The Green Sheet Online Edition
July 28, 2025 • 25:07:02
Industry Update
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alchemy Pay receives South Carolina MTL
Alchemy Pay secured a money transmitter license (MTL) in South Carolina, expanding its regulatory reach to 10 U.S. states. The company said this milestone enables it to legally provide fiat-crypto services within the state, including money transfers, payment processing and currency exchange. Alchemy Pay added that it also reflects the company's commitment to compliance as it scales its U.S. operations and supports its broader goal of launching a fiat-accessible platform for tokenized stocks and ETFs in August 2025. Alchemy Pay holds licenses in the U.K., Australia, Canada, Switzerland and South Korea, and is pursuing further approvals in Europe and Hong Kong to support its Web3 ambitions.
Boulevard raises $80M in Series D funding
Boulevard, a client experience platform for appointment-based self-care businesses, raised $80 million in Series D funding led by JMI Equity, with continued support from Index Ventures and VMG Partners. The funding is expected to accelerate enterprise feature development, expand AI capabilities, and support growth across self-care verticals, including medspas. Boulevard said its AI-driven Precision Scheduling has transformed booking into a seamless online experience that is used by over 40,000 professionals at 5,000+ businesses. The company plans to further personalize client experiences, optimize operations and innovate with smart technologies.
Ingenico AXIUM SX5000 products now PCI PTSv7 certified
Ingenico reported that its AXIUM SX5000 terminals are the first self-service payment devices certified under the latest PCI PTS v7 standards, valid through April 2035. This certification enhances protection against physical tampering and malware while introducing requirements for biometric sensors and accessibility in PIN entry. Ingenico said this rapid certification reflects its forward-thinking design approach, with both hardware and software built for long-term security and compliance. The AXIUM SX5000 offers a modern, secure and versatile self-service solution with robust performance and seamless integration, the company noted.
Better Business Advice names Mercury leading digital fintech
Better Business Advice named fintech company Mercury a top choice for online business banking for entrepreneurs, citing its digital-first approach tailored to startups and tech-forward small businesses. Mercury offers FDIC-insured accounts through partner banks, seamless integration with accounting tools, and robust financial operations features like invoicing, bill pay and team card management, BBA stated. The platform supports ACH, wires in 40+ currencies and customizable sub-accounts, helping founders stay organized and agile, BBA found. Mercury’s user-friendly interface, rapid onboarding, transparent pricing and automation tools simplify banking for modern businesses, BBA added.
Worldline launches AI-powered routing
Worldline launched an AI-powered payment routing solution designed to boost authorization rates and optimize transaction costs globally. Building on Worldline's existing rules-based system, the new dual-layered approach uses machine learning to select the best acquirers in real time, improving conversion rates by an additional 2 percent—on top of a 3 percent gain from rule-based routing alone, the company stated. Key features include omnichannel support, global reach and intelligent cross-border handling. One pilot customer reported a €1.63 million ($1.77 million) revenue increase. Worldline added that the solution enhances efficiency and profitability without extra effort.
RESEARCH
Gift cards the most utilized tool in incentive programs
New research from the Incentive Marketing Association, sponsored by Blackhawk Network, cited gift cards as the leading reward format in incentive programs. Sixty percent of executives participating in the study said they expect growth in gift card use, surpassing travel and merchandise rewards. Their flexibility and digital capabilities make gift cards ideal for customer acquisition, employee recognition and peer-to-peer rewards, according to the study. BHN’s findings also show strong consumer demand for gift cards in 2025, with digital delivery options gaining traction. As budgets and initiatives expand, businesses are prioritizing innovation, ROI and strategic partnerships, and gift cards remain a powerful, scalable tool, researchers added.
