Pricing has always been one of the most powerful levers in eCommerce success, but in recent years it has evolved from a simple number on a product page into a strategic discipline that defines how brands grow.

As competition intensifies and consumers compare prices in seconds, the retailers that thrive are not necessarily those offering the lowest prices, but those that understand how to act on data. The rise of competitive intelligence is reshaping how eCommerce businesses make decisions, turning pricing into a driver of sustainable growth.

From traditional pricing to data-driven competition

For a long time, pricing in eCommerce followed predictable patterns. Retailers relied on static rules or manual updates, reacting to competitor’s moves when it was already too late. What used to work in a slower, less transparent market no longer keeps pace with today’s reality.

Nowadays, winners are those who move from instinct to insight. Modern pricing decisions depend on real-time data that reflects how customers, competitors, and marketplaces behave. This is the foundation of competitive intelligence, which turns pricing from guesswork into a strategic advantage.

Retailers who use intelligent data are not just adjusting numbers. They are analysing the full context of their market, understanding when and why prices shift, and using that visibility to anticipate the next move.

The role of competitive intelligence in modern eCommerce

Competitive intelligence in pricing goes far beyond tracking a few rivals. It combines market analysis, automation, and performance insights to help retailers make better decisions every day. Through structured data collection and analysis, eCommerce managers can:

• Detect new competitors before they start affecting sales
• Monitor pricing patterns across categories, channels, and regions
• Identify margin opportunities and pricing gaps that others overlook
• Benchmark product positioning and understand how customers perceive value

This type of visibility transforms pricing from a reactive task into a proactive growth lever. Businesses that build this capability can act faster, adapt their pricing with confidence, and protect both competitiveness and profitability.

Why competitive pricing strategies are driving growth

Pricing has shifted from being a background function to one of the main sources of eCommerce growth. Every adjustment sends a message about a brand’s value, positioning, and trustworthiness.

A competitive pricing strategy powered by intelligence is not about racing to the bottom. It is about finding the right balance between being attractive and being profitable. When supported by reliable market data, retailers can:

• Increase conversion rates by aligning with customer expectations
• Preserve profit margins even in crowded marketplaces
• Strengthen brand credibility through transparent and consistent pricing

In practice, competitive intelligence allows eCommerce teams to compete on strategy rather than instinct, turning pricing into an engine for expansion instead of a daily challenge.

Intelligent monitoring tools as a growth enabler

Technology has made this evolution possible. Intelligent monitoring tools give retailers access to a real-time view of the market, helping them make data-based decisions at scale.
These platforms can analyse thousands of products simultaneously, detect pricing movements instantly, and highlight the patterns behind those shifts. Rather than reacting days later, eCommerce managers can respond within minutes, maintaining control over their margins and market position.

A good example is using a price intelligence tool to identify opportunities, and apply pricing rules across different channels. The result is greater clarity, faster reactions, and a more strategic use of data to support growth.

Preparing for the future of eCommerce pricing

The future of pricing in eCommerce will be defined by intelligence and adaptability. Artificial intelligence and automation are opening the door to new models such as predictive pricing, personalised offers, and cross-channel alignment.

Retailers that begin integrating competitive intelligence now will be better equipped for what is coming. The goal is not only to follow market trends but to understand them deeply enough to anticipate change.

Pricing has moved from being a routine task to becoming one of the most strategic areas in eCommerce. The retailers that treat data as a growth asset and embrace intelligent monitoring will set the pace for the next stage of digital retail.

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PayPal has announced today its decision to adopt the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) with the objective of offering its payment services within the ChatGPT platform by OpenAI, thereby becoming the first mainstream wallet to become available within the popular AI tool. This strategic collaboration seeks to integrate PayPal’s capabilities in order to facilitate direct transactions within the conversational environment powered by the artificial intelligence of Sam Altman’s company.

“From chat to purchase in just a few taps”

According to the announcement, the integration will allow millions of ChatGPT users to shop online using their PayPal accounts. In this way, PayPal will support payment processing for merchants who implement the OpenAI Instant Checkout functionality. A key aspect of this initiative is the connection between PayPal’s global network of merchants and OpenAI, which will enable “tens of millions of small businesses and large brands” to sell their products directly within ChatGPT.

The president and CEO of PayPal, Alex Chriss, noted that this partnership will enable PayPal to drive commerce experiences that make it easier for users to transition “from chat to purchase in just a few taps”.

What does this all ***** mean?

