The Green Sheet Online Edition
July 13, 2026 • 26:07:01
Industry Update
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BR-DGE raises £10M to accelerate global expansion
BR-DGE secured a £10 million (approximately $13.6 million) funding round led by new investor Bettor Capital to support international expansion and platform development. The company said transaction volumes have increased 15-fold in less than two years and are expected to surpass 100 million transactions per month by year-end.
Originally focused on gaming payments, BR-DGE is expanding into additional enterprise sectors, with recent customers including The Hut Group and Betfred. BR-DGE also appointed Perry Blacher as chairman as it continues building payment orchestration and optimization tools for enterprise merchants.
Karrier One integrates three technologies into super app
Karrier One launched an over-the-top communications app combining secure voice and messaging, AI assistance and blockchain-based payments through a single phone number. The platform integrates SCION secure-routing technology, programmable wallets on the Sui Layer 1 blockchain and an embedded AI assistant. Users can make encrypted calls, exchange messages and transfer digital assets using phone numbers linked to blockchain wallets.
Karrier One said the app is designed to support secure communications and financial inclusion, with pilot deployments planned for underserved communities in Canada, the United States, Africa and Southeast Asia. The app is available on Apple and Google app stores.
Klarna applies for U.S. banking license
Klarna applied to the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC to establish Klarna Bank USA, a proposed Utah-chartered industrial bank. If approved, the bank will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Klarna Inc., with independent governance and FDIC insurance. Klarna said the charter would allow it to bring existing banking operations in-house while expanding payments, savings, credit and merchant services in the United States.
The company, which has operated as a licensed bank in Europe since 2017, said 30 million Americans use Klarna annually. Gary Harding, former CEO of Milestone Bank and Prime Alliance Bank, was selected to lead Klarna Bank USA.
Nuvei completes live agentic commerce proof of concept
Nuvei completed a live proof of concept for agentic commerce with Visa, Arvato Systems and fashion brand Kings and Priests, enabling an AI agent to complete a purchase and payment within the agent experience using Visa rails and tokenized credentials. The transaction included shopper-defined controls such as spending limits and approved categories.
Nuvei said the project demonstrates how agentic commerce can move beyond product discovery into end-to-end purchasing. The company plans to expand the capabilities toward production and is targeting initial availability of its Nuvei Agentic Payments platform in the second half of 2026.
One Identity to become independent company
One Identity disclosed plans to operate as an independent company as demand grows for identity governance and privileged access management tools. The company said the move will provide greater focus and investment as organizations face rising identity complexity, expanding SaaS environments and increased cybersecurity threats tied to both human and non-human identities.
One Identity also designated Cork, Ireland, as its global headquarters, reflecting its large European engineering presence and growing regional customer base. CEO Praerit Garg said AI-driven automation is accelerating identity governance challenges. The company expects to continue its standalone transition through 2026 with its current executive leadership team.
Square's new AI integrations aid discoverability, commerce
Square launched a new ChatGPT app and Claude plugin designed to help sellers become discoverable and transact directly through AI-powered conversations. U.S. food and beverage sellers using Square Online Ordering are the first participants, allowing customers to browse menus and place orders through AI experiences using the Order by Cash App.
Square said eligible sellers are automatically enrolled with no added setup, fees or marketplace commissions. The company is also working with Amazon on Alexa+ integrations as part of a broader strategy to expand AI-driven commerce and customer discovery.
RESEARCH
Experience-led spending reshapes summer travel
Paysafe released research showing that summer 2026 travel spending is increasingly focused on experiences rather than shopping, with payments playing a growing role in consumer travel decisions. The survey of 4,500 consumers across seven countries found that 50 percent plan to spend more on activities and experiences during trips, while 91 percent are considering leisure travel this summer.
At the same time, payment friction remains a concern, with 44 percent reporting payment issues while traveling and 45 percent abandoning purchases because of payment difficulties. Paysafe said travelers increasingly expect flexible, seamless digital payment options throughout the travel experience.
TPA finds AI banking tools failing vulnerable customers
The Payments Association released research showing vulnerable consumers are more likely to encounter problems using digital and AI-enabled banking tools. Based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults, the report found that 59 percent meet the Financial Conduct Authority's definition of vulnerability. Among vulnerable consumers, 17 percent said they were unable to complete a banking or payment task because a digital or AI-enabled tool failed, compared with 5 percent of non-vulnerable consumers.
The study also found frustration increases with multiple vulnerability factors. The Payments Association said banks and payment providers must improve inclusive design and maintain human support options.