Financial documents found in 93 percent of all data breaches
Lab 1’s Anatomy of a Breach Report on 141 million leaked files from 1,297 data breaches revealed that unstructured data, including PDFs, emails and code, is fueling sophisticated cyberattacks and fraud. Financial documents appeared in 93 percent of breaches, with bank statements and IBANs commonly exposed. HR and customer data, including Social Security numbers, were also widely leaked, enabling phishing and identity theft. Code files, cryptographic keys and cloud infrastructure details are increasing attack vectors. The average breach now affects 482 organizations, a 61 percent increase in three years. Lab 1 emphasized the need for a content-aware approach to breach analysis.
Proof's report reveals alarming rise in AI-driven ID crime
Proof released The Trust Ledger: Transaction & Identity Fraud Bulletin, a report examining the escalating identity fraud crisis. Drawing on proprietary data and expert insights, the report reveals how generative AI, synthetic identities and stolen credentials are driving a sophisticated fraud economy that outpaces traditional defenses. Internet crime losses hit $16 billion in 2024, but Proof suggested the real number is higher. AI-powered fraud is shifting beyond payments to sectors like HR and utilities, researchers noted. Proof is advocating for real-time detection, smarter signals and stronger identity verification to secure digital transactions at scale.
UK SMEs cautious but curious about open banking
New research from The Payments Association revealed that UK SMEs show growing interest in account-to-account (A2A) payments via open banking, but face major knowledge gaps and adoption barriers. A survey of 500 decision-makers found that over a third don’t fully understand open banking, despite recognizing benefits like faster settlement, lower fees and improved customer experience. Barriers include fraud fears, technical complexity and low consumer demand. Adoption varies by region and sector, with retail and healthcare leading, while real estate and legal services lag, researchers found. TPA called for clearer terminology, targeted education and stronger regulation to support broader A2A payment adoption.
PARTNERSHIPS
Bluefin, Allied gain PCI-validated P2PE integration
Bluefin partnered with Allied Electronics to integrate its PCI-validated point-to-point encryption (P2PE) solution, Decryptx, into Allied’s NeXGen PRIME forecourt controller platform. This integration enhances security by encrypting payment data at fuel dispensers and in-store terminals, protecting it through Bluefin’s secure decryption environment, the partners stated. The collaboration helps retailers meet PCI DSS compliance, reduce cyber risk and boost consumer trust, they added. Allied, a leader in forecourt automation with over 52,000 devices deployed globally, said it supports more than 500 sites with this joint solution. The partnership combines Allied’s automation innovation with Bluefin’s payment security expertise to deliver a secure, future-ready experience, the partners added.
Cashflows, GoCardless aim to transform business payouts
Cashflows partnered with GoCardless to launch Cashflows Payouts, a real-time, account-to-account payment solution designed to simplify business disbursements. Created for sectors like gaming, insurance and competitions, the service enables instant, secure payouts 24/7, including weekends and holidays, via an intuitive self-service portal, Cashflows stated. Built with Cocoon’s custom interface, the platform allows merchants to create payment requests, confirm recipient details using confirmation of payee, and authorize payouts quickly, the partners stated, adding that optional ID verification adds an extra layer of security. This innovation, the partners affirmed, reduces manual processes, enhances operational efficiency, improves cash flow visibility, and boosts customer satisfaction.
Cenfri joins Mojaloop’s global partner program
The Mojaloop Foundation welcomed Cenfri, a South Africa-based think tank focused on inclusive financial growth, to its Global Partner Program, stating that Cenfri’s expertise complements its mission to foster open, interoperable digital payment systems. The collaboration is expected to help advance inclusive instant payment systems in emerging markets. Cenfri will work with Mojaloop platform adopters to develop sound regulatory and policy frameworks that promote financial inclusion, innovation and consumer protection. The partners intend to co-create tools, shape policies and promote digital public infrastructure, strengthening the program’s global reach and enabling more countries to implement effective, inclusive payment solutions.