This Agentic Commerce Protocol is an open standard that OpenAI has developed alongside the payment infrastructure company Stripe, and it is intended to connect AI agents with buyers and merchants. In this way, agents can reason and understand purchase information logically and in an organized manner, as well as interact with merchant systems and their tools. All of this occurs while keeping the customer informed in real time.

Now, let us clarify some of these concepts a bit. 😉

Currently, the Instant Checkout function operates under a model of assisted or semi-agentic purchasing:

• The human asks: “I want a pair of red running shoes for under $100.”
• The agent (AI) searches: ChatGPT displays three options from connected merchants (Etsy, Shopify, etc.).
• The human selects and authorizes: The human chooses the shoes and clicks the “Buy” button.

In this workflow, the selection is made by the user, but the payment and checkout process (entering shipping address, payment method, confirming the purchase) is performed using the ACP structure, without leaving the chat. PayPal’s integration will allow users to use their PayPal wallet during this conversational checkout, avoiding the need to complete forms on an external website.

However, the ACP is designed so that in the future, the process will be fully autonomous:

• The human delegates: “ChatGPT, automatically purchase tickets for that concert as soon as they go on sale.”
• The agent (AI) executes: The AI waits, buys the tickets, and completes the payment with PayPal using credentials delegated by the user.

That is, the integration of PayPal within the ACP ensures that anyone wishing to purchase a product displayed by ChatGPT (the “human form” of selection) will be able to pay using PayPal, since PayPal has adopted the technical standard that governs this conversational payment process. It serves as the gateway for both types of commerce.

Implementation, Timeline, and Availability

The underlying direct purchase feature, Instant Checkout (powered by the ACP), was initially launched in the United States, where it is already available to ChatGPT users (including Plus, Pro, and free plans). At present, the feature is enabled with sellers on Etsy, with plans to expand to merchants on Shopify.

Full integration of PayPal is planned so that by 2026, ACP will enable product catalogs from businesses within PayPal’s network to be incorporated into ChatGPT. This phase will allow millions of products to be discovered and purchased through artificial intelligence.

In terms of geographic scope, although the Instant Checkout feature is currently limited to the United States, progressive global expansion is anticipated. PayPal’s participation in the ACP and its worldwide presence suggest that the payment option will be extended to other key international markets following the initial rollout.

Much More than Payments without Leaving ChatGPT

Users will have access to multiple financing options (bank accounts, available balance, and cards) without leaving the chat, and will additionally benefit from PayPal’s buyer and seller protections.

PayPal will play a crucial role in the payment infrastructure of ChatGPT. On one hand, it will support OpenAI’s Instant Checkout function by utilizing a delegated payments API to manage the processing of those transactions made with credit or debit cards. On the other hand, and for merchants, PayPal will operate as an “ACP server.” This role will enable it to facilitate mass connection of product catalogs from its network and handle all complex technical tasks, such as order routing, payment validation, and transaction orchestration, thereby eliminating the need for each seller to carry out individual technical integration with the platform.

Finally, PayPal reported that its partnership with OpenAI also includes the expansion of its own AI strategy, encompassing the scaling of access to ChatGPT Enterprise for its more than 24,000 employees and the increased direct use of OpenAI’s APIs to accelerate product development and optimize customer experiences.

Image: Gemini

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PayPal and Mercado Pago are leading the launch of PayPal World, a digital platform that integrates wallets and payment systems from around the globe and will add over two billion digital users from its inception.

This is an interoperable network that connects platforms such as Mercado Pago, Venmo, UPI (India), and Tenpay Global (China), with the objective of simplifying international payments and transfers in an efficient and accessible manner. With this change, users will be able to make both physical and online purchases, send money, or pay globally from their local application—without the need to switch apps, open an additional account, or face currency restrictions.

What is PayPal World and how does it work?

PayPal World is a global platform launched by PayPal that links the most relevant payment systems worldwide, becoming a type of universal wallet for international transactions. In its initial phase, it will include PayPal, Venmo, Mercado Pago, India’s UPI, and Tenpay Global—the cross-border payment platform of Tencent—creating seamless interoperability among them.

This means, for example, that a Mercado Pago user will be able to shop at international stores using their balance in pesos or euros without having to open PayPal, scan a QR code in China created with Weixin Pay and pay directly from the PayPal or Venmo app with automatic currency conversion, or send money to users of Venmo or PayPal in other parts of the world as easily as sending a text message.

Although the partnership has already been confirmed, the official launch is scheduled for the end of 2025, with a gradual rollout in selected markets during the following six months.

