone-based investment over the next year, subject to definitive agreements and due diligence. An initial secured promissory note was issued as an advance toward the transaction.
Enquantum develops NIST-compliant, hardware-based post-quantum cryptography designed to deliver high performance without the trade-offs of software-only approaches. Reliance cited growing urgency to upgrade encryption as quantum computing advances, positioning post-quantum security as a mandatory transition across critical global digital infrastructure.
APPOINTMENTS
Abe Kuruvilla signs on with CSI
Abe Kuruvilla was appointed chief information and technology officer at CSI, where he will lead architecture, engineering and platform operations. He brings to CSI more than 20 years of experience driving large-scale technology transformation, most recently serving as CTO at ACI Worldwide, overseeing mission-critical global payments solutions. Previously, Kuruvilla was CIO at CoreLogic, leading cloud migration and AI-enabled product development.
He also held senior IT leadership positions at Dell Financial Services. In his new role, he will focus on modernizing CSI’s technology ecosystem to support growth, security and engagement for community and regional financial institutions.
OnePay hires Patrick O'Connell
Patrick O’Connell was named chief financial officer of OnePay, where he will oversee finance, strategy and long-term planning. O’Connell brings to the company extensive experience leading financial operations during periods of growth, most recently serving as executive vice president and CFO of AMC Networks, where he managed global finance across streaming services and networks. His background also includes senior strategy roles at CBS Corp. and BRANDED, as well as 14 years at Goldman Sachs advising executives and boards on major transactions.
O’Connell said he was drawn to the opportunity to help build a category-defining fintech business and support OnePay’s mission of improving how consumers manage their money.
Rohan Pal joins NCR Atleos
NCR Atleos appointed Rohan Pal as chief information officer to strengthen its focus on innovation, operational excellence and growth. Pal brings more than 25 years of experience leading technology strategy and digital transformation across global organizations, with expertise in IT modernization, cybersecurity, cloud platforms and digital product development. He most recently served as CTO at WillScot, where he applied artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and commercial performance, and previously was chief transformation officer at ServiceNow.
His background also includes senior roles at Brinks, Tyco, HD Supply and Home Depot. Pal said he looks forward to accelerating digital transformation and delivering technology-driven solutions that support Atleos’ customers and strategic goals.
Convera appoints Meaghan Riley
Convera appointed Meaghan Riley as chief commercial officer, bringing in a senior executive with deep experience scaling global go-to-market organizations. Riley previously served as chief operating officer for Google Cloud North America, where she led a major go-to-market transformation and launched high-growth segments.
Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership roles at DocuSign and SAP, delivering strong financial results across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Known for her operational rigor, financial acumen, and ability to unify sales and commercial teams, Riley is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, championing equity-focused workplace initiatives.
PCI SSC selects Brazil advisory board
The PCI Security Standards Council announced the appointment of 34 Brazilian payments leaders to its 2026–2027 Brazil Regional Engagement Board, strengthening regional collaboration on payment security. Board members serve as advisers on local security challenges and act as ambassadors to promote education, awareness, and adoption of PCI standards and best practices.
The board represents a broad cross-section of Brazil’s payments ecosystem, reflecting vendors, merchants, financial institutions, service providers and industry groups, the PCI SSC stated. During the 2026–2027 term, members will focus on expanding awareness of PCI standards, increasing participation in PCI SSC programs and events, and identifying regional trends and emerging technologies. PCI SSC leaders said the initiative enhances understanding of Brazil’s fast-evolving payments market while supporting stronger global payment security outcomes. 
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact information, links and other details may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.
