The Green Sheet Online Edition
September 22, 2025 • 25:09:02
Industry Update
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aleo Network Foundation joins Binance Alpha
The Aleo Network Foundation, steward of the Aleo Network's privacy and compliance infrastructure, joined Binance Alpha, a pre-listing discovery program for promising Web3 projects. Aleo's inclusion highlights industry recognition of its zero-knowledge proof technology, designed to power secure, programmable global payments. With Aleo now listed on Binance Alpha, millions of Binance's 280M+ users across 100+ countries can access its technology. The program gives developers and early adopters hands-on experience with Aleo's tools, potentially driving real-world use cases from compliant payments to data protection.
Casap wins Best of Show at FinovateFall 2025
Casap, an AI-powered disputes automation and fraud prevention platform, won Best of Show at FinovateFall 2025 for its transformative approach to handling financial disputes. Unlike legacy tools, Casap resolves disputes using AI-driven automation, real-time fraud scoring, predictive win rates and deep network integrations. Its platform, Finovate judges noted, delivers instant resolutions for honest consumers, reduces fraud losses by half and ensures regulatory compliance.
Financial institution users reported greater customer satisfaction, 80 percent automation, 85 percent faster processing and 51 percent fewer write-offs. Casap is aiming to redefine dispute resolution, combining speed, precision and transparency to rebuild consumer trust.
G2 names Paystand a leader in mid-market accounts receivable
Paystand, a blockchain-enabled B2B payments network and 2025 CNBC Top Fintech, earned eight G2 quarterly badges and recognition from Gartner's Capterra as a Top Performer in Accounts Receivable and Payment Processing. Comments reflected strong user satisfaction, usability and business value, as well as seamless ERP integration, cost savings from zero fees and responsive support. Paystand CEO Jeremy Almond emphasized Paystand's role in driving on-chain finance and AI-enabled automation. These honors, the company added, validate Paystand's leadership in transforming B2B payments into a faster, fee-less model with measurable impact.
i2c among Top 100 in IDC FinTech Rankings
i2c Inc., a global fintech innovator, was named to the 2025 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100 with the Emerging FinTech distinction, recognizing i2c's agility, innovation and trusted expertise. i2c's unified, composable platform is designed to empower financial institutions and fintechs to rapidly launch and scale secure financial products, outperforming legacy systems and adapting to evolving market demands.
With over two decades of industry leadership and high-touch services, i2c is dedicated to helping partners accelerate digital transformation, enhance customer experiences, and compete effectively in the global financial services ecosystem.
LNRS releases True Cost of Fraud Study 2025
The 2025 LexisNexis True Cost of Fraud Study revealed fraud is escalating across North American financial institutions, with losses averaging over $5 for every $1 stolen, up 25 percent since 2021. Fraud occurs at all customer touchpoints: 30 percent at account creation, 31 percent during transactions and 39 percent at login. Mobile fraud now drives over a third of total losses, with U.S. FIs most affected.
Despite this, 44 percent of institutions rely on manual processes, while only 20 percent use automation or AI. Fraud-mature organizations adopting automation, cross-channel tracking and AI report reduced losses, less customer attrition and stronger fraud prevention outcomes.
PayNearMe gains $50M for payment experience management
PayNearMe, a fintech company focused on transforming payment experiences for non-commerce businesses, secured a $50 million Series E investment from AVP's Growth Fund I. The funding is expected to accelerate expansion into new markets and drive further investment in PayNearMe's Payment Experience Management solutions. Now rebranded as PayXM, the platform combines software and money movement services to optimize every stage of the payment journey. By streamlining payments, reducing costs and boosting cash flow, PayNearMe helps businesses improve customer satisfaction and profitability AVP noted, praising PayNearMe's innovation and execution.
Ripple commits $25M to boost American SMBs, veteran careers
Ripple pledged $25 million in RLUSD, its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, to Accion Opportunity Fund and Hire Heroes USA to expand capital access for underserved small businesses and create career pathways for veterans and military spouses. The initiative will fund lending, training and digital payment tools, with an estimated $1 billion total impact nationwide.
Programs include $125 million in small business lending, 14,000 veteran job opportunities and fintech career training. This marks Ripple's second $25 million donation this year, reinforcing its commitment to economic opportunity, innovation and philanthropy while also showcasing the role of stablecoins in nonprofit funding.
Shalom Dodoun's Project Ridge secures $18M
Fintech entrepreneur Shalom Dodoun, founder of FintechCashier, launched Project Ridge, a next-generation payment platform designed to streamline domestic and international transactions. Backed by $18 million in strategic investment, the platform offers instant settlement, up to 50 percent lower fees, faster processing and advanced AI-driven security.
