Per Bloomberg, discussions are still at an early stage and there is no certainty a deal will happen. Both companies declined to comment.

Shortly after, PayPal shares rose 6.7% to $47.02 in New York on Tuesday. That gives the company a market value of about $43.3 billion.

Stripe, which is still privately held, recently confirmed a $159 billion valuation in an employee tender offer. The company was founded by brothers Patrick Collison and John Collison. It has grown into one of the most valuable financial technology firms in the world.

Speaking this week, Patrick Collison said: “PayPal has had, obviously, a tough time over the past few years and the landscape has changed quite a bit with Apple Pay and Google Pay and everything like that. I can’t talk about any, you know, M&A hypotheticals but they’ve definitely had a tough time.”

PayPal was founded in the late 1990s and helped build early online payments. In recent years, however, it has faced slower growth.

Digital wallets such as Apple Inc.’s Apple Pay and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Pay have taken market share. The company’s fourth-quarter revenue and profit fell short of analysts’ estimates. Payment volumes have also slowed.

At the same time, PayPal is changing its leadership. Enrique Lores will become president and chief executive on March 1, replacing Alex Chriss, who was removed earlier this month. David Dorman has been appointed board chair.

Stripe, meanwhile, has continued to expand. The company processed $1.9 trillion in payment volume in 2025. It has also secured a US national bank trust charter for its stablecoin subsidiary, Bridge, showing plans to strengthen its role in regulated digital payments.

If the acquisition of PayPal by Stripe proceeds, the transaction could rank among the largest deals in the financial technology sector.

Unveiled at an exclusive industry event themed “Beating the Odds: Innovation and Solutions for Smarter Betting Operations,” the new offerings are tailored to optimise payment flows, simplify collections, enable instant payouts, and personalise the player experience through reliable, tech-driven processes.

Hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the session convened key stakeholders, regulators, and operators from across the gaming ecosystem, all seeking smarter, more efficient ways to serve Nigeria’s fast-growing digital-first consumer base.

With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the gaming sector, Interswitch’s integrated solutions are designed to boost operational efficiency, streamline collections, and improve customer satisfaction through seamless transactions, faster payouts, and personalised rewards.

In his welcome address, Osasere Atohengbe, vice president, Sales and Account Management, Interswitch, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering businesses with intelligent and scalable solutions. He said:

“At Interswitch, our mission is to enable businesses with the right tools to thrive. We see technology as a powerful enabler, not just for gaming operators, but also for the players who expect fast, secure, and frictionless experiences. With our integrated suite of payment and collection solutions, we’re helping gaming platforms simplify backend operations, from reconciliation and payouts to collections and tracking, ultimately unlocking greater value and scalability in today’s competitive market.”

Delivering the keynote address, Adetoun Adeyemi, director of Legal, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, who represented Bashir Are, chief executive officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Authority, lauded the initiative and emphasised its potential to transforming the entire gaming ecosystem:

“We are truly excited about the potential of Interswitch’s Integrated Solutions Suite to significantly impact the gaming industry. These innovations will not only provide operators with smarter, more efficient tools but also empower us, as regulators, to foster a transparent, compliant, and well-structured ecosystem. This initiative supports our collective goal of building a responsible and well-structured gaming industry in Lagos State.”

At the core of the offering is the Interswitch Payment Gateway, which facilitates seamless, real-time payments across a wide range of channels, including cards, bank transfers, USSD, Quickteller, Google Pay, OPay, and more, via a single, unified integration.

This simplifies onboarding and transaction processing for operators while elevating the payment experience for end-users across touchpoints.

Also featured is the Interswitch collections platform, Paydirect, a multi-channel collection platform that allows operators to accept payments through online platforms, physical bank branches, agent networks, and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. All transactions are consolidated into a centralised dashboard, enabling simplified tracking, real-time monitoring, and error-free reconciliation.

To support real-time disbursements, the Quickteller-powered funds transfer service allows operators to instantly pay winnings or transfer funds to bank accounts across Nigeria.

This not only fosters trust but also improves player satisfaction by ensuring timely settlements. Also integral to the suite of solutions is the Static Virtual Account (Pay with Transfer) feature, which assigns unique virtual account numbers to individual customers.

This innovation eliminates referencing errors, simplifies deposit identification, and enables automated reconciliation, giving operators greater visibility, control, and accuracy in managing inflows.