Advantages for users and businesses

For users, the partnership between PayPal and Mercado Pago represents a quiet yet powerful revolution. They will be able to continue using their usual digital wallet to shop anywhere in the world, without the need to open new accounts or deal with cumbersome currency conversions. Sending money abroad will become as easy as making a local transfer, and paying at an online store in the United States or at a café in Tokyo will no longer be a complicated process but as natural as making a daily purchase.

On the other hand, businesses will be able to accept payments from multiple wallets—including PayPal, Venmo, and Mercado Pago—without the need for additional technical integrations or expensive adaptation processes. This interoperability supports small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to sell to foreign customers without complications, and opens the door to millions of new clients in international markets, broadening their business opportunities with a single connection.

As Osvaldo Giménez, CEO of Mercado Pago, explained to the Argentine news outlet La Nación, “We intend to simplify cross-border payments and make the process as simple as paying in your neighborhood,” he noted. On PayPal’s side, its CEO, Alex Chriss, affirms that “This is only the beginning of a truly global and inclusive payments network.”

Photo: PayPal

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The French payment processing giant Worldline is currently at the center of an international journalistic investigation for allegedly systematically concealing its clients’ fraud, prioritizing financial gain over crime prevention. An extensive report, the result of collaboration between the Dutch outlet NRC and twenty other news organizations within the European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) network, exposes a series of questionable practices that reportedly enabled thousands of consumers to be defrauded.

The publication of these findings has led to a substantial decline in the company’s share value and has called its compliance practices into question. On Wednesday, Worldline shares plummeted by as much as 35% of their value, reaching a historic low. Worldline is one of the largest payment processors in Europe, with $550 billion in transactions managed annually.

This latest drop concludes a downward trend over the past five years, during which the company has lost more than 90% of its market valuation.

Manipulation of figures and high-risk clients

According to the investigation, Worldline, despite internal warnings from its own risk department, allegedly made a deliberate choice to retain clients with significant fraud records due to the substantial revenue they generated.

The report details how the company is said to have used various tactics to manipulate fraud statistics, including moving clients with high rates of fraudulent activity between different divisions to “make the numbers look better” and comply with the standards of companies such as Visa. Among the most notable cases is Emerchantpay (EMP), a financial intermediary that, despite accounting for 40% of fraud cases in one of Worldline’s divisions, was exempt from strict control measures.

[Update 06/30/2025: Emerchantpay contacted Marketing4eCommerce to provide us with the following statements:

«We are aware of recent media allegations relating to the processing of transactions for online merchants, to which emerchantpay Ltd has been linked, and which we believe fundamentally misrepresent the facts. We take such matters extremely seriously. We have initiated an internal review to understand the full context of the claims to ensure we respond appropriately.

To date, we have not been contacted by any regulatory authority regarding any investigation or finding. Should that occur, we remain fully cooperative and transparent.

Emerchantpay Ltd is a fully licensed and regulated Electronic Money Institution (EMI), authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We have always operated – and continue to operate – in full compliance with all applicable laws, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations. Periodic audits and reviews performed on emerchantpay Ltd. by the card schemes and independent external auditors over the past few years support that statement».]

In response to the accusations, Worldline explained that “when the Group identifies evidence of non-compliance situations, immediate additional controls are performed, which may result in the termination of the client relationship. The Executive Board and Board of Directors of Worldline are fully committed to strict compliance with regulations and risk prevention standards, and to the rigorous application of the standards and procedures related to zero tolerance.”

In any case, Worldline has allegedly accepted new ‘high-risk’ clients (companies in the gaming industry, adult entertainment, and online casinos) introduced by EMP without conducting adequate verification, contravening internal warnings regarding the risks of money laundering and the potential loss of its license. An internal Worldline investigation into EMP uncovered signs of money laundering and a “secret” network of clients with no legal existence.

Although it is not illegal per se to process payments for these sectors, the regulations require exhaustive and enhanced monitoring to ensure they are not used for illicit activities. The accusation suggests that Worldline either did not implement or failed to implement these controls properly.

The Dutch subsidiary of Worldline, Global Collect Services, is also under scrutiny. The report reveals that GCS accepted an Indian telemarketing company with a record of fraudulent software sales, even after another payments company, Adyen, had refused it as a client. The information indicates that Worldline was warned about this client as early as 2007 due to “suspicions of pornography” and high rates of payment reversals, but chose to maintain the commercial relationship.

Profits VS Prevention

The investigation points to a clear internal tension within Worldline between risk management and commercial objectives. In 2020, the company’s risk committee expressed concern over possible Visa sanctions relating to high fraud rates. Although it was recommended to remove clients with more than 10% of their revenue from fraudulent activities, the commercial division objected, citing a potential loss of $41.8 million. The decision ultimately favored profits, leading to the relocation of fraudulent clients within other divisions instead of severing ties.

