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IndustryUpdate

Blaming AI an emerging chargeback trend Nearly 40 percent earn less than 3 percent APY on
emergency funds. Despite challenges, 59 percent report
Chargebacks911 warned that the rise of agentic com- including emergency savings in their monthly budgets.
merce, where AI systems execute purchases on consum-
ers' behalf, appears likely to create a new category of
chargebacks. As Visa and Mastercard expand infrastruc- PARTNERSHIPS
ture for agent-initiated transactions, disputes may shift
from fraud or merchant error to mismatched customer Alkami now a Nacha Preferred Partner
intent. In these cases, purchases are authorized but not
aligned with expectations. Chargebacks911 said mer- Alkami Technology was named a Nacha Preferred
chants must prepare by defining agent permissions, Partner, recognizing its role in supporting secure, com-
improving transparency and building new evidence pliant automated clearing house (ACH) payment capa-
trails to prove intent as AI-driven transactions increas- bilities for financial institutions. The designation places
ingly occur without a direct human click. Alkami among a select group of technology providers
advancing the ACH network, which processed 35.2 bil-
Retailers can boost financial lion payments totaling $93 trillion in 2025, Nacha stated.
inclusion with better ATM access Alkami’s platform enables banks and credit unions to
originate and receive ACH payments, manage returns
NCR Atleos Corp. released new research showing that and notifications of change, and support commercial
cash remains vital across the United States, particularly clients with risk and compliance tools. Features such as
in low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities. Drawing ACH Positive Pay, automated alerts and detailed remit-
on data from the nation's largest independently owned tance data help businesses monitor transactions and pre-
ATM network, Atleos found rising transaction volumes vent fraud, while reinforcing Alkami’s alignment with
and higher withdrawal totals per machine. ATMs in LMI Nacha rules and best practices, Alkami added.
areas average 38 percent more transactions than those in
affluent neighborhoods, despite fewer machines overall. InComm, SKUx collaborate on
Withdrawal amounts are similar across income levels, humanitarian aid payments
underscoring broad reliance on cash. The findings sug-
gest banks and retailers can strengthen financial inclu- InComm Payments and SKUx formed a strategic part-
sion and resilience by optimizing ATM access, especially nership to expand digital payment distribution using
in underserved markets. real-time item-level controls and blockchain transpar-
ency. The collaboration aims to improve delivery of
Consumers increasingly using financial aid, consumer packaged goods promotions
AI to find products, deals and other digital payments while ensuring funds are
used for specific items and purposes. The solution com-
Synchrony reported growing use of generative AI in bines InComm’s retail distribution network with SKUx’s
shopping, with 56 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed blockchain-based payment platform and SKUPay retail
using it during the 2025 holiday season, primarily to integrations. The companies said the approach will
compare products (34 percent) and find the best prices help organizations distribute branded digital payments
(29 percent). Its In Sync with Consumers survey shows more efficiently while providing better oversight and
75 percent of shoppers are spending more time seeking faster settlement. The partnership also supports emerg-
value, signaling AI's expanding role in purchase deci- ing payment models, including stablecoins, and aims
sions. Adoption is strongest among Gen Z, with many to strengthen financial resilience initiatives across the
comfortable receiving AI-driven product and financing United States.
recommendations. The findings suggest AI-powered,
personalized shopping experiences increasingly influ- Klarna, Article facilitating
ence payments, loyalty and credit decisions across retail. flexible payments at checkout

Americans struggling to build emergency savings Klarna teamed up with Article to offer flexible payment
options at Article's online checkout in the United States
WalletHub’s 2026 Emergency Savings Survey found and Canada. Shoppers can pay in full, split purchases
many Americans are struggling to build financial safety into four interest-free payments or finance larger orders
nets. Two-thirds of respondents in the study said the over time. With average sofa prices around $1,500, the
affordability crisis has reduced their emergency savings, move reflects growing demand for payment flexibility
and nearly one in five could not access $1,000 in cash on big-ticket home purchases., the partners said. Klarna
within 24 hours for an urgent need. About 64 percent of added that home essentials is one of its fastest-growing
participants cited insufficient income as the main barrier categories in North America, as consumers seek greater
to saving, while 36 percent blamed inflation and another control and convenience when investing in furniture and
36 percent pointed to debt. décor.

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