Cleverbridge vs Global Payments

Cleverbridge Completes First Live AI Agent-Initiated Payment in France with Visa and Revolut

Cleverbridge announces completion of first live AI agent-initiated payment in France with Visa and Revolut, along with new research on B2B software buying and a partnership with DigitalRoute for usage-based monetization.

New Cleverbridge Research Reveals Execution Gap as B2B Software Buying Moves Digital

New research: What does it really cost to sell software? Read the benchmark report. Cleverbridge research reveals execution gap as B2B software buying moves digital.

AI Speeds Software Discovery but Self-Service Checkout Lags

B2B software buyers are leveraging AI chatbots to accelerate discovery and shortlisting, yet the post-decision purchase process remains bogged down by slow sales-led journeys, internal approvals, and lengthy vendor negotiations. According to G2's 2026 Buyer Behavior Report, over 80% of buyers used AI for software recommendations, with 80% of AI users purchasing from their initial shortlist. However, Cleverbridge's research reveals that nearly 75% of purchases face significant delays or abandonment due to internal approvals and vendor back-and-forth. While 84% of buyers prefer a self-service digital path, only 17% of sellers have implemented one. Delays stem from waiting for quotes, security reviews, and budget approvals. Buyers express willingness to handle routine transactions, including those over $25,000, through self-service, indicating a clear gap between buyer expectations and seller capabilities.

• Over 80% of B2B software buyers used AI chatbots for software recommendations in the past two years (G2).
• 80% of AI users bought from their initial shortlist in at least three of five purchases, versus 65% of non-AI users (G2).
• Nearly three-quarters of software purchases are delayed or abandoned due to internal approvals or vendor back-and-forth (Cleverbridge).

10-Q Financial Filing Analysis for Global Payments (2026-08-05)

Global Payments reported its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2026, reflecting the major strategic transformation completed on January 9, 2026, which included the acquisition of 100% of Worldpay Holdco, LLC for approximately $17.0 billion and the divestiture of the Issuer Solutions business to FIS for $7.5 billion in cash plus FIS's equity stake in Worldpay. Consolidated Q2 2026 revenues grew 68.6% year-over-year to $3.32 billion, driven by the Worldpay consolidation across its new segment structure (Enterprise, Platforms, and SMB). Operating income fell 14.3% YoY in Q2 to $337.1 million due to elevated intangible amortization ($757.6 million) and integration expenses. A large tax expense of $1.70 billion recognized on the derecognition of non-deductible goodwill in the Issuer Solutions divestiture led to a net loss attributable to the company of $1.79 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026.

• Q2 2026 consolidated revenue rose 68.6% YoY to $3.32 billion, while six-month revenue reached $6.29 billion, driven by Worldpay contributing $1.4 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.
• The transformational Worldpay acquisition closed on January 9, 2026, for $16.98 billion in total purchase consideration, funded by cash, debt, and the simultaneous disposition of Issuer Solutions to FIS.
• For the six months ended June 30, 2026, the company recorded a net loss attributable to Global Payments of $1.79 billion (diluted loss per share of $6.58), impacted by $1.69 billion in discontinued operations net losses from divestiture tax expense.

Retail shifts to lean teams, AI and physical community

At a Brand Leaders Dinner hosted by Glossy and Modern Retail with Global Payments, founders and C-suite retail executives discussed how AI, hiring shifts, and the rising cost of awareness are reshaping retail operating models. Executives described moving AI from experimental marketing use cases to core business infrastructure — including building internal intelligence platforms that connect fulfillment, paid media and customer signals — and said that automation is changing hiring needs. Participants emphasized the continuing value of physical stores, events and community for discovery and retention, and debated strategies around creator marketing, affiliate programs and discounting on commerce channels. Concerns about employee resistance, data security and trusting AI outputs were raised, and several brands reported selectively avoiding consumer-facing AI creative because of negative consumer perceptions.

• The Brand Leaders Dinner was hosted by Glossy and Modern Retail in partnership with Global Payments and gathered founders and C-suite executives from fashion, beauty and retail.
• Multiple executives reported moving AI from experimental marketing to core business infrastructure, including one brand building an internal intelligence platform linking fulfillment, paid media, customer reviews and social conversations.
• AI adoption has affected hiring plans: executives said roles were removed after identifying automation and efficiency opportunities.