In response to the investigation, Worldline has issued an official statement.

Worldline operates within a demanding and ever-evolving regulatory environment, particularly concerning sectors designated as high brand risk (HBR), such as online casinos, online brokerage, or adult dating services.

Since 2023, the Group has strengthened its risk framework for merchants in order to ensure full compliance with all laws and regulations. Additionally, it has conducted a comprehensive review of its HBR merchant portfolio—which currently represents approximately 1.5% of its acquired volumes—and has ended commercial relationships deemed non-compliant with its enhanced risk framework for merchants. As indicated in prior financial communications, these decisions affected merchants representing $143 million in annual recurring revenue for 2024. For reference, according to the latest reports from international schemes, Worldline’s fraud rate is below the industry average.

All HBR clients that remain active in this portfolio are now subject to enhanced monitoring, following specific procedures. Additional requirements have been introduced in terms of controls, verifications, and supporting documentation to ensure ongoing alignment with regulatory obligations and with our improved internal standards. Worldline has progressively increased its first and second line resources to implement these enhanced requirements as part of the Group-level Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) strategy, aiming to further strengthen monitoring and controls through regular interaction with relevant regulatory authorities.

This case highlights a growing concern among European regulatory authorities. Both the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) have warned of the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing in the payment processor sector.

The DNB has intensified its supervision, recognizing that payment processors often serve clients that have been rejected by traditional banks and present greater complexity in international payment chains.

Image: Worldline

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On March 11, the European Union adopted the “VAT in the Digital Age” (ViDA) package, a series of reforms aimed at modernizing and digitizing the Value Added Tax (VAT) system in the EU. These measures seek to improve efficiency in tax collection and adapt to the challenges of the digital economy.

In this article, we review the main changes and their implementation dates.

​Electronic invoicing and digital reporting requirements

From the entry into force of the package (that is, already in effect), EU member states may implement mandatory electronic invoicing for domestic B2B and B2C transactions without the need for prior authorization from the European Commission, as long as these measures are limited to taxpayers established in their territory.

As of July 1, 2030, electronic invoicing will be mandatory for intra-community B2B transactions (that is, between companies from different EU countries). Furthermore, this obligation will also apply to those transactions where the reverse charge mechanism will be applicable. This mechanism is used when the responsibility for paying VAT is not the seller’s, but rather the buyer’s (as in some sectors where tax fraud is intended to be prevented).

In practical terms, this means that:

• Every invoice between companies within the EU must be generated and transmitted electronically in a standardized format.
• In certain cases where the buyer assumes the responsibility for VAT (instead of the seller), it will also be mandatory to issue the invoice electronically.

Businesses registered for VAT purposes will have to issue structured electronic invoices in an EU standard format within 10 days after the supply of goods or services (or payment, if it occurs earlier).

Before January 1, 2035, the existing national electronic invoicing systems before 2024 must be fully harmonized with EU standards.

How it was before

Previously, recapitulative statements of cross-border sales were carried out monthly or quarterly, which caused delays that could be exploited to commit fraud. As María Elena Scoppio, Director of Indirect Taxation and Tax Administration, explains, “With ViDA, cross-border sales and purchases will be recorded almost in real time, and the data will be automatically sent to tax administrations, improving the detection and response capability against fraudulent activities.”

Changes in transportation and accommodation platforms

Starting from July 1, 2028 (voluntary phase) and January 1, 2030 (mandatory), digital platforms facilitating short-term accommodation rental and passenger transportation services will be considered responsible for collecting and remitting VAT in certain transactions, for example, because they are individual suppliers or small businesses not required to register for VAT. This seeks to ensure fair competition with traditional providers.

Single VAT registration for cross-border sales

From January 1, 2027, the One Stop Shop (OSS) system and the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system will be expanded so that businesses selling to consumers throughout the EU can register once for VAT purposes and fulfill their obligations across the Union. This measure aims to significantly reduce the administrative burden and compliance costs for businesses operating in multiple Member States with fewer procedures.

• Europe wants to restrict “low value” packages from abroad: Shein and Temu, the most affected

Why these changes have been approved

To contextualize the approval of these new measures, the European Commission explains that in 2020, EU countries lost approximately 99 billion euros in VAT revenue, of which it is estimated that a quarter was directly due to fraud related to intra-community trade.

Moreover, they assert that current VAT provisions can be complex and cumbersome for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, and those operating cross-border. Official bodies expect that the key actions proposed in ViDA will help EU countries collect up to 18 billion euros more in VAT revenue annually, of which 11 billion euros would come from anti-fraud measures.

