Stripe stories

Banks and multinationals trial tokens to slash cross-border settlement times, as clearer rules and backing bolster wider business use.

Visa takes a direct stake in Tempo's blockchain operations, joining an early group of outside validators as it deepens its stablecoin and payments push.

AppDirect deepens B2B distribution push with PartnerStack deal, adding partner-management software and a network of 138,000 businesses.

Softr unveils AI-native no-code platform that lets non-technical teams build live business apps with permissions, data and workflows from a prompt.

Linux Foundation takes control of Coinbase's x402 protocol as Amazon, Visa and Mastercard back open payments standard for AI-driven web transactions.

Multiplier expands in New Zealand with Oxygen Advisors buyout as the startup-focused accounting firm joins its global roll-up.

Zapier and Rillet join forces to link ERP and 8,000 apps, aiming to cut finance teams' manual work in closes, approvals and reconciliations.

Tempo launches Mainnet and unveils Machine Payments Protocol to automate stablecoin and card payments between AI agents and online services.

Robinhood Ventures Fund I adds Stripe and ElevenLabs stakes to give retail investors listed access to late-stage private tech firms.

Anthropic has launched an in-house institute to study AI's societal risks, governance and economic upheaval as it predicts rapid progress.

Payoneer teams with FundPark to offer Hong Kong eCommerce sellers AI-driven credit lines of up to USD $10 million via integrated accounts.

Xero is axing its app store billing by June 2026, forcing developers onto new API-based tiers and their own subscription systems.

Nium strengthens global payments push with new chiefs for risk, technology and marketing as AI, stablecoins and regulation reshape the sector.

Deel launches The Pitch, a global contest offering up to USD $15m in SAFE funding to seed start-ups, with APAC entries closing 21 April.

As analogue-era banking creaks under digital demand, DeFi is quietly rewiring the rails of global finance, not blowing them up.

GitHub Copilot tops 4.7m paid users as GitHub pitches Agent HQ as the central hub for multi-vendor coding agents across its platform.

AI platform Emergent raises USD $70m Series B from Khosla Ventures and SoftBank to speed global software creation for non-coders.

AI app builder Emergent raises USD $70m Series B to deepen European push, add London offices and hiring as revenue soars to USD $50m ARR.

Xero unveils its 2025 Power Lists, spotlighting the most‑connected apps across accounting, payments, retail, trades and professional services.

Google has launched an open Universal Commerce Protocol to standardise AI shopping flows across search, apps, merchants and payments.