MERCHANTS
German antitrust authority says PayPal practices may restrict competition
Germany's Federal Cartel Office is scrutinizing PayPal's strategy that bars merchants from imposing extra charges for specific payment methods. This practice is perceived as a potential barrier to competition among payment services, raising concerns about compliance with existing competition laws. While PayPal has not yet provided a media response, this investigation indicates a growing regulatory focus on digital payment systems within Germany.
These 7 private and public banking stocks have an upside of up to 20% in one year, according to analyst
When FPI money returns, there are two parts of the market that tend to draw it first: Financial services broadly, and banks within it. So the very thing that worked against these stocks when the FPIs were selling has started to work for them now that the foreigners are buying. Monday saw the first clear sign of it.
OpenAI lets businesses claim ChatGPT profiles, adds AI agents for US ecommerce firms
OpenAI said on Tuesday it was launching "Businesses" in beta within ChatGPT, giving companies a way to claim and manage their profiles, update information and track how users engage
India offers 3-part plan to de-escalate Ukraine war
India has proposed a three-part framework to Russia and Ukraine to help de-escalate the war, focusing on economic and maritime security. The proposal calls for a halt to attacks on energy facilities and critical infrastructure, uninterrupted grain and energy shipments through Black Sea ports, and an end to strikes on merchant ships, civilian crew and maritime trade routes.
UPI sees Diwali boom; AI cracks Captcha
Diwali spending fuelled a surge in UPI transactions, with both payment volumes and values rising. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
UPI volume, value post strong growth during Diwali as festive spending lights up digital payments
This year, November 6, which coincided with Dhanteras, recorded UPI transactions worth Rs 1.37 lakh crore, the second-highest daily transaction value on record. Dhanteras is traditionally considered as an auspicious day to make high-value purchases. Transaction volumes hit a record the following day, November 7, at 975.8 million.
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How intelligent commerce is shaping the next frontier of merchant payments
For a decade, the task in India’s merchant payments was to get every shop and website to accept digital money. The value, leaders argued, at GFF 2026, is now moving to identity, risk, credit and growth, and to preparing the checkout for AI agents that may soon shop on consumers’ behalf.
The next problem to solve: When money arrives, what can merchants do in the meantime?
At GFF 2026, PRISM founder Ritesh Agarwal and Adyen’s Chief Commercial Officer Roelant Prins discussed why, for merchants such as small hotel owners, how quickly money arrives now matters as much as whether a payment is accepted, and why AI is changing back offices faster than it is changing how people buy.
China’s high-tech ports push raises global trade ambitions, sparks security concerns
China is expanding its global maritime influence through AI-powered automated ports, smart shipping technologies and digital infrastructure. While these innovations promise greater efficiency, Western governments fear growing dependence on Chinese systems could create security vulnerabilities, geopolitical leverage and risks to critical global supply chains and international trade networks
Indian organisations on edge as sites fail to Captcha AI intruders
Personal AI agents such as Instinct, Muse, Grokbot and OpenClaw have taken over the consumer internet in the US. But last month, major US banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley, reportedly flagged AI agents such as Meta’s Muse accessing customer accounts using login credentials voluntarily shared by users laying bare the risks of handing AI agents the keys to consumers’ digital lives.
Grey zone in Indian payment laws: Crypto goes shopping in rupee using QR-linked loophole
Unified payments interface is now being used for buying cryptocurrencies through applications like goat.cash. Consumers can conveniently convert their cryptocurrencies, such as USD Coins, to pay vendors for goods. This involves scanning QR codes and entering necessary details, which facilitates quick transactions. Intermediaries help complete the process by converting USDC to rupees for vendors. Additionally, stable coins often trade at a premium within the Indian market.
AvenuesAI Q2 revenue jumps 47% as AI-first fintech transformation gathers momentum
AvenuesAI reported a steady set of second-quarter FY27 numbers, with the company continuing to build momentum behind its broader transformation from a payments gateway-led business into an AI-first financial technology infrastructure platform.
MobiKwik gets RBI nod for NBFC arm, plans to launch in 3-6 months
The Reserve Bank of India has officially granted MobiKwik Financial Services the green light to operate as an NBFC. With an eye towards disbursing Rs 5,000 crore in loans over the next few years, the company aims to cater to both consumers and MSMEs through a blend of secured and unsecured credit options. Operations are expected to commence within the next six months, utilizing a co-lending framework.
MobiKwik shares jump 4% as RBI approves NBFC licence; co targets Rs 5,000 crore loans
MobiKwik shares gained on Friday after the RBI granted its subsidiary a licence to operate as an NBFC, enabling the fintech company to enter direct lending. MobiKwik plans to disburse Rs 5,000 crore in loans over the next three to four years, targeting consumers and MSMEs through secured and unsecured products.
Cashfree opens checkout to AI agents, leaves final say with shoppers
Cashfree has introduced Checkout for Agents, allowing AI agents to assist with online payments. This feature utilises WebMCP technology to simplify the checkout process for AI shopping assistants. Customers still maintain control over final payment authorisation and sensitive information is protected. While AI agents currently represent less than 1% of checkout traffic, Cashfree aims to enhance their efficiency. The company limits agent access to sensitive payment steps to ensure security.
