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The Fintech Brief | Liberis and eBay Show How Embedded Capital Drives Growth

Plus, SMBs say banks need simpler, all-in-one solutions

Author

Sophie Bruxner-Randall
June 18, 2025

A NEWSLETTER AFFILIATED TO

Editor’s Pick 📌

This year at Money20/20 Europe, Liberis was at the heart of the conversation—and helped lead it.

Reporting live from Amsterdam, we captured a fintech sector in transition. AI isn’t theory anymore. Embedded finance isn’t optional. And trust is no longer just a value—it’s a requirement.

🔍 From the Floor:

  • AI gets real: Liberis unveiled Ada, its proprietary AI underwriting agent, developed with Google. It’s built for real-time, explainable funding decisions—and guided by human oversight to ensure fairness and transparency.

  • Embedded capital meets real impact: In a joint session with eBay, Liberis explored how embedded financing is helping thousands of sellers unlock growth—like one entrepreneur who tripled her listings after funding landed directly in her eBay dashboard.

  • Trust takes centre stage: From regulators to platform leaders, everyone agreed—AI, open banking, and embedded finance must be auditable, explainable, and built on trust.

“We’re not building hype. We’re building infrastructure that works for real businesses.”

Rob Straathof, CEO of Liberis

As the fintech ecosystem shifts from disruption to pragmatic execution, Liberis is setting the standard: smarter systems, simpler experiences, and scalable funding—embedded right where small businesses need it most.

Industry Trends & Innovation 💡

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

In retail banking and payments, Iris Software utilises advanced technologies like AI and cloud to drive real-time transactions, enhance payment security, and offer diverse eCommerce options. This empowers financial institutions to improve efficiency, maintain competitiveness, and achieve growth. With nearly 35 years in BFS services, Iris prioritises security, compliance, and seamless customer experiences, making their insights highly relevant for banking stakeholders.

B2B PAYMENTS

Breno Oliveira spearheads payabl.'s efforts to enhance B2B payments through Embedded Finance and virtual cards, providing businesses with improved financial control. This innovation aligns with industry trends, empowering merchants to focus on sales while leveraging AI for fraud protection. A Minimum Viable Product mindset ensures market readiness without compromising trust.

EMBEDDED FINANCE EXPANSION

Galileo, a B2B service from SoFi, is solidifying SoFi’s presence in embedded finance by integrating banking functions into platforms, thus broadening SoFi's capabilities beyond consumer lending. This approach attracts clients, validates Galileo’s technology, and enhances revenue opportunities. SoFi's stock performance, while under industry averages, is improving with rising earnings estimates.

SMB FINANCE

US Bank has introduced a spend management platform and a Business Essentials checking account to streamline operations for SMBs, driven by the integration of Bento Technologies. With 57% of SMB owners overwhelmed by digital tools, consolidating solutions through banks is crucial to efficiency. Integrating AI into bank offerings could further enhance SMB productivity and competitive edge.

FINTECH EVOLUTION

Mastercard's evolution from a card-centric company to a comprehensive fintech powerhouse is underscored by its expansion into B2B payments, real-time transfers, and AI-driven innovations. By integrating technologies like open banking and diversifying its services, Mastercard strategically positions itself to capture the shift from cash to digital, offering robust solutions that transcend traditional card payments.

Bobsguide is a ClickZ Media publication in the Finance division