Payment Expert’s Fintech Unwrapped delivers the latest and developing news that has shaped the sector over the course of the week.
This week, Ant International is spearheading AI-as-a-Service (AI-as-a-Service) with its latest launch for fintechs and financial services, while Airwallex has partnered with Bolt to introduce a new way for drivers to accept payments.
Ant International fuels AIaaS growth with latest launch
Ant International has accelerated the adoption of AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) across the financial services sector with the launch of Alipay+ Gen AI Cockpit on June 4.
The solution seeks to help fintech and super apps with the integration of AI-agentic and AI-native financial services to simplify automated workflows and task prioritisation to assist with payment orchestration, compliance checks, fraud detection, dispute resolution to optimise operational efficiency.
“The future of finance will be shaped by agentic AI that not only carry out tasks autonomously in real automated workflows and sophisticated financial business and compliance context with reliability, but also interact, evolve and learn rapidly in orchestration with ever-growing precision,” said Jiangming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer of Ant International.
AIaaS is quickly becoming one of fintech’s most innovative solutions emanating out of the AI explosion in recent years. Yang labelled that the burgeoning “FinAI sector” is experiencing its “big bang moment” and will look to explore future innovations with Alipay+ Gen AI Cockpit.
Airwallex provides digital wallets for Bolt drivers
Digital transport service Bolt is upgrading its payment stack through a new partnership with Airwallex, announced on June 4.
The global payments company will build a new system for Bolt drivers that focuses on digital wallets and other additional financial services in the future. Airwallex’s payment integration aims to make receiving payments low cost and bolster speed and efficiency for Bolt drivers in over 50 countries
“Our mission at Airwallex is to empower businesses with a modern financial infrastructure that simplifies global finance,” said Kai Wu, Chief Revenue Officer at Airwallex. “We are excited to support Bolt in its expansion by providing a scalable, cost-effective, and reliable solution that meets the needs of its global driver and courier community, and its merchants.”
Mollie credits Intl. expansion for strong 2024
European financial service Mollie published its 2024 financial year report on June 3, revealing its expansion into new markets has helped revenue and gross profit grow year-over-year.
Mollie’s revenue for 2024 was $275m (€214m), increasing 28% from last year. Gross profit also climbed by 30% to $131m (€115m), driven by a “clear product focus and continued international expansion”.
The financial service company has consolidated its position in markets like the UK and Ireland via product launches, whilst making market entries for the first time in countries like Italy and Portugal.
“We’ve invested more than ever in developing both new and existing products that reduce financial hassle,” said Koen Köppen, CEO of Mollie. “Think Mollie Capital, additional payment methods, Mollie Connect, and our omnichannel solutions. Alongside product development, our international expansion will continue in 2025. I’m confident about what lies ahead for the rest of the year.”
payabl. rolls out virtual debit/credit alternative
In a bid to afford businesses greater spending control and security, payabl. launched its Virtual Business Cards service on June 2.
A part of the payment companies Business Accounts offering, payabl. virtual cards are a digital alternative to credit and debit cards. They offer enhanced expense management and financial oversight, built to simplify B2B payments and suitable for e-commerce companies who deal with multi-currency expenses.
Ugne Buraciene, Group CEO of payabl. said: “From improved oversight of spending, to the ability to set budgets and ensure the highest level of security, payabl. is removing the friction from payments so businesses can focus on what really matters: growing their businesses and better serving their customers and partners.”
Trustly embeds new payment system for Swedish lottery
Trustly is helping Swedish Postcode Lottery players make payment onboarding more seamless via a new partnership confirmed on June 4.
The Pay by Bank provider will integrate its payment infrastructure to enable players to register on the Swedish Postcode Lottery, before being able to set up direct debits that will now be more automated, quick and safe.
Johan Tjärnberg, CEO, Trustly, said: “We are thrilled to partner with The Swedish Postcode Lottery to enhance the user experience for lottery participants across Sweden. Our mission has always been to make online transactions as seamless, safe, and fast as possible, and this collaboration takes us one step closer to that goal.”
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