News

Cross Border Commerce
Visa: How a Global, Digital Network Can Boost Financial Inclusion
December 20, 2021

Amid the great digital shift, subsets of financial services remain challenged because of decades-old, friction-filled and fragmented processes. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to...

B2B Payments
From Armani to Zegna, B2B Marketplaces Transform High-Touch World of Luxury Wholesale
December 20, 2021

Digital wholesale management platform JOOR has added another outfit to its wardrobe. Already serving business-to-business (B2B) buyers and sellers in the luxury spaces, it’s now expanding into bridal. The company announced on Dec. 14 that it will now also focus on bridal salons and their...

Biometrics
Biometric Identity Tools to Play Key Role in Solving COVID-19 Public Health Puzzle
December 20, 2021

With the emergence of the new omicron variant of COVID-19 leading to yet more panic across the globe, it’s clear the world will not be returning to normalcy anytime soon. Governments are still pushing vaccines as the only viable solution to ending the pandemic, all...

International
Bank Chief Says Russia Anticipates Staying Connected to SWIFT
December 19, 2021

The Russian financial system could survive even if disconnected from the global SWIFT interbank payment system, according to the head of the country’s VTB Bank, Andrey Kostin, Reuters reports. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access...

International
China to Step up Antitrust Enforcement
December 19, 2021

The anti-monopoly bureau in China plans to ramp up its action against monopolistic behavior, according to chief Gan Lin, Reuters writes. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins...

Partnerships / Acquisitions
OFX Buys Canadian FX Firm Firma for $70M
December 19, 2021

International money service provider OFX Group Limited has announced an agreement to acquire Firma, a global foreign exchange service, a press release says. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no...

Bitcoin
Bitcoin Daily: Travel Company Travala.com Accepts Bitcoin Payments; Bitcoin Value Continues Slide, Down 32% From...
December 19, 2021

Travala.com, a global travel company, is now accepting bitcoin payments on the Lightning Network using OpenNode, according to a press release. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins...

B2B Payments
Pantera Tools to Launch Invoicing, Payments Processing
December 19, 2021

Pantera Tools is rolling out its direct invoicing feature, which allows users to consolidate their business systems, according to a Saturday (Dec. 18) press release. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content...

Investments
Razorpay Raises $375M Toward Expansion, Acquisitions
December 19, 2021

Payments gateway platform Razorpay has raised $375 million in a funding round, which it will use to invest in the neobank platform, make more acquisitions and enter more markets, The Economic Times of India reported. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this...