UK SMBs optimistic but unhappy with payments providers
DECTA released a new white paper examining the priorities and frustrations of small and midsize businesses when working with payments providers. Based on a survey of 500 SMB decision-makers, the report found that while 82 percent of participants in the survey are optimistic about their businesses' survival over the next three years, many remain dissatisfied with payment providers due to high fees, slow integrations and limited transparency.
Security emerged as the top priority, with more than half of respondents valuing trusted payment infrastructure over lower fees or newer technologies. The research also highlighted ongoing concerns around slow access to funds, rising pricing pressures and worsening international payment experiences for globally active businesses.
Gen Z small business owners making bigger bets to drive growth
U.S. Bank released research showing small business owners remain focused on growth despite economic pressures, rising costs and tighter access to capital. The survey of 1,000 owners found 68 percent reported business growth, down from 88 percent last year, while 83 percent of respondents remain optimistic about the year ahead.
Gen Z owners stood out for pursuing more aggressive growth strategies and higher adoption of passion-project and side-hustle business models. The study also found growing use of generative AI, with 75 percent of owners now using the technology for functions including marketing, data analysis and automation. Most owners also emphasized the importance of predictable fees and human support from financial partners.
PARTNERSHIPS
Bluefin, LANDI team up on P2PE for smart payment terminals
Bluefin partnered with LANDI Global to deliver a direct-to-processor point-to-point encryption solution for smart payment terminals. The joint offering combines LANDI's Android-based terminals with Bluefin's PointConex platform to provide processor-agnostic, PCI-validated P2PE without requiring merchants, gateways or processors to redesign existing payment flows.
The companies said the solution helps organizations secure payment data across distributed smart terminal environments while reducing PCI DSS scope and avoiding extensive EMV recertification. The platform supports integrated, semi-integrated and countertop payment environments across sectors including retail, hospitality, healthcare and higher education.
CheckAlt joins U.S. Bank Connected Partnership Network
CheckAlt joined the U.S. Bank Connected Partnership Network, allowing U.S. Bank clients to access CheckAlt's receivables and payment processing solutions through integrated treasury and payment systems. The companies said the integration is designed to help organizations centralize inbound payments, reduce manual processing and improve reconciliation workflows.
Through the network, clients can access services including lockbox, electronic lockbox, remote lockbox and online payment processing. U.S. Bank said the partnership expands receivables technology options within its fintech ecosystem, while CheckAlt said the collaboration will help businesses improve payment visibility, automation and operational efficiency.
Indra Group modernizing D.C. subway network
Indra Group was selected by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to modernize the Washington, D.C., subway network's ticket vending system under a contract valued at up to $75 million. The project includes replacing existing fare vending machines with 450 new customer terminals across 98 stations and providing maintenance for 15 years.
The terminals will support accessibility features, multilingual interfaces, digital wallets, EMV payments and account-based ticketing. Indra said part of the manufacturing process will take place at its new facility in Olathe, Kansas, supporting the company's broader U.S. expansion strategy.
Infinite, Sardine integration links compliance, risk, payments
Infinite and Sardine announced a two-way integration combining Sardine's fraud and risk intelligence with Infinite's AI-powered compliance and payments infrastructure for stablecoin businesses. The integration allows customers to incorporate real-time risk signals into compliance workflows while connecting account infrastructure, onboarding and payments operations.
The companies said the partnership is designed to help fintechs and financial institutions improve compliance decisions, reduce manual reviews and streamline stablecoin transactions. Infinite also said the integration creates a unified foundation linking identity verification, risk management, compliance and payments for digital asset and stablecoin ecosystems.
NCR Atleos, Sesami collaborate on intelligent teller solutions
NCR Atleos partnered with Sesami to resell Sesami's CM-Series Intelligent Teller Cash Recycler solutions to U.S. banks and credit unions. The devices automate routine cash transactions at teller lines, helping financial institutions reduce manual processes, improve accuracy and modernize branch operations. Under the agreement, NCR Atleos will provide field service support, including hardware repairs, operational monitoring and issue resolution, through its nationwide service network.
The companies said the collaboration combines Sesami's cash automation technology with Atleos' branch services and customer relationships to support branch modernization and operational efficiency initiatives.
NPT, PeP bring Android payment technology to Polish merchants
Newland Payment Technology partnered with Polskie Pełatności, part of Nexi Group, to deploy the Newland N950K Android payment terminal in Poland. The rollout marks Newland's first attended payment device launch in the Polish market and supports PeP's strategy to modernize merchant terminal estates with Android-based devices. PeP is using its own payment application while Newland provides the terminal infrastructure layer.
The companies said Android terminals offer easier remote management, faster software updates and longer device lifecycles compared with legacy systems. The N950K is designed for attended retail and hospitality payment environments.