On the other hand, the new measures will reduce administrative and compliance costs for EU traders by more than 4,1 billion euros annually over the next ten years. Additionally, it ensures that, over time, existing national systems converge across the EU and paves the way for countries wishing to introduce national digital reporting systems for domestic trade to do so.

Photo: European Commission

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On March 31, 2025, the new version 4.0 of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS v4.0) will come into effect. It is a set of measures designed to enhance the security of digital transactions and combat the growing number of cyberattacks. In response to this challenge, Shopify has announced that its platform is already prepared to ensure regulatory compliance, allowing merchants to focus on growing their businesses without additional concerns.

A new standard to curb online fraud

The update of the PCI DSS standard, driven by the PCI Security Standards Council and supported by major credit card companies, introduces stricter controls against digital skimming, one of the most dangerous threats in eCommerce. This type of attack allows cybercriminals to steal credit card data directly from the payment pages of online businesses, significantly impacting consumer security.

In addition to protection against skimming, PCI DSS v4.0 requires merchants to conduct more frequent audits, maintain a more detailed record of implemented security measures, and have faster response times to cybersecurity incidents. These measures aim to strengthen user confidence in online shopping, in a context where global losses from cybercrime are projected to exceed $16.500 million USD by 2029, according to Statista.

PCI DSS was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, formed by companies such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB, with the goal of reducing fraud and improving security in digital transactions. For online stores, complying with PCI DSS is not optional but a fundamental requirement for processing card payments. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties, payment processing restrictions, and, most critically, a loss of customer trust in the event of a data breach.

Shopify: hassle-free security for merchants

For many businesses, adapting to these new requirements can pose a costly challenge in terms of time and resources, especially those lacking integrated security solutions. However, Shopify has developed an infrastructure designed to ensure automatic compliance with the standard, offering an advanced and customizable checkout that protects customer payment data.

“Our platform is designed to anticipate regulatory changes and facilitate security without merchants having to worry about the technical details,” explained Ilya Grigorik, Distinguished Engineer at Shopify. “We get involved in the development of global standards and ensure that all merchants operating with Shopify comply with security requirements from the outset.”

With this initiative, Shopify seeks to establish itself as a strategic ally for online merchants, eliminating the complexity of regulatory compliance and allowing businesses to focus on what truly matters: selling and growing in a secure digital environment.

Image: Flux Schnell

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Payment management in eCommerce continues to evolve, and Zru, the Spanish payment orchestration platform, has taken another step forward by launching its mobile application. Available for iOS and Android, this tool allows businesses to manage their operations from anywhere with total flexibility. The app is available in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.

Centralized and frictionless management

Zru aims to provide an agile and optimized experience across all devices, allowing users to operate just as easily from a mobile phone or tablet as they would on the desktop version. Its interface is designed to process refunds, create payment links, and pause or add payment methods in real time.

Isabel Martín, Business Development Director at Zru, explains: “Today, teams need to simplify and centralize payment management. Our app allows them to do so efficiently from any device, ensuring a seamless operation.”

Key features of the Zru app

Just like its desktop version, Zru offers payment teams the following benefits:

• Everything in one place: Manage all payments from a single platform, including refunds, card charges, and centralized operations.
• Easily add payment methods: Businesses can integrate various payment methods (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Stripe, Adyen, Klarna, among others) with just one click, making it easier for customers to choose their preferred option.
• Avoid failures and improve conversion with orchestration: Zru allows multiple payment processors and PSPs to work simultaneously, helping reduce issues like declined cards, increase completed sales, and optimize transaction costs.
• Clear, real-time data: The platform provides up-to-date information on transactions, allowing teams to track business performance and make quick decisions.
• Fast payment link creation: Businesses can quickly generate and send payment links via email, messages, or SMS, facilitating special orders or out-of-store sales.

The importance of payment orchestration in eCommerce

• What is payment orchestration?

In today’s digital landscape, eCommerce and marketplaces face numerous challenges when managing payments: multiple payment methods, various processing platforms, and the need to minimize friction for both users and businesses.

Payment orchestrators, such as Zru, serve as key solutions by providing a unified platform where all these variables can be managed effortlessly. This not only improves the customer experience but also saves businesses time and resources in handling transactions.

Isabel Martín highlights: “For an eCommerce business, using Zru means managing payments at scale without losing control over the customer experience. Our platform helps reduce errors, improve response times, and provide a smooth, adaptable payment operation for any business.”

In a world where consumers demand fast and frictionless payments, having a tool that simplifies these processes is crucial to staying competitive.

