Oracle has launched a new AI-powered case management solution aimed at helping financial institutions enhance their response to financial crime. The tool, named the Financial Services Crime and Compliance Management Investigation Hub Cloud Service, streamlines investigation processes by reducing manual work, integrating data, and improving decision-making, as outlined in The Fintech Times. The Investigation Hub leverages graph analytics and embedded AI to automate tasks, manage workflows efficiently, and offer insights that empower investigators to focus on complex analysis and fraud prevention. “Bad actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging advanced technologies, and exploiting vulnerabilities in traditional systems,” explained Jason Wynne, Oracle’s senior vice president of finance, risk, and compliance product development. “To stay ahead of these threats, financial institutions need flexible solutions that help detect, investigate, and prevent financial crime more effectively. Investigation Hub represents a significant leap forward, enabling institutions to conduct faster, more accurate, and cost-effective investigations by transforming data into actionable stories.” The solution, built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), integrates with other Oracle compliance tools and external data providers to give banks a holistic view of customer activities. It aims to reduce investigation time by up to 70%, shifting investigators’ focus from manual data gathering to high-value analysis. Typically, investigators spend 80% of their time collecting data and only 20% on analysis. Oracle’s new system reverses this ratio, helping financial institutions boost accuracy and speed in identifying fraudulent activity. Oracle confirmed that the Investigation Hub will receive ongoing updates with the latest AI and machine learning toolsfrom OCI Generative AI to ensure it keeps up with evolving regulatory requirements and compliance standards.

The healthcare industry is tackling long-standing challenges in payment processing, reconciliation, and revenue cycle management by turning to digital solutions, according to PYMNTS. Billing complexities arise due to varying rules between insurance payers like Medicare and Medicaid, creating administrative hurdles that impact cash flow and divert resources from patient care. «Automation can significantly transform the payment reconciliation process in healthcare,» said Dean Puzon, President and co-founder of Big Data Healthcare (BDHC), a subsidiary of Fifth Third Bank, in an interview with PYMNTS. By adopting automation, machine learning, and emerging technologies, providers aim to streamline payment processes, reduce errors, and enhance financial management. Automated systems developed by BDHC can match payments to billed amounts in real time by cross-referencing data from electronic claims and remittance files. Integrating electronic health records (EHRs) and electronic medical records (EMRs) with billing systems facilitates seamless data flow and minimizes the need for manual intervention. Puzon emphasized the importance of distinguishing between automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). «Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention,» he explained. Machine learning is suited for predictive analytics like forecasting claim denials, while AI can analyze patterns in claims data to improve decision-making and optimize revenue strategies. Looking ahead, emerging trends such as the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care will require new payment models focused on quality metrics and outcomes. The increasing adoption of digital payments, including mobile wallets and contactless options, is also making healthcare transactions more convenient for patients. Banks play a crucial role in supporting these advancements. Through partnerships with fintech companies like BDHC, they can offer innovative payment solutions tailored to healthcare providers’ and patients’ needs. Financial institutions can also assist with risk management and promote health savings accounts (HSAs) to give patients more options for saving on healthcare expenses. «The future of healthcare payments will be dynamic,» Puzon concluded. «Institutions that embrace technology-driven solutions will emerge as key players in the evolving healthcare ecosystem.»

A recent report from Pairpoint reveals that the in-car payment market has the potential to reach over $580 billion globally by 2030. This would mark an annual growth rate of 130% from 2023 to 2030, driven by the expanding global connected vehicle market, which is expected to grow from 430 million to 895 million vehicles during this period, as reported by The Fintech Times. The report, Fuelling the Future: The $580 Billion In-Car Payment Opportunity, highlights that connectivity is transforming the automotive industry, particularly in payment technology. In-car payments allow users to pay for services like fuel, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and parking directly from their vehicles, eliminating the need for physical cards or mobile apps. According to the study, 70% of respondents believe this technology will be primarily used for automotive services, while 25% see it benefiting e-commerce platforms for goods and services. Pairpoint’s CEO, Jorge Bento, emphasized the role of advanced connectivity in enabling secure, real-time payment functionality for everyday services. Bento stated, “Advanced connectivity is a catalyst for new ways of interacting with modern vehicles. Adding native payment functionality will allow for more secure, real-time, automatic usage of day-to-day services such as parking, EV charging, refueling, and more.” Technologies like SIM cards for vehicle identification, biometric authentication, and other are expected to simplify and secure the user experience. The study stresses the need for a broad and collaborative ecosystem involving automotive and telecom sectors to ensure the success of in-car payments. This push by Pairpoint to integrate payment technology into automobiles aims to streamline everyday vehicle-related transactions while creating new revenue opportunities.

