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Insights and Expertise

Guardrails for GenAI in B2B payments transactions particularly vulnerable due to higher
Generative AI (GenAI) is advancing rapidly, and its values and multiple intermediaries. Traditional rule-
potential to modernize B2B payments is undeniable. based detection systems struggle against evolving
Yet as organizations rush to embrace its capabilities, threats, but GenAI continuously learns from transac-
thoughtful governance must remain front and center. tional behavior to flag anomalies in real time.
B2B transactions operate in an environment of complexity, GenAI algorithms identify patterns deviating from
oversight and high stakes. Transactions involve multiple normal behavior—unusual transaction sizes, unex-
counterparties, cross-border jurisdictions and regulatory pected timing or changes in vendor banking informa-
frameworks that demand rigorous compliance. GenAI tion, for example—providing dynamic protection that
introduces new efficiencies, but also raises concerns adapts to new fraud techniques.
about transparency, explainability and control.
One critical issue is model interpretability. When 4. Intelligent payment routing and decisioning: Ge-
nAI transforms payment routing in today's complex
GenAI systems recommend payment routing or flag B2B landscape, where businesses navigate multiple
potential fraud, finance teams need to understand the payment rails—including ACH, virtual cards, wires
"why" behind those decisions. Black-box outputs may and real-time payments—and diverse supplier settle-
accelerate processing, but without clear reasoning, they ment preferences.
can erode confidence and complicate audits. Ensuring
explainability should be a non-negotiable requirement. To recommend or automatically execute the most ef-
Data governance is equally vital. GenAI relies on ficient payment method for each transaction, GenAI
enormous datasets, often containing sensitive financial evaluates multiple criteria, such as cost, speed, sup-
and personal information. Robust data hygiene, plier preferences and historical success rates, in real
encryption and access controls must be built in to time This automation reduces costs while improving
prevent breaches. Moreover, teams must clarify who vendor satisfaction by aligning payments with their
is accountable if GenAI's recommendation leads to an expectations.
error or violation. 5. Building scalable innovation infrastructure: Ge-
Human oversight is another essential guardrail. nAI's long-term value lies in supporting scalable, in-
Automation should augment, not replace, the telligent automation that complements existing infra-
judgment of experienced professionals. Embedding structure while opening new innovation pathways.
human-in-the-loop frameworks ensures that GenAI As businesses globalize and digitize, they need pay-
recommendations are validated, exceptions are reviewed ment systems that are flexible, adaptive and capable of
and accountability remains with designated staff. This learning from data.
balance of automation and oversight minimizes risk
while retaining the benefits of speed and efficiency. GenAI and STP technologies serve as connective tis-
Businesses should adopt a phased approach to sue, bringing together disparate systems, harmoniz-
implementation. Piloting GenAI in lower-risk workflows ing data, and facilitating real-time decision-making at
provides measurable benefits while allowing teams scale.
to refine oversight protocols before extending use to The road ahead
higher-value, time-critical transactions.
The promise of GenAI is powerful, but without The B2B payments industry is entering an intelligence-
deliberate safeguards, organizations risk trading one driven era defined by speed, automation and adaptive
set of inefficiencies for another set of vulnerabilities. capabilities. By thoughtfully embracing GenAI as an en-
The winners in this new era will be those who view hancement to proven technologies, businesses can elimi-
GenAI not as a magic bullet, but as a powerful tool best nate friction, strengthen security, optimize cash flow and
deployed with discipline, transparency and foresight.. build more resilient financial operations.
The future of B2B payments is undeniably smarter. With
ment patterns to prioritize outreach for accounts at responsible adoption and strategic implementation, that
risk of delinquency. For accounts payable, businesses future is within immediate reach for forward-thinking or-
leverage GenAI to optimize payment timing, balanc- ganizations ready to build upon their existing technologi-
ing early payment discounts against cash flow con- cal foundations.
straints.
This predictive intelligence empowers finance teams Rinku Sharma, chief technology officer at Boost Payment Solutions, is
to make data-driven decisions that enhance both op- an accomplished senior technology leader and AI evangelist with over
erational efficiency and strategic agility. 23 years of experience driving transformational initiatives across diverse
industries, including financial services and media. Contact him via
3. Real-time fraud detection and prevention: Fraud LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/rinku-sharma17.
poses growing threats in digital payments, with B2B
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