Zru continues to innovate and adapt in the payments sector, offering businesses a comprehensive solution accessible from any device. Its new app marks a significant step forward, making payment management more efficient in the daily operations of companies.

If you haven’t yet integrated Zru into your business, you can reach out to one of their payment experts to learn how the platform can optimize your operations.

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In a payment landscape that is becoming more fragmented and complex, payment orchestration emerges as a critical tool for optimizing the management of online payments. But what exactly is payment orchestration, and how can it help businesses enhance their operational efficiency?

What is Payment Orchestration

Payment orchestration is the process of managing and routing payments through various payment processors and payment service providers (PSP) based on predefined rules customized to each business’s needs. This technology enables businesses to improve conversion rates, reduce costs, and enhance the end-user payment experience.

A Payment Orchestration Platform allows companies to:

• Route payments through the most effective processor based on predefined criteria such as country, brand, card type, transaction amount, etc.
• Set up alternative processors if a transaction is declined by the primary PSP. In cases of “false declines” or false rejections, it allows for processing the payment through another processor to prevent the payment from being rejected.
• Decide when to activate the 3DS protocol, based on variables like the card’s country of origin.
• Automatically block high-risk transactions using criteria such as BIN, card region, etc.

Advantages of Payment Orchestration

Ecommerce in Europe is rapidly growing (now reaching $975.7 billion) and is expected to triple by 2030, surpassing three trillion transactions globally.

Additionally, there is a large number of PSPs and entities that facilitate card processing. Today, businesses can request and use Virtual Point of Sale (POS) systems from various providers, allowing further optimization of their payment management and adapting to their specific business needs.

Using orchestration helps merchants to:

• Increase the conversion rate: By reducing rejections and processing errors, approval rates can improve by up to 20%.
• Reduce costs: By routing payments through the most profitable or suitable PSP for each case.
• Limit fraud: By setting rules to validate specific transactions based on the card’s BIN or country of issuance.
• Centralized management: Allows managing multiple PSPs and processors from a single panel, simplifying administration and technical maintenance.

Orchestration allows companies to optimize their payment strategies. Without a payment orchestration platform, businesses would need to connect to each PSP and create technology that enables payment routing.

An orchestration platform simplifies this process by automatically directing transactions to the most suitable processor, thereby improving operational efficiency and user experience.

ZRU, the Payment Orchestration Platform

ZRU is a Spanish payment management platform that, in addition to being connected with over 120 alternative payment methods, enables orchestration between more than 15 processors and PSPs (Redsys, Stripe, Adyen, Global Payments, WorldPay, Cecabank, etc).

Thanks to its orchestration functionality, merchants can create rules to automatically route each card payment with just a few clicks from the panel.

It is important to highlight that orchestration is completely imperceptible to the buyer, as it is conducted technically in the background without interfering with the shopping experience.

The technical process happens in the background, ensuring it does not disrupt the payment experience.
When a customer enters their card information on the payment screen, ZRU collects this data and automatically forwards it to the chosen processor based on the pre-set orchestration rules. This setup guarantees a quick, smooth, and seamless payment process for the user.

ZRU enables merchants to:

Set up routing rules

ZRU facilitates the creation of sophisticated payment pathways according to various criteria. For example:

• Domestic cards: Process payments with Spanish cards through local processors like Redsys to benefit from competitive rates.
• International cards: Direct them to global processors like Stripe or Adyen, which might offer better acceptance rates for these transactions.
• Payment types: Enhance recurring payments with specialized PSPs to reduce the chances of automatic charge declines.
• By issuing bank: Route transactions to the processor associated with the card issuer, such as sending BBVA cards to BBVA’s processor.

Configure backup processors

The platform allows merchants to set up alternative processors that activate if the primary processor rejects a transaction. This minimizes the risk of false declines and increases the likelihood of successful payments. Thus, if the initial processor fails, the payment is automatically retried with another pre-defined PSP.

Analyze and optimize

ZRU provides metrics and analytics to assess the performance of each PSP, ensuring each payment takes the most efficient route possible.

By integrating multiple payment processors and defining intelligent pathways, ZRU reduces the risk of false declines, optimizes acceptance rates, and enhances the customer experience. This approach not only boosts revenue and conversion rates but also prevents sales loss due to payment processing issues, offering a robust and adaptable payment system tailored to the needs of each business.

