Today in B2B Payments: Firms Deploy Payment Solutions, Biometrics

Today in B2B payments, Bank of America’s CashPro App adds a way to sign in without manually entering password credentials. Plus, German venture capital firm Point Nine raises about $173 million to support B2B marketplaces and software-as-a-service (SaaS) startups. 

Bank of America’s CashPro App Adds QR Code, Biometrics to Ease Sign-In 

Companies that use Bank of America’s CashPro digital banking platform for payments, cash management and trade finance operations can now sign in to the website on their mobile device by using the CashPro App to scan a QR code and their biometrics. With the launch of this QR sign-in, CashPro’s 500,000 users no longer have to manually enter their password credentials. 

VC Firm Point Nine Raises €180M to Back B2B Marketplaces, SaaS 

German venture capital firm Point Nine has reportedly raised 180 million euros (about $173 million) in a new seed fund to support B2B marketplaces and software-as-a-service (SaaS) startups. Sifted reported that Point Nine’s strategy is to invest 500,000 euros (about $479,885) to 5 million euros (about $4.8 million) in seed-stage startups, usually in Europe, though 20% to 30% of its investments are in the U.S., Canada and Turkey. 

SMBs Turn to Cross-Border Payments Tech to Tame FX Uncertainty 

Technology has made it easier for firms to tap into new markets globally. But as suppliers and buyers connect in new time zones and pay one another in a range of currencies, the stark reality of soaring interest rates means that technology must also fill another need: helping companies, especially smaller ones, grapple with rapidly changing foreign exchange rates. 

Modern CFOs ‘Almost Like Mini-CEOs’ as Job’s Scope Expands 

Today’s chief financial officers (CFOs) are often expected to add value to any aspect of the business, partner with the CEO and be ready to step into the CEO’s shoes if necessary. Icertis CFO Rajat Bahri told PYMNTS in a recent interview, “As I’ve seen the CFO evolution, more and more businesses are looking for strategic partners — almost like mini-CEOs — people who could be more engaged on the business side of things and have a point of view in every aspect of the business.” 

For all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.