Qualcomm shares slump 9% as weak smartphone chip sales overshadow data-center momentum
Qualcomm's shares dropped significantly in early trading following disappointing smartphone chip sales. The company's largest business segment faced a 26% revenue decline, leading to lower overall chip sales. While Qualcomm's investments in data-center and automotive chips strengthen its growth potential, analysts remain skeptical about immediate earnings. Brokerages have reduced their price targets on Qualcomm's stock after recent results were released.
NPCI defends MDR charges in SC, says merchants can't pass on them to customers
The top court on September 28 had sought responses from the Centre and others, including the NPCI, on a petition challenging the decision to impose an MDR on specified UPI person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000.
Shiprocket posts maiden profit on strong core business growth
The company swung to a profit of Rs 60 lakh ($63,487) in the quarter ended September 30, from a loss of Rs 20.29 crore a year ago
UPI MDR proposal: Street vendors may pass on charges to customers or switch to cash, ISB survey finds
Payments by street vendors exceeding Rs 2,000 may incur charges under the proposed merchant discount rate framework. Many vendors may switch to cash transactions if additional costs are imposed by suppliers. Awareness of the framework varies among vendors in different city tiers, affecting their payment acceptance practices. A significant percentage of Tier 1 vendors are likely to pass on additional charges to customers.
Over half of street vendors may cut UPI acceptance if 0.4% MDR is introduced: ISB study
More than 67% of street vendors in India currently accept UPI payments for transactions. A proposed 0.4% merchant discount rate could lead to reduced acceptance among vendors. Concerns arise particularly for vendor-supplier transactions, as many vendors make payments above ₹2,000. A significant portion of vendors faced additional charges from suppliers and might pass costs onto customers.
BharatPe taps former Bajaj Finance executive Mohit Mittal to lead investments
He was previously the business head of investment marketplace at Bajaj Finance, where he helped build a digital platform with more than 50 financial institution partners. Before that, he spent over 13 years at Bajaj Capital, where he led an investment business with Rs 40,000 crore in assets under management across fixed-income and mutual fund products. He has also worked at ICICI Bank and Genpact.
OneStack raises Rs 12.5 crore to take cooperative banks deeper into UPI ecosystem
OneStack, a fintech provider, secured ₹12.5 crore funding to enhance cooperative bank participation in UPI payments. The funding will help expand services among cooperative banks and NBFCs while developing compliance offerings. Partner banks can now act as UPI issuers and acquirers, which improves revenue opportunities. This shift allows banks to maintain direct relationships with customers and merchants while managing transaction data.
Google Pay wants to help you pick your next outfit
Google Pay is testing a new fashion and lifestyle shopping feature in India, bringing personalised outfit recommendations, visual product search and virtual try-on to its payments app. The Discover section will allow users to explore clothing trends, find similar products by uploading photographs and get daily outfit suggestions. Powered by Google's Shopping Graph, which has over 60 billion product listings, the feature redirects users to merchants' websites to complete purchases.
MobiKwik expects MDR on UPI to add Rs 100 crore to payment revenue in FY28
On its second-quarter earnings call, the company’s management said the implementation of UPI MDR would improve payment unit economics and create a more level playing field for players, shifting competition towards product, technology and service rather than the ability to burn capital.
2 tankers explode after allegedly hitting naval mines in Strait of Hormuz, Iran claims
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that two oil tankers exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after striking naval mines. Both vessels allegedly ignored warnings about using restricted routes and had switched off their navigation systems. The UK Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning about an incident in the same area involving a merchant vessel.
Crypto cards enter RBI's radar as Indians use offshore wallets for everyday payments
Offshore crypto cards that allow Indian residents to spend digital assets on domestic purchases and withdraw cash have come under the scrutiny of the RBI and Financial Intelligence Unit. Several users have reported card deactivations in recent days, while authorities are understood to be examining potential violations of payment regulations and FEMA.
Ishq Wala Love singer Salim Merchant is now owner of Rs 12.85 crore commercial property in Mumbai’s Santacruz
Composer Salim Merchant, known as one half of the composer duo Salim-Suleiman, recently bought a commercial property in Mumbai’s Santacruz for a staggering Rs 12 crore.
The next problem to solve: When money arrives, what can merchants do in the meantime?
At GFF 2026, PRISM founder Ritesh Agarwal and Adyen’s Chief Commercial Officer Roelant Prins discussed why, for merchants such as small hotel owners, how quickly money arrives now matters as much as whether a payment is accepted, and why AI is changing back offices faster than it is changing how people buy.
UPI-MDR an additional earnings opportunity, not Paytm's business model foundation: Brokerages
Paytm has reported a substantial increase in revenue, demonstrating the success of its existing business model. The company's EBITDA has improved due to efficient cost control and a strong merchant franchise. Financial services have significantly contributed to revenue growth, highlighting the diversity of its business operations. Global brokerages support the view that UPI-MDR will enhance, rather than define, future profitability.
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