Choosing a payment orchestration platform

It is crucial to select a platform that offers comprehensive and flexible configuration. Aside from facilitating the integration of various payment methods and PSPs, a platform like ZRU also provides additional features such as:

• Connections to alternative, local, and global payment methods: purchase financing, Apple Pay, Google Pay, payment initiation, etc.
• Management of all transactions, regardless of the processor or payment method used: full refunds, partial refunds, real-time information, etc.
• Payment links for collection.
• Customizable checkout options.
• Subscriptions, one-time payments, and card tokenizations for future charges.
• Easy integration through plugins (WordPress, Magento, Bubble, etc.) and libraries.

Conclusion

Payment orchestration is an essential technology for companies aiming to maximize payment processing efficiency, improve conversion rates, and reduce operational costs. In a fast-paced market, utilizing a payment orchestration platform like ZRU is not just a competitive advantage; it is key to turning payments into a strategic growth tool.

In today’s fast-paced environment, where every moment is crucial, employing a payment orchestration platform like ZRU is not just about gaining a competitive edge; it is essential for turning payment processes into a strategic instrument for business growth.

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Bunq is a European neobank based in Amsterdam, founded in 2012 with the intention of transforming banking, one of the most traditional sectors in the market, by focusing on placing the user at the center of every transaction. It is currently the second-largest neobank in the EU, with over 14.5 million users, and has had a presence in Spain since 2021.

Since then, it has been gaining market share. Now, to accelerate this growth, it has partnered with Glovo to reach spanish public.

Following the financial crisis of 2008, Ali Niknam, a Dutch entrepreneur and founder of the internet service provider TransIP, set out to revolutionize the traditional banking industry with a new technological approach. To achieve this, he, along with a team of pioneering tech experts, founded Bunq in 2012 with the goal of helping users save time and money through innovative digital banking solutions, by placing their needs and experiences at the center. In 2016, Bunq took a decisive step in its evolution by beginning its expansion across the rest of Europe.

By 2018, Bunq turned its attention to businesses and launched Bunq Premium and Bunq Business, two premium and business account options designed to meet the needs of companies through enhanced features and benefits. Later, in 2020, the fintech introduced various updates and sustainable features (Bunq Travel Card 2.0, Bunq Premium SuperGreen, and Bunq Easy Green), and in 2021, it activated Bunq SuperGreen, a membership that allows users to offset their carbon footprint through their banking activity.

Bunq refers to itself as the “Bank of the Free” highlighting the idea that the future of banking is moving towards a place where customers increasingly seek sustainable options. The company is committed to a green, inclusive, and diverse future for everyone.

One of the measures Bunq employs to promote sustainability is planting a tree for every €1,000 spent by a Bunq user (€100 for Easy Bank Pro XL), through a partnership with Veritree.

In 2021, Bunq achieved unicorn status, becoming a billion-dollar company, thanks to its first investment partner, Pollen Street Capital. In 2023, Bunq expanded its ambitions by applying for a banking license in the United States, marking its entry into the American market.

What advantages does Bunq have

Currently, in addition to banking and mobile banking services, Bunq offers a wide range of functionalities, ranging from instant payments to personalized savings tools, including:

• Spending statistics and account reports: This feature allows users to analyze spending habits and create personalized savings plans.
• Location-based card protection: The card can only be used when it is near its owner.
• Finn, an AI-powered personal assistant: It can provide personalized advice on finances and budgeting, as well as recommend restaurants and bars.
• Travel assistant: Offers financial advice while traveling, informs about currency exchange rates, and provides tips on different countries.
• Joint account access: Allows two people to manage the same account.
• Stocks feature: Designed to facilitate investment in companies.
• eSIM: Aimed at frequent travelers to provide internet access in over 160 countries, saving on roaming costs.

Bunq places particular emphasis on catering to travelers and digital nomads. As Bianca Zwart explains, “we are very focused on making life easier for digital nomads: people who work remotely, travel the world, and need a bank that supports their borderless lifestyle.

Typically, digital nomads enjoy flexible schedules, have above-average incomes, and are digital natives. They are independent, always seeking new experiences and adventures that help them grow. To empower them and enable them to live the life they want, Bunq listens very carefully to their feedback to build a product they love to use, allowing them to move freely. An international bank that makes them feel local, no matter where they are.”

Bunq partners with Glovo in Spain

As part of its expansion strategy, Bunq has entered into a partnership with Glovo, offering exclusive discounts to customers who place orders on Glovo and pay with Bunq cards. Through this collaboration, Bunq users can enjoy a discount of up to €10 on their first three orders, totaling up to €30 in savings.

This partnership, which has been active since September 1 and will continue for the rest of the year, aims to boost Bunq’s market penetration and establish itself as a popular payment alternative on Glovo. The initiative has been successful: since the collaboration began, Bunq has tripled its market share as a payment method on the platform. According to the company, “our users are taking advantage of the three discounts in less than a week on average.”

