Today in the Connected Economy: Apple Rolls out First State ID for Its Wallet

Today in the connected economy, Apple makes it easier for travelers in Arizona to show their identification, while Visa and DoorDash make it easier for gig workers in Canada to get paid. Plus, Mastercard and Global Processing Services (GPS) team up to launch card programs for FinTechs in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and VR/AR company Mode MetaStudios launches a platform that lets B2B companies sell products in the metaverse.

Apple, Arizona Introduce Driver’s License, State ID in Wallet

Arizona residents will have an easier time getting through security at the Phoenix airport as Arizonans can now add their driver’s license or state identification to the Apple Wallet. The feature lets Apple Wallet users tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to display their identification documents seamlessly and securely at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Visa Canada, DoorDash Deliver Real-Time Payments via Stripe

Visa has announced DoorDash Fast Pay, a new feature that’s part of its collaboration with delivery platform DoorDash that allows for faster payouts to drivers across Canada. DoorDash Fast Pay is powered by Stripe’s Instant Payouts portal and Visa’s real-time push payments platform. The program is being launched to address the needs of short-term contractors at a time when 10% of Canadian adults identify as independent contractors.

Mastercard, Global Processing Services Team on FinTech Payments Tech

Global payment technology platform Global Processing Services (GPS) has teamed up with Mastercard to launch card programs for FinTechs in Europe and Asia-Pacific, including companies like Revolut, Starling Bank and Curves. GPS received more than $400 million from capital investors, including Advent International (through Advent Tech and affiliate Sunley House Capital-Viking Global Investors), Singapore global investment platform Temasek and U.S.-based growth equity firm MissionOG.

VR/AR Firm Mode MetaStudios Unveils B2B Metaverse Platform

Mode MetaStudios, a Florida company that makes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) solutions for the B2B eCommerce sector, has rolled out a platform in which manufacturers can sell goods and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the metaverse. The company said it collaborated with “creators, designers and brands to create living digital worlds, allowing users, explorers, consumers and shoppers to step inside Web 3.0 and find, try and buy ‘digital doppelgangers’ of virtually any product.

FIS Unveils Digital Spending Insights Tool for Banks

Banking software firm FIS has added a new tool to its financial wellness suite called Spending Insights, aimed at giving customers a better glimpse at their financial activity. Spending Insights is in use at more than 85 banks around the country. The solution also uses the data-driven personalization platform from FIS partner Personetics to provide insights.

Mastercard Rolls out New Payment Tools to Reduce Friction

Mastercard has launched a pair of new payment solutions that reduce risks while improving costs and speed, lowering friction and making payments smarter. The new smart payment decisioning tools — Payment Success Indicator and Payment Routing Optimizer — are included in Finicity’s open banking suite of services. Retailers can access advanced data analytics and machine learning to make payments both safer and smarter.