Verifone, PagBrasil launch Pix Payment solution
PagBrasil and Verifone launched International Pix, stating it is a first-of-its-kind solution enabling Brazilian tourists to pay in Brazilian reais using Pix while shopping in the United States. The service allows real-time, low-cost, chargeback-free payments via Verifone terminals without system upgrades, the partners noted. With Pix, used by 160 million Brazilians and 1.9 million Brazilians visiting the U.S. annually, they added, merchants in high-tourism areas like Florida and New York can attract more customers and increase revenue. The partnership is also designed to position retailers to benefit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup tourism surge, offering Brazilian shoppers a familiar in-store experience while reducing costs for U.S. merchants.
ACQUISITIONS
Coda expands with Recharge acquisition
Coda, a Singapore-based expert in digital content monetization, is acquiring Amsterdam-based prepaid platform Recharge. The merger combines Coda’s B2B strength and global reach with Recharge’s direct-to-consumer expertise and European presence, Coda stated. Together, they aim to lead the global digital content economy, expanding across gaming, mobile, gift cards and lifestyle content. Based on 2024 figures, the combined entity expects to operate in over 180 markets, serve more than 200 million customers and process $1.75 billion in sales. Backed by major investors, the deal creates a scaled platform to better serve publishers, brands and consumers through trusted, localized monetization and distribution solutions, Coda added.
Monad Foundation acquires Portal
The Monad Foundation acquired Portal Labs, creator of a stablecoin wallet infrastructure platform, to expand its Layer-1 blockchain’s payments capabilities. Portal CEO Raj Parekh will join Monad as head of payments and stablecoins, bringing experience from Visa’s Global Crypto Product team. Portal will continue operating independently, with its leadership team intact, to support web2 and web3 businesses with stablecoin payment solutions. Integrating Portal’s infrastructure with Monad’s high-throughput blockchain is expected to accelerate the development of developer tools and broaden stablecoin adoption. The move, Monad said, supports both organizations’ missions to scale on-chain payments and make stablecoin use seamless.
Pavilion Payments acquires CasinoSoft
Pavilion Payments acquired CasinoSoft, a specialist in AML/Title 31 compliance, tax form automation, jackpot handling and regulatory reporting. This strategic move is expected to unite Pavilion’s omnichannel payment ecosystem with CasinoSoft’s trusted compliance solutions to create a vertically integrated platform that streamlines casino operations. The combined offering enhances efficiency across floor, cage, iGaming and sportsbook environments, boosting security, automation and guest satisfaction, Pavilion stated, adding that with over 20 years of industry experience, CasinoSoft expands its impact through Pavilion’s broader reach. The acquisition, the company noted, reinforces its leadership in fintech, cashless gaming and compliance.
APPOINTMENTS
Daniel Duffy signs on with Arteria AI
Daniel Duffy joined Arteria AI as head of financial services – commercial operations, bringing to the company over 35 years of experience at the intersection of technology and financial services. Most recently, he led portfolio solutions sales for the Americas at State Street Global Markets, overseeing sales across trading products and outsourced services. He previously served as head of equities for the Americas and was a founding member of fintech company Clearpool Group. Known for driving tech-enabled transformation in financial institutions, Duffy will now lead Arteria’s sales strategy, helping clients modernize operations through AI-powered documentation infrastructure.
WPP selects Cindy Rose, Baiju Shah
WPP made two key leadership appointments that underscore its commitment to creative excellence and innovation. Cindy Rose will become CEO of WPP on Sept. 1, 2025, succeeding Mark Read. A dual UK-U.S. citizen and WPP board member since 2019, Rose brings more than 20 years of experience at global companies including Microsoft, Vodafone, Virgin Media and Disney. Most recently, she served as COO of Microsoft’s Global Enterprise division, where she led digital and AI-driven transformation for top firms.
WPP also named Baiju Shah as global CEO of AKQA, its award-winning design and innovation agency. Shah joins from Accenture Song, where he co-founded the creative group and served as global chief strategy officer. Known for integrating AI, design and strategy to help brands grow, Shah will guide AKQA’s next phase of global creative leadership. 
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