And early beta tests show significant cost savings and improved cash flow. Targeting cross-border payments, Project Ridge provides dynamic currency management, compliance tools for AML/KYC, seamless API integrations and real-time analytics. Positioned to serve ecommerce, SaaS and global businesses, Project Ridge aims to fuel expansion and capture growth in proprietary payment networks.
RESEARCH
AI-based technologies improve CX but present new challenges
The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study highlights renewed interest in in-vehicle payments, with 62 percent of owners wanting seamless options for purchases like charging, fuel, parking and tolls. Previous systems struggled with complexity, but next-generation solutions
could succeed if they are simple and convenient. The study also introduced a "smart vehicle" category showcasing AI features that anticipate driver needs and improve satisfaction, while flagging challenges with recognition technologies and usability. Blind spot cameras remain customer favorites, and Genesis and Hyundai lead innovation rankings. Awards went to standout models for connected, comfort, driver assist and EV technologies.
Workers postpone major purchases due to job uncertainty
A Redfin report found job security concerns are reshaping financial decisions for many Americans. Forty-four percent of workers are delaying or canceling major purchases, while 30 percent are accelerating them. Lower-income workers and renters are most affected, with nearly half of renters postponing purchases.
Although two-thirds of workers report confidence in job security, 37 percent are more concerned than six months ago, citing company performance, tariffs and AI as top reasons. Financial preparedness remains limited: 36 percent lack emergency housing funds, and younger adults are least likely to have significant reserves. These dynamics are tempering housing demand, with cautious buyers seeking competitive pricing and flexibility from sellers.
Ransomware costs jump 17 percent in 2025
Resilience's Midyear 2025 Cyber Risk Report shows ransomware costs rising even as claims fall. In the first half of 2025, the average cost per attack surged 17 percent, while total incurred claims dropped 53 percent. Ransomware drove 91 percent of losses, fueled by AI-powered phishing, double extortion and stolen insurance policies that enabled higher ransom demands. Social engineering accounted for 88 percent of losses, with healthcare, retail and manufacturing hardest hit; some faced multimillion-dollar demands.
Despite fewer vendor-related incidents, financial damage per attack is escalating. Resilience advised companies to prioritize understanding financial impacts and adopting defense strategies with the highest ROI to build cyber resilience.
TrustCommerce, FinMed report on patient payments
TrustCommerce, a Sphere Company, in collaboration with FinMed Partners, released a white paper, Demystifying Healthcare Payments, which provides a practical overview to help healthcare leaders, providers, payers and investors better understand the complex patient payment ecosystem.
The paper explains how shifting responsibilities, multiple intermediaries, and evolving regulations and technologies shape the market. It highlights key players, funding flows and future trends to provide clarity in a $5 trillion industry. Combining TrustCommerce's healthcare payment technology expertise with FinMed's market insight, the resource aims to guide stakeholders in making confident, informed decisions in a rapidly transforming healthcare payments landscape.
PARTNERSHIPS
Flutterwave, Clear Junction team up on cross-border payments
Technology company Flutterwave partnered with Clear Junction to enhance cross-border payments for African remittance customers who are sending money to the UK and EU. Leveraging Clear Junction's infrastructure and expertise in treasury services, Flutterwave can deliver faster, more reliable and compliant transactions, the partners stated.
The service is available via Swap, Flutterwave's currency exchange platform integrated into the Send App. This collaboration is expected to boost transaction completion rates, improve satisfaction and advance financial inclusion. Both companies emphasized their shared commitment to secure, efficient and affordable solutions that support migrant workers, families and cross-border trade across Africa and beyond.
Kuvasz Solutions, comforte strengthen partnership
Kuvasz Solutions, a provider of mission-critical payment services and HPE Nonstop expertise, and comforte, a pioneer in data-centric protection, are expanding their partnership globally, with an initial focus on North America. Building on success in Latin America, the collaboration combines Kuvasz's robust payment solutions with comforte's advanced data security to help financial institutions and fintechs enhance compliance and protect sensitive data. Leveraging the high-availability HPE Nonstop platform, the partnership is designed to deliver secure, scalable, innovative payment services. Executives from both companies emphasized the synergy, reliability and commitment to extending proven innovations to meet North America's digital payment demands.
