The Payments Newsletter: September 2025
Welcome to the September edition of Bottomline’s Payments Newsletter. Each month, we explore the latest trends, insights, and innovations shaping the future of payments.
Have a topic you'd like us to cover next? Drop your suggestions in the comments, and we’ll pass them along to our experts for future editions.
The Strategic Value of Bank Partnerships in the Digital Payment Landscape
In today’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem, banks are navigating a seismic shift driven by digital transformation, rising customer expectations, and intensifying competition from fintechs. As traditional models of service delivery face mounting pressure, financial institutions are increasingly turning to strategic partnerships to stay ahead. This article explores how collaborations between banks and technology providers (particularly in the realm of digital payments) are unlocking new efficiencies, enhancing security, and delivering greater value to commercial clients. From automating accounts payable to combating sophisticated fraud threats, these alliances are reshaping the future of banking and redefining what it means to be competitive in a digital-first world. Read it here.
Instant B2B Payments Rely on Partnerships as the FedNow® Service Turns Two
As the FedNow® Service marks its second anniversary, the landscape of B2B payments is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. While real-time payment rails like FedNow and RTP® promise speed and liquidity, their true potential hinges on something less technical but equally critical: partnerships. From fintech collaborations to ERP integrations, the success of instant payments in the B2B space depends on a network of aligned players working together to overcome adoption barriers, educate end users, and modernize legacy systems. In this article, we explore how strategic alliances are shaping the future of instant payments, and why the next phase of growth will be defined not just by technology, but by trust and collaboration. Read it here.
Driving ROI with Embedded Payments
What if payments could do more than just... pay? In this Payments Podcast episode, Paul McMeekin sits down with Bill Wardwell II from Coupa to explore how embedded payments are shaking up the finance world. They discuss how Coupa and Bottomline are teaming up to help businesses streamline supplier payments, reduce fraud, and unlock ROI, all while keeping the user experience smooth and seamless. Plus, Bill shares his top tips on turning payments into a strategic advantage. Listen here. Or search for The Payments Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Simplifying Complex ACH Tax and Child Support Payments for Banks and FIs
Navigating the intricacies of ACH tax and child support payments has long been a challenge for banks and financial institutions. With over 3,300 U.S. tax authorities, each with its own unique requirements, and a fragmented regulatory landscape, the risk of costly errors and penalties looms large. Add to that the complexity of child support payments, governed by a maze of federal, state, and local mandates, and it’s clear that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. This article explores how banks and FIs can streamline these processes, reduce risk, and enhance compliance by leveraging expert partnerships and smarter payment technologies. Read it here.
"Co-opetition" Finds Payments Competitors Partnering for Growth
In the fast-moving world of payments, rivals are becoming unlikely allies. It might sound counterintuitive, competitors teaming up, but in today’s digital-first economy, collaboration is proving to be a powerful strategy. This phenomenon, known as "𝘤𝘰-𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯", is reshaping the payments landscape, where banks, fintechs, and tech providers are discovering that working together can unlock innovation, expand market reach, and better serve customers. So, what’s driving this shift from competition to collaboration? And how are these partnerships fueling growth in an industry known for fierce rivalry? This blog, with insights from Gunita Bindra, looks at the surprising synergy behind co-opetition and why it might be the future of payments. Read it here.
Balancing Speed and Security: How Finance Leaders Can Lessen B2B Payments Risk
Speed vs. security: Can finance leaders really have both? Let’s face it, today’s CFOs are walking a tightrope. The pressure to deliver lightning-fast B2B payments is real, but so is the risk of fraud, compliance missteps, and reputational damage. So how do you move money quickly without opening the door to threats? In this blog, we unpack the insights from a recent expert panel hosted by PYMNTS, featuring leaders from Bottomline and Coupa. From AI-powered fraud detection to the “slow down to speed up” strategy, you’ll discover how top finance teams are striking the right balance and future-proofing their payments game in the process. Read it here.
Strategic Payment Partnerships: Navigating Uncertain Climates
Ever wondered how collaboration is reshaping the B2B payments space? In this Payments Podcast episode, Mandy Miller, our brilliant Chief Customer Officer at Bottomline, discusses how banks, fintechs, and payment providers are teaming up to tackle economic uncertainty. And it’s sparking some serious innovation. From unlocking new revenue streams to delivering standout customer experiences, Mandy shares how strategic partnerships are helping the ecosystem stay resilient and competitive. Listen here. Or search for The Payments Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
The B2B Money Minute: Partnering for Performance
In today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, collaboration is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s banks teaming up with payment service providers or corporates embracing fintech partnerships, the B2B payments space is undergoing a transformation fueled by strategic alliances. In this edition of The B2B Money Minute, we explore how partnerships are driving performance, accelerating digital transformation, and turning traditional cost centers into engines of growth. From AP automation to ISO 20022 readiness, industry experts weigh in on why the right partner can make all the difference, and why now is the time to act. Read it here.
Events and Webinars for Your Diary
The payments landscape is constantly evolving, and we are here to help you navigate it with confidence. Whether your focus is on staying compliant with regulatory developments, implementing advanced fraud prevention measures, or enhancing the efficiency of your payment operations, we’re here to support you. Explore our upcoming events and webinars here.
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