Beyond payments, Interswitch showcased an expanded portfolio of business-enabling solutions designed to drive operational efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and improve user experience for gaming operators.

The Interswitch Corporate 360 (IC360) platform was highlighted as a comprehensive tool that consolidates financial operations, covering everything from tax compliance and vendor payments to real-time account visibility and ERP integration, helping operators streamline processes and reduce redundancy.

In addition, Interswitch’s Enterprise Rewards Solution offers a digital rewards platform that incentivises customer behaviour with instant airtime, data, vouchers, and other perks, backed by intelligent analytics for targeted engagement.

The USSD and offline solutions ensure uninterrupted access to gaming services even without internet connectivity, reducing transaction drop-offs, while the Salary Lending Solution provides employees of partner firms with quick, short-term salary advances via Quickteller.

Complementing these offerings, the broader suite also incorporates advanced tools such as Digital Escrow Services for secure transactions, Fraud Management Systems to mitigate risks, and API Integration Tools that enable seamless incorporation of Interswitch’s capabilities into operators’ existing infrastructure.

Together, these solutions underscore Interswitch’s commitment to delivering not only smarter payments but also comprehensive business enablement for gaming operators.

Through its combination of cutting-edge payment solutions and a wide array of operational tools, Interswitch is redefining the future of Nigeria’s gaming industry.

With smarter, tech-enabled operations, the company is empowering gaming operators to enhance compliance, increase efficiency, and build deeper relationships with customers.

By leading conversations on smarter payment solutions and enabling tech-powered growth in gaming, Interswitch is reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of digital financial services, not only in Nigeria but across Africa.

Retailers have no choice but to keep pace with rapidly evolving tender types that bring with them massive cost and complexity considerations and most importantly, added security and compliance risk.

While this is certainly true for tier one or enterprise retailers, mid-market retailers often don’t have entire departments dedicated to security and compliance adding to the pressure, because while they may not be as big with as many resources as the enterprise retailers, they are often competing for the same consumers meaning they can’t be left in the dust.

Some consumers still prefer to pay with cash while many others enjoy inserting or tapping their debit or credit cards.

Some savvy consumers opt to tap their smartphones with the likes of Apple Pay or Google Pay, while others still prefer scanning a QR code or using the fairly new interbank instant payment app PayShap.

Retailers need to cater for these ever-evolving tender types, including vouchers, mobile wallets and cryptocurrency.

Ever-increasing payment options, which brings increased attack surfaces, shines the spotlight on security. A security breach comes with an obvious financial risk, but there are also reputational, compliance and legal risks to consider.

Smaller companies often cannot take on the financial burden of having to invest in an array of different security and compliance obligations.

This opens them up to vulnerabilities which they simply cannot control. A partner, who brings enterprise experience and solutions to the mid-market segment, effectively levels the playing field because a one-stop solution that’s encrypted end to end enables smaller retailers to serve customers as effectively and safely as their tier one counterparts.

With a significant proportion of payments still being conducted by cards, the first thing retailers need to understand is that there are Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) requirements based on their footprint and volume.

Effective partners come in and initiate risk descoping exercises, which effectively removes or minimises risks by implementing solutions such as point-to-point encryption for cards.

Naturally, cash is still highly prevalent in South Africa, meaning that retailers need clearly defined systems and processes for how they manage cash.

Technology plays an important role here, where reconciliation software ensures that retailers have financial certainty and a single source of truth for all the tender types they accept, and not just card payments.

The card space is already highly regulated, but with increasing options for alternative payments, such as SnapScan, PayShap, and even Cryptocurrency, regulators will mandate security mechanisms and best practice.

Retailers should appreciate that these are new and different technologies, and as such they come with new and different challenges.

Cyber criminals evolve at breakneck speed, and in any organisation there are vulnerabilities in code that can be exploited.

It is non-negotiable to build robust in-house capability to stay ahead of trends or partner with specialists who can. For example, while not directly related to payments, South Africa is now one of the most targeted countries in the world for ransomware.

Yet, despite needing to address vulnerabilities across all attack surfaces, the biggest risk for any organisation is its people, followed by processes that fail.

Retailers should proactively invest heavily in staff training and education, as well as reactive security in the form of audits and controls, which – if effective – can help it identify problems quickly.