MC, NCR Atleos, ITCARD to enhance contactless at ATMs
Mastercard, in partnership with NCR Atleos and ITCARD, introduced a breakthrough in ATM withdrawals using Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM). This innovation enables consumers to securely withdraw cash and access services with their phone—no PIN or card required. By authenticating through mobile biometrics before tapping the ATM, transactions become up to 20 percent faster and more seamless, while maintaining security, the partners affirmed. In a pilot program in Poland, CDCVM has been found to reduce friction, align digital-first expectations and simplify everyday financial interactions. Deployment is planned across global markets by 2026.
New Zealand Football selects Corpay
Corpay's Cross-Border business was named the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of New Zealand Football, providing innovative solutions to manage FX exposure and streamline global payments through Corpay's award-winning platform. The partnership supports New Zealand Football's growing international presence, including preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the team will compete. Corpay executives emphasized the alignment with their brand expansion and currency risk management services in New Zealand, while New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell noted the importance of collaborating with a major financial organization.
ACQUISITIONS
Ebury completes acquisition of ArcaPay
Ebury, a global fintech specializing in international payments and FX risk management, completed its acquisition of Vilnius-based ArcaPay, following approval from the Bank of Lithuania. The business will now operate as Ebury Partners Lithuania, strengthening Ebury's presence in the Baltics and supporting its global expansion strategy. Founded in 2011, ArcaPay serves over 1,000 SMEs and offers international payments and currency risk solutions.
The deal provides ArcaPay's clients access to Ebury's full suite of services, while Ebury benefits from ArcaPay's local expertise and client base. This partnership combines international scale with regional knowledge to fuel SME growth worldwide.
Fiserv closes acquisition of AIB Merchant Services
Fiserv completed the acquisition of the remaining 49.9 percent of AIB Merchant Services (AIBMS), its joint venture with AIB Group. This move strengthens Fiserv's growth strategy across Europe and expands opportunities for Clover, its advanced POS system. AIBMS is one of Ireland's largest payment providers and among Europe's top ecommerce acquirers. Under the agreement, AIB Group will continue exclusively referring businesses needing card acquiring services to Fiserv. The acquisition enhances Fiserv's leadership in payments and financial technology, aligning with its mission to deliver innovative, secure and scalable solutions to financial institutions and merchants worldwide through expanded European market presence.
APPOINTMENTS
Recurly appoints Jemima Bowden
Jemima Bowden was named Recurly's first chief human resources officer, bringing to Recurly more than 20 years of leadership in scaling global technology and SaaS companies. Most recently CHRO at Quorum Software, Bowden is recognized for building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive, thriving workplace cultures. At Recurly, she will oversee global people strategy, spanning talent acquisition, employee experience, organizational design and DEI initiatives. Bowden described the role as an inspiring opportunity to shape culture at a dynamic growth stage. Her leadership aims to empower employees, drive innovation and strengthen Recurly's ability to deliver subscription success worldwide.
Mike Byington to retire from BlueStar
Mike Byington, BlueStar's vice president of business development, will retire at the end of 2025 after more than 30 years of transformative leadership. The fourth employee to join the company, he rose from inside sales to become a key architect of growth strategies, most notably the pioneering ISV Partnership Program. Byington forged lasting customer and supplier alliances, expanding opportunities across the channel while mentoring countless colleagues who now carry forward his values of innovation, authenticity and partnership. Renowned for his entrepreneurial spirit and vision, he leaves an enduring legacy embedded in BlueStar's culture, strategy and relationships worldwide, the company stated.
Michelle Collins elected to Deluxe Board
Michelle T. Collins, a retired Deloitte partner with more than 40 years of experience, was elected to the Deluxe Board of Directors. Collins is widely respected for her expertise in business transformation, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and SEC compliance, and has long advised C-suites and boards on navigating complex challenges. At Deloitte, she served as vice chair and on its U.S. Board of Directors, where she chaired both the governance and finance/audit committees. Collins is recognized for her collaborative, results-driven leadership and will bring seasoned judgment and financial acumen to Deluxe, the company stated.
Echelon Payments taps Jim Czekner
Echelon Payments promoted Jim Czekner to president, while he continues serving as chief technology officer. With more than 30 years in payments and technology, Czekner has built a career advancing secure, scalable platforms. Since joining Echelon in May 2023, he has transformed its technology and operations, boosting efficiency and strengthening infrastructure for long-term growth. Previously, he was CTO at EVO Payments International for over a decade and president of its subsidiary, Transaction Payment Systems. He also founded Maverick Data Systems and co-founded Meta Section. His leadership emphasizes innovation, compliance and reliability, which helps position Echelon for its next growth phase. 
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact information, links and other details may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.