Bianca Zwart, Chief of Staff at Bunq, stated, “The campaign has been a resounding success. Both Glovo and Bunq are companies with a mission to use technology to simplify people’s lives, and this partnership gave us the opportunity to introduce Bunq to Glovo users, allowing them to experience firsthand the benefits of using a bank that is designed and developed based on their needs and desires.”

Eugenio Corell, Country Manager of Bunq in Spain, explains, “We want our users’ routines to be simple, quick, and transparent, without any complications. Working with Glovo is a privilege. Everyone knows and uses Glovo for one of the best moments of the day.”

Why Spain

Bunq also highlights the potential of Spain as “one of the key destinations for digital nomads from around the world,” making this market significant for the company. However, their ambitions for the coming year extend even further.

“So far, we have seen incredible growth in this country: in 2023, we doubled our customer base, and in 2024, we are on track to achieve similar results. In fact, we have doubled down on our efforts in Spain by expanding our local team and working on product updates that will further enhance the experience for our users in Spain. Our global goals are to expand beyond the EU, primarily into the United Kingdom and the United States, and continue developing the best possible product for our customers,” concludes Bianca Zwart.

 Image: Flux Schnell and Bunq

The post History of Bunq: the second-largest neobank in the European Union arrives in Spain appeared first on Marketing4eCommerce English.

The ZBD Gen Z Payments Study, coducted by Atomik Research on behalf of ZBD payments company offers new insights into Generation Z’s preferences regarding payments, banking, and fintech. It is a report based on a survey of more than 2,000 young people aged 18 to 27 in the U.S. and the U.K.

This in-depth research highlights that 86% of young people in this generation consider the use of cashback and loyalty rewards important when making a purchase, and 99% value financial education.

Generation Z is an emerging economic giant

Generation Z is set to become the largest and wealthiest generation in history. Although this generation has grown up as digital natives, it is a mistake to assume they only opt for new methods. According to the study, young people between the ages of 18 and 27 not only use digital payment methods like apps (45%) and digital wallets (48%), but they also continue to use debit cards (62%) and cash (57%). Surprisingly, these figures have surpassed the use of credit cards (41%), revealing a more diverse financial behavior than one might expect.

This generation seeks flexibility in their finances, combining both traditional and emerging methods. While they invest in cryptocurrencies (24%) at similar rates to stocks (22%), 35% of them trust traditional banks more than neobanks (5%), showing a preference for security.

One of the most significant findings is the overwhelming interest of young people in cashback and loyalty rewards. 86% of respondents see this as an essential factor when making purchasing decisions. Additionally, 70% expect to earn rewards by using apps or playing video games, highlighting a clear trend towards the gamification of payments and loyalty strategies.

Financial education is another key priority, with 99% of young people stating that it is important. Interestingly, they learn more about financial management from family members (47%) than from schools or educational programs (29%). This disconnect between formal education and real-world financial knowledge suggests an opportunity for fintech companies to offer engaging educational content.

Credit cards are less used among GenZ

The use of credit cards is declining among Generation Z. Thanks to options like buy now, pay later (BNPL) and new reward models that better fit their needs. This, combined with the growing adoption of apps and services like Google Pay or Apple Pay, has pushed credit cards out of the spotlight in the payment landscape.

Despite the popularity of these digital methods, traditional banks still hold the trust of young people. 35% preferring these types of financial institutions over neobanks, which are preferred by only 5%. This data underscores that while Gen Z embraces digital solutions, they do not do so at the expense of the perceived security offered by conventional banks.

When it comes to investments, 67% of Generation Z respondents already have at least one investment. Cryptocurrencies (24%) are slightly more popular than traditional stocks (22%). 82% believe that owning tangible assets is important, and 69% are confident that they will be able to purchase a home one day.

This study highlights the importance of offering multichannel and flexible proposals that reward the time and money Generation Z spends on platforms.

As Ben Cousens, ZBD’s Chief Strategy Officer, points out: “Our research shows that Gen Z is far from unreachable for the financial services industry; however, it’s true that there’s no one single touchpoint for them. What’s clear is that they expect their engagement with and loyalty to retailers, merchants, platforms and providers to be meaningfully rewarded, not just acknowledged. This paradigm shift is both being powered by and is set to radically alter the payments and fintech landscape, and is why we’ve labeled Gen Z ‘The Reward(ed) Generation’. As an industry, we need a diverse, multichannel proposition that – crucially – rewards Gen Z for the time and money they spend with us.”

Image: Flux

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