Payments

The metaverse is already blurring the lines between physical and online commerce, and many retailers are profiting from it. Banks and payment companies can play an even bigger role by helping money move without friction.

The digital card platform operator Marqeta is working with buy now/pay later provider Bread Financial on a pilot to instantly connect consumers' mobile wallets with merchants via the web, bypassing the need to download an app.

Starbucks and Kroger have invested heavily in payment technology over the years to gain an edge over their competitors. Their newest systems are focused on shaving off valuable seconds at checkout.

Revolut works on its internal culture, Splitit collaborates with Alipay, and more.

The Federal Trade Commission singled out Mastercard in its recent proposed consent order, but other implicated card networks and issuers are unlikely to escape censure.

The processor wants to accommodate multiple mobile wallets and real-time processing.

Crypto pain deepens, credit union merger is official and more in banking news this week.

Some Affirm customers reported duplicate charges this week to their bank accounts for Affirm's buy now/pay later loans. The San Francisco-based fintech on Friday said it's resolved the problem.

By extending access to easy payments and delivery to more merchants, the e-commerce giant can gain ground in the "super app" race.

Because they have mature revenue streams or can support embedded finance, payment companies may find themselves favored by investors at a time when other tech firms are tightening their belts.