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Editor’s Pick 📌

Liberis and Google Redefine SME Lending with AI Breakthroughs

Last week, Liberis and Google hosted an exclusive event in London that showcased how AI and embedded finance are closing the $5.7 trillion SMB funding gap. Liberis CEO Rob Straathof revealed how the fintech has tripled the number of merchants served to 2.2 million monthly, expanded into 16 countries, and achieved a 70% engagement boost through highly personalized funding solutions.

Senior Product Manager Lindsay Brightwell highlighted the new Liberis Capital Platform, which uses real-time data to deliver tailored offers—helping funded SMBs grow 25% faster, with 76% returning for more. The event also highlighted Ada, an AI underwriter built on Google Gemini, cutting complex credit decisions from hours to minutes.

Denish KC of Google Cloud emphasized that Gemini’s advanced capabilities are transforming underwriting accuracy and speed.

With embedded solutions like “Pay with Liberis” set to boost checkout conversions by 14%, the partnership signals a future where funding meets SMBs at the point of need.

👉 [Read the full event recap here]

Industry Trends & Innovation 💡

REAL-TIME PAYMENTS

Apiture Introduces Real-Time Payment Solutions for Banks and Credit Unions

Apiture has introduced real-time payment features for community banks and credit unions, utilising The Clearing Houses RTP network and the Federal Reserve's FedNow service. This development meets the growing demand for instantaneous transactions and positions smaller institutions to better compete with larger ones by providing customers and businesses a choice of payment methods tailored to their specific needs.

INSTANT PAYMENTS EXPANSION

Dwolla Enhances Instant Payments to Boost Business Efficiency and Cash Flow

Dwolla has incorporated the FedNow Service with its existing platform, enhancing its instant payment capabilities for businesses. This integration offers businesses wider payment coverage, seamless cash flow management, and instant data-driven insights, allowing them to operate more efficiently. Accessible tools enable even small businesses to effortlessly integrate real-time payments, fostering improved customer satisfaction.

FINANCIAL REGULATION

Fintech and Crypto Groups Urge Trump to Protect Open Banking Rules

Crypto and fintech groups are urging Trump to protect Open Banking rules, essential for consumer data ownership and free access to financial tools like DeFi apps and stablecoins. The outcome could reshape how Americans connect financial data with applications, amidst banks' attempts to impose new data fees.

B2B PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

Mastercard Drives Global B2B Payment Automation with Enhanced Acceptance Solutions

Mastercard is enhancing B2B payment automation with innovative tools like Receivables Manager, aimed at streamlining virtual card processes and reconciliation globally. With 93% of businesses prioritising digital payment processes yet falling short of expectations, Mastercard's solutions provide the needed efficiency and security. This initiative facilitates smoother transactions and strengthens buyer-supplier relationships by ensuring timely payments.