Payful picks BPC for launch of virtual corporate card
Payful launched a cloud-native Visa charge-card program for corporate and merchant clients using BPC's SmartVista platform. The Hong Kong-based rollout enables merchants to manage spending through virtual Visa charge cards with real-time visibility, fraud controls and direct access to settlement funds, Payful said, adding the cloud-based issuing platform allows it to launch new card programs quickly without custom coding while supporting future international expansion plans.
The program includes six Visa charge-card products for purchasing, travel and corporate credit, along with fraud prevention features including adaptive transaction scoring and 3DS 2.0 authentication.
Personetics embeds AI within Experience Digital
Personetics stated its AI-driven banking platform is now embedded within Experience Digital from Fiserv, enabling banks and credit unions to deliver more personalized digital banking experiences. The integration is designed to allow financial institutions to use customer data in real time to provide contextual guidance, financial insights and targeted offers within digital banking channels.
Personetics said consumers can receive support managing cash flow and savings, while small businesses gain tools to better manage working capital and financial planning. The companies said the integration is designed to improve customer engagement, retention, deposit growth and overall digital banking experiences.
APPOINTMENTS
OneSource Virtual adds three to its board
OneSource Virtual appointed Amit Aghara, Matt Brandt and Bala Janakiraman to its board of directors, adding expertise in technology, enterprise software and payments. Aghara currently serves as chief technology officer at Fintech and previously helped launch the agentic AI platform at Kore.ai. Earlier in his career, he held a senior technology role at Kony and worked at IBM, where he developed software products and earned several patents.
Brandt most recently served as senior vice president of global partners at Workday, leading the company's transition to a partner-first strategy after earlier roles at SAP and other enterprise software firms. Janakiraman brings extensive payments leadership experience, most recently serving as CEO and board member of corporate payouts platform Onbe. He also previously led BluePay through its acquisition by First Data and later served as executive vice president and head of partner solutions at Fiserv.
SRM selects James Cecil
SRM appointed James Cecil, founder and director of London-based Nexus Advisory, to its International Advisory Board. Cecil founded Nexus Advisory in 2017 and built the firm into a government relations and strategic communications consultancy serving clients across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Cecil served six years as an infantry officer in the UK Armed Forces before moving into politics and government relations.
He also served in the London borough government after being elected in 2006. SRM said Cecil brings expertise in geopolitical strategy, policy intelligence and international business relationships as the company expands its European operations.
Jen Guidi to lead ProSight's next phase
ProSight Financial Association named Jen Guidi chief executive officer and a member of its board of directors, succeeding retiring President and CEO Debbie Bianucci. Guidi brings more than 25 years of financial services experience, most recently serving as managing director and sector head of the Diversified Industries Group East at BMO Financial Group.
Her background spans commercial banking, investment banking and wealth management, with expertise in growth strategy, risk management, compliance and fraud prevention. ProSight said Guidi was selected following a competitive search process because of her industry knowledge and leadership experience. Guidi said she looks forward to helping guide the organization's next phase of growth and innovation.
Ed O'Neill joins PCI SSC
Ed O'Neill was named head of business operations and risk management at the PCI Security Standards Council. O'Neill brings more than 20 years of experience in payment security, fraud mitigation, regulatory compliance and enterprise risk management to the council. Most recently, he served as vice president of the Global Payment Network Risk Office at Capital One, overseeing operational, regulatory and payment security risk programs across Discover Network, PULSE and Diners Club International.
Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, PULSE and Discover Network. O'Neill has been involved with the PCI SSC since its 2006 launch.
Nuvei appoints new COO, CFO, CPTO
Nuvei appointed three veteran payments and technology executives to its leadership team as part of its global expansion strategy. Samir Zabaneh joined as chief operating officer, David McLaughlin as chief financial officer and Eli Rosner as chief product and technology officer.
Zabaneh brings to the company more than 30 years of experience across payments, software and financial services. Most recently chairman and CEO of TouchBistro, he previously held executive leadership roles at Fiserv, Global Payments, Moneris Solutions and Element Fleet Management. At Nuvei, he will oversee global operations, compliance, risk and underwriting.
McLaughlin, who most recently served as CFO of Blackhawk Network, has more than three decades of experience across payments, fintech, banking and insurance. He will lead Nuvei's global finance organization, focusing on operational discipline and long-term growth initiatives.
Rosner joined Nuvei after serving as chief product and technology officer at HealthEquity and previously holding leadership roles at Finastra and NCR. He brings to Nuvei more than 35 years of experience in product innovation and enterprise technology and will oversee Nuvei's global product and technology strategy, including AI-driven platform development. 
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