{
  "id": 9517212,
  "title": "Small Businesses Create Big Openings for Cross-Border Payments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/small-businesses-create-big-openings-for-cross-border-payments",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-24T08:00:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PYMNTS",
    "slug": "pymnts",
    "url": "https://www.pymnts.com/smbs/2026/small-businesses-create-big-openings-for-cross-border-payments/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Small businesses are presenting a significant opportunity for credit unions to expand their services, with artificial intelligence (AI) financial tools proving particularly appealing. According to a PYMNTS Intelligence report, 75% of small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) plan to utilize at least one AI feature from their financial institutions within the next two years, compared to just 59% of consumers. This 16-percentage-point gap indicates a clear demand for AI-driven financial assistance among business owners.\n\nHigh-revenue businesses are driving this trend, with 83% of companies generating more than $1 million in annual revenue expressing interest in AI financial services, compared to 63% of those earning less than $250,000. Similarly, profitable firms are also seeking AI assistance, with 77% of businesses that made a profit in 2025 interested in AI financial tools, versus 45% of those that incurred losses. This 32-percentage-point gap highlights the value that successful firms see in additional financial guidance.\n\nWhile credit unions have already shown interest in AI and conversational assistants as a way to attract members, they have yet to fully capitalize on this opportunity. The report suggests that credit unions should begin by offering financial guidance and conversational tools, expanding their capabilities as members become more comfortable and trust the technology. Partnerships with technology providers and credit union service organizations could help credit unions accelerate the deployment of these new services.\n\nSome practical starting points for credit unions include expense tracking, budgeting, cash flow management, supplier discovery, and financial product comparisons. These tasks could help business owners manage their finances more effectively while maintaining control over their financial decisions. By offering these AI-driven services, credit unions can position themselves to meet the growing demand from business owners and potentially expand their membership base.",
  "summary": "Small businesses could give credit unions their next opening for growth, with demand for artificial intelligence financial tools running ahead of consumer interest. The PYMNTS Intelligence report “The Practical AI Opportunity: Why SMBs Want Guidance Before Automation” revealed in June that 75% of small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) said they would use at least one […] The post Small…",
  "key_points": [
    "75% of SMBs plan to use AI features from financial institutions in next two years.",
    "High-revenue businesses (>$1M revenue) show 16% greater AI financial service interest.",
    "Credit unions should offer expense tracking, budgeting, and cash flow management tools."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}