Mastercard is taking a significant step forward in the modernization of payment systems by introducing real-time card payments in South Africa, as stated in FF News. This initiative is aimed at speeding up payment processes and enhancing security, benefiting both businesses and the overall economy. South Africa will be the first market where all merchants accepting Mastercard will enjoy faster payouts, empowering businesses with better cash flow management and quicker access to funds. This advancement aligns with the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) National Payments System Strategy Vision 2025, which highlights the need for evolving payment systems to foster financial inclusion and economic growth. Through this initiative, Mastercard will enable acquiring banks to process payments in real-time. In the future, issuing banks will also be able to offer consumers real-time payment solutions, providing greater transparency and control over their finances. Gabriel Swanepoel, Mastercard’s Country Manager for Southern Africa, emphasized that faster settlement and clearing processes will support small businesses and help acquirers manage liquidity better. In collaboration with ACI Worldwide, a global payments technology provider, Mastercard aims to quickly adopt real-time transaction processing standards across South Africa. This partnership will streamline liquidity for businesses and improve payment experiences for consumers. Mastercard plans to expand this real-time payment system to other regions worldwide, with the goal of connecting 1 billion people to the digital economy by 2025.

Emerging payment networks are transforming the rules of commercial transactions, creating new opportunities for businesses to streamline their payment processes, according to PYMNTS. As these innovations take root, chief financial officers (CFOs) and treasurers are in a prime position to capitalize. Dean M. Leavitt, founder and CEO of Boost Payment Solutions, told that FinTechs and platforms for accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) are reshaping the competitive landscape, driving innovation, and improving efficiency. According to Leavitt, while payment infrastructures have largely remained unchanged, the processes surrounding them have seen significant advancement since 2009. FinTechs have eased much of the friction associated with business-to-business (B2B) payments, giving rise to a competitive ecosystem where new networks are competing to be the preferred intermediaries in B2B transactions. Leavitt emphasized, “Competition drives innovation, and innovation creates expanded opportunities.” One key evolution in B2B payments is the increasing flexibility of modern payment platforms, allowing businesses to tailor payment processes to meet their specific needs. The rise of card-based payments in B2B transactions exemplifies this shift. While cards were once used mainly for travel and entertainment expenses, they now play a crucial role in working capital management. Despite the financial incentives, some suppliers remain skeptical of card payments due to perceived costs and complexities. However, Leavitt notes that once suppliers understand the true benefits, they are more inclined to accept cards. Cards also offer a more reliable cash flow than traditional payment methods, helping to reduce friction in AR processes. Moreover, digitized payments reduce uncertainty for businesses, providing clarity around payment timing and costs, which allows for better decision-making. Leavitt stated that as interest rates drop, card transactions may see renewed emphasis, with financial institutions looking to boost interchange revenue. For businesses, success will depend on staying informed about emerging B2B payment platforms and embracing new payment models to improve cash flow visibility and financial performance. As Leavitt summarized, “The companies that succeed will be the ones that recognize the diverse needs of their buyers and suppliers and adapt their payment strategies accordingly.”

