Lithuania just strengthened its fintech credentials. payabl., a European payments and business accounts provider, has formally registered a local entity in Vilnius, cementing its presence in a country that has quietly become one of Europe’s most dynamic fintech hubs. The move sets Lithuania as payabl.’s base for the Baltics and Nordics, markets known for fast-growing tech, mobility, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors.
PayNearMe, a fintech focused on modernizing payments for non-commerce businesses, has closed a $50 million Series E round led by AVP (Atlantic Vantage Point) Growth Fund I. The funding will accelerate expansion into new markets and support ongoing investment in products designed to simplify the end-to-end payment journey for clients.
Mastercard is stepping up its AI game, introducing a suite of tools, consulting services, and partnerships aimed at making intelligent, AI-driven payments a reality for merchants, developers, and consumers worldwide. The company says these innovations will lay the groundwork for smarter, more secure shopping experiences and help define global standards for agentic commerce—where AI agents…
Kazakhstan just became Central Asia’s first country to go live with Alipay+ cross-border QR payments, thanks to a new expansion of Ant International’s partnership with Kaspi.kz, the nation’s dominant super app.
Ant International is doubling down on its Middle East ambitions with a two-pronged move into the United Arab Emirates—inking a strategic MoU with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and securing In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the country’s central bank for key payment licenses.
Visa is doubling down on cybersecurity—and wants to bring its clients with it. The global payments giant today launched its Visa Cybersecurity Advisory Practice, a major initiative aimed at helping businesses—from corner stores to global enterprises—navigate the growing complexity of cyber threats in the payments ecosystem.
In a regional first, Google Play has added K PLUS—a mobile banking app from Thailand’s KASIKORNBANK—as a direct payment option, giving 14 million Android users in Thailand a new way to buy apps, games, and digital content using their everyday banking platform.
Global Payments is extending its partnership with one of Mexico’s most trusted financial institutions—Banamex—in a move that underscores the rising stakes in Latin America’s rapidly digitizing commerce landscape.
ACI Worldwide, a pioneer in real-time and digital payments, just doubled down on its credentials—earning spots on both CNBC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies 2025 and TIME’s America’s Best Mid-Size Companies 2025.
Lyft is sweetening the ride for its drivers—literally and digitally. In a move to enhance driver perks and engagement, the ride-hailing giant has partnered with digital gifting platform Prezzee to roll out a new, mobile-first rewards experience powered by eGift cards.
