The most organized source of consumer-financing industry knowledge on the web.
Industry news, lender updates, regulation, and merchant playbooks — written for retailers and operators, not bankers.
Fifth Third bets on demand for more complex embedded payments
Fifth Third’s investment in Payload signals a future where complex financing and multiparty payments are seamlessly integrated into merchant software.
Fifth Third Bank is doubling down on embedded payments through a new investment in Payload, a fintech specializing in complex transaction workflows. For retailers and service providers, this signals a shift in how banks handle 'multiparty' payments. These are transactions where money needs to be split between multiple stakeholders instantly—such as a contractor, a supplier, and a financing partner—without manual accounting headaches. Payload originally built its reputation in the real estate sector, automating earnest money deposits and commission splits. Now, the company is expanding into broader industries. This is important for operators because it streamlines the backend of consumer financing. When a customer pays via a financed loan, these embedded tools ensure the merchant, the lender, and any third-party contractors get paid their respective cuts automatically and securely. Fifth Third’s backing suggests that traditional banks are moving away from simple payment processing. They are moving toward becoming integrated software partners. For your business, this likely means future access to financing tools that live directly inside your existing management software rather than requiring a separate portal or terminal. As these technologies mature, expect the friction between 'applying for a loan' and 'closing the sale' to disappear entirely.
Continue reading →
Browse by topic
More from the library
general · regulation
Alabama’s SouthPoint under fire by the Fed
Federal regulators order SouthPoint Bank to overhaul management and credit risk protocols following 'unsafe' business practices.
general · technology
Walmart finally lets customers make contactless payments
Walmart adopts contactless payments, signaling a shift toward frictionless checkout and easier access to mobile-wallet financing tools.
general · technology
Instant Payments Unlock Working Capital by Allowing Treasury to Pay Later
Real-time payment technology allows business owners to hold onto working capital longer by eliminating banking settlement delays.
general · technology
Walmart finally starts supporting Apple Pay and Google Pay
Walmart ends its holdout on Apple and Google Pay, signaling a major shift toward frictionless mobile payments and integrated consumer financing.
general · technology
PayPal, Venmo connect to colleges
PayPal and Venmo expand campus integrations, signaling a shift in how Gen Z expects to pay for essential services and retail.
general · technology
Considering card network options
Modern payment strategy requires moving beyond simple network selection to intelligent, data-driven transaction routing.
Browse by industry
Pet Industry Financing
Helping pet retailers and veterinary practices close more sales with consumer financing.
Read coverage →
Veterinary Financing
Practice-friendly payment options that boost case acceptance.
Read coverage →
Furniture & Home Goods Financing
From custom sectionals to mattresses — financing that closes the sale.
Read coverage →
Automotive Aftermarket Financing
Tires, wheels, audio, repairs — financing that keeps customers in the bay.
Read coverage →
Medical & Elective Procedure Financing
Patient-friendly payment plans for elective and out-of-pocket care.
Read coverage →
Home Improvement Financing
HVAC, roofing, windows, solar — financing that lands the bid.
Read coverage →
Tutoring & Education Financing
Make programs affordable for more families.
Read coverage →
Jewelry Financing
From engagement rings to luxury watches — close more sales.
Read coverage →
Industry-Wide Trends
Cross-cutting trends shaping the consumer financing industry.
Read coverage →
