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- Embedded Advantage | Liberis CPO: “AI bots will negotiate SMB loans by 2026”
Embedded Advantage | Liberis CPO: “AI bots will negotiate SMB loans by 2026”
Plus: Retail, auto, and fast fashion SMBs face 20% transaction volume drops.
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Editor’s Pick 📌
Speaking on stage at Innovate Finance, Liberis CEO Rob Straathof didn’t hold back. From AI-driven lending to economic uncertainty, his insights cut through the noise with grounded urgency.
Here are a few standout soundbites:
🌀 “We’re heading into 9 months of real uncertainty.”
Retail, fast fashion, and car parts are all feeling the pressure—with some sectors already seeing 20% drops in transaction volume.
💬 “The future of small business finance? AI bots negotiating with AI bots.”
Forget piles of paperwork. Per envisions a near-future where agentic AI co-pilots handle loan applications, compare offers, and negotiate terms—saving SMBs 8+ hours a week.
📉 “Europe is falling behind on AI.”
He warned that without serious investment in STEM education from primary school up, the UK and EU risk losing talent and momentum to China, India, and the US.
@bobsguide The future of small business finance? AI bots negotiating with AI bots 🤖 Forget piles of paperwork. Per envisions a near-future where agen... See more
Industry Trends & Innovation 💡
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Embedded finance is growing rapidly, reaching a market value of $9 billion in 2024 and projected to hit $20 billion by 2031, with leaders like Adyen, Stripe, and Square. The surge is driven by digital service adoption and fintech advances but faces hurdles in regulation and data security. For anyone in eCommerce, logistics, or retail, understanding these shifts is critical to stay competitive and responsive to changing trends.
PLATFORM INNOVATION
SaaS platforms face slowing growth and growing feature replication from AI; embedding finance services, particularly capital and lending, provides a durable advantage that cannot be easily copied. Leading examples like Shopify and Toast demonstrate higher customer retention, stronger revenue, and business resilience through embedded finance. Platforms that fail to adapt risk irrelevance as customer needs shift decisively toward integrated financial solutions.
FINTECH SOLUTIONS
Buy Now, Pay Later solutions for B2B are pitched as tools to streamline business purchases and support cash flow, but their effectiveness depends on integration with existing payment systems and real credit assessment. Businesses considering these options should carefully evaluate terms to avoid hidden fees or data privacy risks. For decision-makers, aligning BNPL adoption with company needs can optimize payment flexibility without adding unnecessary complexity.
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY
Xero now lets US small businesses pay multiple bills directly within its platform through its partnership with BILL, streamlining accounts payable, improving cash flow visibility, and reducing manual tasks. Access to BILL’s network and real-time tracking address cash flow and bill management challenges. It’s a practical solution for time-strapped entrepreneurs.
FINTECH EXPANSION
Pliant, a Berlin-based fintech specializing in B2B digital corporate credit card solutions, has secured $40 million in Series B funding to drive US market entry and expand its team beyond 200 staff. This growth is relevant to businesses and financial software providers seeking efficient, scalable payment systems with robust API integration. For those navigating B2B payments or considering new vendors, Pliant’s recent acquisition of hi.health and partnerships with banks signal growing capabilities and reliability in a competitive fintech landscape.
PAYMENTS INNOVATION
Traditional sectors, such as automotive, are adopting embedded payments to streamline high-value transactions, cut operational hassles, and boost customer confidence. By integrating fintech APIs, these businesses offer seamless, secure experiences like digital wallets and multi-currency support, directly responding to customer demands and future-proofing their platforms.
EMERGING TECH MARKETS
SLAM Technology, crucial for autonomous navigation in robotics and AR, is predicted to grow at a 42.89% CAGR from 2025 to 2030, driven by rising demand in automotive, consumer robotics, and mapping applications. Key industry players include Recycleye, SaNOtize, and tuSimple. Understanding this market helps tech stakeholders recognize emerging opportunities and necessary system capabilities.
Bobsguide is a Contentive publication in the Finance division