Swedish fintech company Klarna, a prominent name in the «buy now, pay later» (BNPL) sector, has teamed up with Apple to offer new financing options for purchasing Apple products, as stated in Fintech Magazine. With Klarna now an official Apple reseller, the partnership introduces «Apple from Klarna,» allowing consumers to purchase Apple’s latest products starting at $7.99 per month. Klarna’s Co-founder and CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, emphasized their mission of simplifying the consumer journey: “With Apple from Klarna, we are making it easier than ever for our 25 million active US customers to access the latest tech from Apple, giving them greater financial freedom and flexibility.” One standout feature is the introduction of «Upgrade Financing,» which allows customers to either upgrade to newer models or retain their device after completing a loan term, making premium devices more accessible without large upfront costs. Siemiatkowski added, “We’re offering a new way to shop Apple products, giving customers the opportunity to upgrade regularly or own their device outright—whichever best suits their needs.” This collaboration signifies a strategic move for Klarna in the BNPL space and highlights the growing intersection of finance and technology. Klarna is poised to strengthen its foothold in the market by offering flexible payment options, though interest rates may vary based on creditworthiness, with potential APR rates ranging from 0% to 29.99%. As the BNPL model gains momentum, Klarna’s partnership with Apple sets the stage for similar future collaborations in the fintech sector.

Backbase, a global leader in engagement banking software, has announced a significant enhancement to its Engagement Banking Platform with the launch of the Intelligence Fabric. This new addition is designed to help banks fully utilize the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data to improve customer service and operational efficiency, according to FF News. The Intelligence Fabric represents a strategic move by Backbase to address the growing need for banks to provide personalized, responsive, and efficient services in an AI-driven world. It equips banks with the tools to stay competitive by leveraging AI to unlock productivity gains in key areas, such as sales and service operations. Backbase, long known for its innovative banking solutions, has developed a platform that integrates data from core banking systems and payment gateways to create a seamless, customer-first digital banking experience. With the launch of the Intelligence Fabric, the company is placing AI at the core of banking operations. The Intelligence Fabric enables the implementation of Agentic AI, allowing banks to deploy AI agents that can manage various tasks, from simple account inquiries to more complex processes like customer onboarding. These AI agents can access real-time, bank-wide data and deliver highly personalized and contextual responses, streamlining customer journeys. Powered by Backbase’s Grand Central integration platform, the Intelligence Fabric consolidates data from fintech and non-fintech sources into a single platform, providing banks with a unified source of truth. This allows AI agents to draw insights from vast datasets, automating processes that enhance both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Among the key features of the Intelligence Fabric are AI-powered conversational banking, customer lifetime orchestration, and advanced financial insights. These capabilities enable banks to engage customers through AI-driven product recommendations, predictive analytics, and AI-augmented customer support. Additionally, the platform ensures compliance and governance in the use of AI through embedded guardrails. Backbase is focusing its AI efforts on customer support automation and predictive analytics, incorporating advanced capabilities like large language models for conversational banking and AI-powered insights for both retail and SME banking. Backbase CEO Jouk Pleiter commented, “Backbase is leading the way with its AI platform capabilities for banking. The introduction of the Intelligence Fabric marks a pivotal moment in our mission to empower banks to harness the power of data and AI at scale. Today, we are making a massive leap forward in unveiling our Agentic AI strategy. We see a future where AI agents will work autonomously in the background, handling tasks, managing processes, and collaborating with customers and employees.” Backbase CTO Thomas Fuss added, “Our Intelligence Fabric is a game-changer for the banking industry. With native AI capabilities embedded directly inside the Backbase platform, we now provide banks with the infrastructure and developer tooling to seamlessly combine data from various sources, create event-driven systems, and adopt or build AI agents for specific tasks.”