Retailers also need to stay on top of preventative controls and measures to prevent any unauthorised individuals accessing their systems.

It is too late if a breach is detected only after the nefarious actor has entered the environment.

An example of this would be workflows to terminate unauthorised access during onboarding and offboarding of staff.

Another effective security strategy, which is made easy with modern, best-of-beed in-person payment solutions, is segregating duties to ensure that one individual never has complete control over a process.

It is evident that every time someone taps their smartphone or enters a voucher code, there are a host of highly complex systems and processes that are triggered, including encryption, payment rails, switching, settlement and reconciliation, among more. Security needs to be woven into every step.

While this really has been the source of many sleepless nights for those in charge of IT and security at mid-market retailers, the evolution of technology means this no longer has to be the case.

As long as a smaller retailer sources a partner with a long, proven track record in the enterprise space that can bring the same level of tier one security and functionality to smaller businesses in simple one-stop solutions, it has all but future-proofed itself and can confidently punch above its weight.

It is Google at 25! From its humble beginnings as a search engine in 1998, this tech giant has evolved into one of the most innovative companies in the world.

With groundbreaking innovations that have made life easier for people worldwide, we’ve compiled a list of 25 remarkable contributions by Google to the world digital economy.

1. Google Search:

Google’s foundational innovation was its revolutionary search engine, which fundamentally changed how we access information online, making it faster and more accurate.

2. Google Maps:

Launched in 2005, Google Maps has been a game-changer in simplifying global exploration through its location-based services.

3. Google Earth:

Offering a captivating bird’s-eye view of our planet, Google Earth has brought geography to life for millions and remains an indispensable tool for various industries.

4. Gmail:

Since its debut in 2004, Gmail has made worldwide email communication faster and more user-friendly.

5. Android OS:

Powering billions of smartphones worldwide, Google’s Android OS provides an open platform for developers, shaping the mobile technology landscape.

6. Google Assistant:

Voice-activated virtual assistants like Google Assistant have transformed how we interact with technology, making tasks more efficient and convenient.

7. Google Drive:

Google Drive has democratized cloud storage, simplifying data storage and enhancing collaboration.

8. Google Photos:

With its smart organization and unlimited storage options, Google Photos has made managing and sharing photos and videos effortless.

9. Google Translate:

This powerful tool has broken down language barriers, facilitating global communication and understanding.

10. Google Scholar:

A valuable resource for academics, Google Scholar provides access to an extensive collection of scholarly articles and publications.

11. Google Arts & Culture:

This platform has brought art and culture to our fingertips, allowing users to explore museums, art collections, and historical artifacts.

12. YouTube:

Google’s acquisition of YouTube in 2006 transformed online video consumption and content creation.

13. Google Glass:

While not a commercial success, Google Glass paved the way for augmented reality wearable technology.

14. Chrome Browser:

Google Chrome redefined web browsing with its speed, simplicity, and ecosystem of extensions.

15. Google Pay:

Google Pay has simplified mobile payments, making financial transactions easier and more convenient.

16. Google Classroom:

This platform played a crucial role in education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by facilitating remote learning.

17. Google Cloud:

Google’s cloud computing services have become integral to businesses and organizations worldwide.

18. Google Nest:

Smart home technology is made more accessible with Nest’s range of products for automation and security.

19. Waymo:

Formerly Google’s self-driving car project, Waymo now leads in autonomous vehicle development.

20. Google Fi:

Offering a unique approach to mobile networks, Google Fi combines Wi-Fi and cellular data for flexible and affordable plans.

21. Google Quantum AI:

Google is at the forefront of quantum computing research, potentially revolutionizing computing as we know it.

22. Google Health:

Google’s forays into healthcare include projects like DeepMind Health, aimed at improving medical diagnosis and treatment.

23. Google Project Loon:

An ambitious initiative to provide internet access to remote areas using high-altitude balloons.

24. Google’s Renewable Energy Investments:

Google is a major player in renewable energy, committing to 100% renewable power for its operations.

25. Google for Startups:

Supporting entrepreneurs and startups worldwide through mentorship, resources, and funding.

Conclusion

Google at 25 shows remarkable years of innovation have not only transformed the technology landscape but also influenced how we live, work, and communicate. As we celebrate Google’s milestone, we look forward to the future and anticipate even more ground-breaking contributions.

