Today In Payments: Amazon To Enable Purchases From TV Screens; SEC Raises Caution Flag On Celebrity-Backed SPACs

In today’s top news, Amazon wants to bring tCommerce to its consumers, the SEC has cautioned investors over SPACs touted by celebrities and Grab could be valued at $40 billion if it goes public via SPAC.

Amazon To Enable Purchases From TV Screens Via ‘tCommerce’

Amazon is experimenting with tCommerce — making content shoppable by allowing the purchase of goods directly from TV screens while watching programs. The goal, over time, is to connect the Amazon Video ecosystem to the Amazon commerce ecosystem.

SEC Raises Caution Flag On Celebrity-Backed SPACs

This week the Securities and Exchange Commission warned investors about special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) that are touted by celebrities, cautioning that celebrity investment does not mean that the SPAC “is appropriate for all investors.”

Grab Valuation Could Hit $40 Billion If SPAC Talks Solidify

Singapore’s Grab could hit a valuation as high as $40 billion if talks with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Altimeter Capital Management LP solidify into a deal. If a deal is reached it will break records as the largest SPAC merger so far.

Nigeria’s Flutterwave Raises $170M On $1B Valuation

African FinTech startup Flutterwave has raised $170 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total fundraise to $225 million since its launch five years ago. The company’s mission is to develop a streamlined pan-African platform that “simplified payments for everyone,” in a continent with a highly fragmented payments ecosystem.

Carhartt Outfits Tradespeople With Installment Payment Plans

Trade professionals just starting out sometimes can’t afford high-end work gear. But access to installment payment plans can give them the flexibility to purchase such products, says Anna Cole of workwear retailer Carhartt. In the Buy Now, Pay Later Tracker, Cole explains how flexible payment plans help workwear brands convert new customers earlier in their careers and collect larger and more frequent orders.

Bitcoin As Alchemy: APMEX CEO Places Crypto In Precious Metal Perspective

Will the crypto market ever settle down? There’s a school of thought that says it will. As Ken Lewis, CEO of precious metal trading firm APMEX, told PYMNTS, cryptos will likely become a widespread payment mechanism and right now they represent a valid part of portfolio construction and management.

Coupang’s IPO Shows Strong eCommerce Enthusiasm On Wall Street

Double-digit percentage point gains marked Coupang’s first day as a public company. Yes, the initial public offering (IPO) markets have been buoyant. What might that say about eCommerce’s allure on the Street — is this just a case of a rising IPO tide lifting all boats?