In the evolving landscape of compliance and risk management, staying current with regulatory demands is a significant challenge. Emerging technologies, however, are reshaping this space. A prime example is 4CRisk’s AI-powered compliance tools, which are revolutionizing how organizations handle assessments and streamline compliance operations, as stated in Fintech Global News. The core of this innovation is the 4CRisk Compliance Map, which allows compliance professionals to evaluate their internal control frameworks against external regulations significantly faster—up to 50 times more efficient than traditional manual methods. This tool matches regulatory requirements with internal policies, pinpointing gaps in compliance and offering a clear and actionable format to manage these requirements. The Compliance Map provides clear traceability of obligations to corresponding elements like policies and controls, transforming complex documents into actionable formats. This is critical for identifying compliance coverage gaps and enhancing overall operational efficiency. Another powerful feature of the Compliance Map is its use of AI language models to analyze vast datasets of regulatory documents. These are then broken down into applicable sections and tagged for relevance, improving both understanding and coverage accuracy of the PRC (Policy, Risk, and Control) framework. 4CRisk’s AI capabilities extend to managing compliance operations effectively by generating language suggestions for controls, risk statements, and remedial actions. This automation ensures that existing GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) systems can auto-populate libraries, making it easier for organizations to maintain framework integrity and stay updated. Key Benefits of 4CRisk’s AI-Powered Compliance Map: Proactive Risk Identification: AI-driven data analytics allow early detection and mitigation of potential risks. Smart GRC Linkages: Automated mapping helps create a clear compliance trail, linking regulations to controls. Streamlined Reporting: Automation speeds up data analysis and compliance reporting processes. Agile Adaptation: The system quickly adapts to regulatory updates, keeping controls and policies current. Internal Audit Support: AI proactively assists internal audit teams in addressing threats ahead of time. This partnership between AI, PRC, and GRC technologies is fundamentally transforming compliance management. By leveraging tools like the 4CRisk Compliance Map, organizations can proactively navigate regulatory complexities and foster a more efficient compliance process. For companies utilizing additional 4CRisk products like Regulatory Research and Ask ARIA Co-Pilot, there is an enhanced advantage. These tools help automate policy updates and provide instant AI-generated responses to complex queries, further simplifying compliance management and reducing time spent on document analysis.

The growth of real-time payments is transforming the global financial landscape, with an increasing number of governments, banks, and corporations striving to make these transactions the new standard, according to PYMNTS. The “Real-Time Payments World Map,” produced in collaboration with The Clearing House, details how technological advances and strategic partnerships are driving this change. Though the United States has lagged behind other nations in real-time payments adoption, American banks are working to bridge the gap. First Citizens Bank, for instance, now offers instant payments through the RTP® network, allowing customers to receive funds in their savings and checking accounts in mere seconds. The RTP network provides 24/7 availability and electronic transaction details, offering a faster alternative to traditional ACH and wire transfers. A recent U.S. Bank study shows that more than half of American businesses are already leveraging both the RTP network and FedNow® Service. In Australia, National Australia Bank (NAB) has taken a significant step by integrating international transfers with the domestic real-time payment system. This allows global institutions to send instantaneous Australian dollar payments, bypassing traditional constraints like time zones and banking hours. This integration ensures Australians have faster access to funds. Europe is also seeing rapid advances in cross-border instant payments. In August, Visa partnered with London-based FinTech Revolut to offer cross-border card transfers for Revolut’s business users across 78 countries through Visa Direct. Payments are processed within 30 minutes, supporting over 50 currencies. In Hungary, the National Bank has introduced a new instant payment solution named «qvik.» Built on Hungary’s domestic Instant Payment System, qvik supports QR code payments, NFC technology, and payment links, aiming to streamline transactions for both physical and online stores. Currently, it is available at 5,000 online retailers, focusing initially on mobile card terminals at brick-and-mortar shops. These global initiatives reflect the rapid growth and widespread adoption of real-time payments, aiming to make transactions faster, more efficient, and accessible across various sectors and regions.

Facit Bank, a digital-first institution specializing in deposits and consumer loans, has partnered with Neonomics to implement open banking solutions into their invoicing and payment systems, as stated in Fintech Finance News. This collaboration aims to improve the customer experience by streamlining the payment process and offering highly competitive loan rates through a fully digital platform. «Being a digital-only bank, we’re continuously seeking innovative solutions to deliver a great experience for our customers,» said Christer Nilsson, CEO of Facit Bank Norway. He emphasized that the introduction of Neonomics’ payment services, combined with Link Mobility’s Mobile Invoice, will simplify the payment process and create savings on each transaction. With Neonomics’ open banking Checkout, Facit Bank customers can make payments directly from their bank accounts. Additionally, the «Pay Date» feature allows them to schedule payments in advance, reducing the occurrence of late payments and offering more convenience and security. Christoffer Andvig, CEO of Neonomics, commented, «Facit Bank is a forward-thinking bank, and we’re pleased that they have chosen Neonomics as a partner to implement our Pay by Bank solution, which enhances the user experience by making it more convenient to schedule payments when needed.»