Happy 25th Birthday, Google!

[Google at 25 Featured Image Credit]

This collaboration brings together the prowess of Interswitch’s extensive merchant network and the user-friendly efficiency of Google Pay’s digital wallet platform.

Google Pay is renowned for its seamless and secure payment solutions, making transactions a breeze, whether online or at brick-and-mortar stores.

With this integration, Interswitch is extending the benefits of Google Pay to its vast customer base and merchant network in Nigeria. Users can now enjoy the convenience and security of Google Pay’s features, such as tokenization and biometric authentication, adding an extra layer of safety to their financial transactions.

For Interswitch, this partnership with Google Pay aligns perfectly with its mission to promote financial inclusion in Nigeria and beyond.

By giving Nigerians access to this advanced digital payment solution, Interswitch is catalyzing a shift towards digital transactions while reducing the reliance on physical cash.

Muyiwa Asagba, Managing Director of Digital Commerce & Merchant Acquiring at Interswitch, expressed his enthusiasm for the integration, stating, “We are excited to introduce Google Pay on our payment gateway in Nigeria. Google Pay is a widely trusted platform, and by integrating it into our payment gateway, it demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative and cutting-edge solutions to businesses and their customers in the country.”

This strategic alliance with Google Pay represents a significant milestone in enhancing the customer experience within the digital payment landscape. Notably, Interswitch’s Payment Gateway has gained recognition as one of the few Sub-Saharan African platforms acknowledged by Google Pay, as listed here. This recognition not only underscores the exceptional quality and reliability of Interswitch’s payment solutions but also solidifies its leadership in Africa’s evolving digital payment industry serving as a testament to Interswitch’s dedication to providing world-class payment solutions across the region.

Interswitch encourages both its merchants and customers to embrace this exciting new feature and leverage the convenience, security, and flexibility that Google Pay brings to its payment gateway.

By consistently offering top-notch payment solutions, Interswitch ensures that Nigerians have access to the most advanced and secure payment options available.

The addition of Google Pay to their arsenal not only fosters financial inclusion but also enhances overall payment experiences.

This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards transforming the online payment ecosystem in Nigeria.

It creates an environment where businesses and consumers can thrive in a seamlessly interconnected digital world.

As Interswitch continues to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions, its partnership with Google Pay is a testament to its commitment to improving the digital payment landscape in Nigeria, ultimately empowering individuals, and businesses alike. Together, they are forging a path towards a more secure, efficient, and inclusive digital future for all.

This initiative enables businesses and individuals in Nigeria to benefit from the simplicity and security of contactless payments and digital storage, aligning with the global trend towards more streamlined transactions.

Merchants can now store payment details within Google Wallet. This integration facilitates a smoother checkout process on the Interswitch platform, heightening the user experience.

Additionally, the collaboration enables the acceptance of international cards on the Interswitch Payment Gateway, positioning businesses to seamlessly cater to a broader international clientele.

Utilizing Google Pay on the Interswitch platform ensures safer transactions fortified by advanced security measures. This includes industry-standard tokenization where transactions utilize a virtual card number, adding an extra layer of protection against potential fraud. And in cases of misplaced devices, users can quickly safeguard their information using the “Find my device” function.

Muyiwa Asagba, Managing Director, Digital Commerce & Merchant Acquiring at Interswitch, said, “We are proud to align with Google Pay, as it exemplifies our commitment to delivering cutting-edge payment solutions that facilitate seamless transactions for businesses and their customers. By integrating Google Pay into our Payment Gateway, we are empowering businesses to harness the potential of a global customer base while ensuring secure and reliable payments.”

“Google Pay provides a fast, easy, and safe way for users in more than 70 countries and territories to pay with their Android phone or Wear OS device,” said Jenny Cheng, Vice President and General Manager, Google Wallet. “Users can simply add their debit and credit cards to the Google Wallet app and feel confident that their financial information is safe and secure when they’re making a purchase or catching a train.”

As a technology-centric company, Interswitch continues to align with brands that hold shared values to drive the evolution of payments across Africa and beyond. The integration with Google Pay is a pivotal step towards transforming the online payment landscape, enabling businesses and consumers to thrive in an interconnected digital world.

Businesses and consumers eager to experience the benefits of Google Pay on the Interswitch Payment Gateway can sign up on the Interswitch platform today.