Latest news with #SMBs
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Payoneer CEO sees trade bumps as short-term
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. U.S.-led global trade disruption is turbulent in the near-term but represents a long-term tailwind for cross-border payments specialist Payoneer Global as companies adjust and find new trading partners, the company's chief executive contended in an interview this month. President Donald Trump in April introduced a new 125% U.S. tariff on a broad range of goods imported from China, atop a prior 20% duty. That resulted in Chinese leaders imposing a reciprocal tax for U.S. goods. The countries later announced a 90-day pause on the duties, pending negotiations. The bulk of the U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are delayed until Aug. 12, according to a Trump tariff tracker by law firm Reed Smith LLP, pending talks between the countries. The same month Trump launched his trade war, Payoneer became licensed by China to provide online payment services in China, with its acquisition of Easylink Payment Co. 'The reordering, reshaping, reimagining of global trade plays to Payoneer's strengths,' Payoneer CEO John Caplan said in a June 13 interview, arguing that entrepreneurs operating small and medium-sized businesses adapt rapidly to U.S. trade policy. As a result, he said, exporters' quest to find new markets fuels Payoneer's accounts payable and receivables business. The nearer-term, however, carries 'an air pocket of disruption,' Caplan added. The trade turmoil prompted New York-based Payoneer to withdraw its full-year financial guidance on May 7 citing the 'macroeconomic uncertainty' unleashed by Trump's trade war. 'There are entrepreneurs around the globe who are reacting to shifts of policy, and they are incredibly resilient about finding pools of opportunity for their businesses,' Caplan said. 'People in the West are sourcing goods where they need to find them, and people in the East are diversifying where they sell and where they manufacture. Both of those dynamics end up benefiting Payoneer,' he said. The cross-border payments specialist has 20% of its revenue – about $200 million – tied to China-based companies that sell into the U.S., William Blair analysts Christopher Kennedy and Marc Feldman wrote in a June 5 client note. Another 15% of Payoneer revenue is from China-based firms that sell to countries outside the U.S. Overall, 40% of Payoneer's revenue involves business that 'never touches the United States,' Caplan said. About $50 million of Payoneer's revenue could be affected by tariff-related trade disruptions in the second half of this year, the William Blair analysts said, citing the company. Payoneer says it has two million active customers across 190 countries and that it held about $7 billion in customer funds on which it pays no interest, as of the first quarter this year, according to its quarterly earnings presentation. The company turned profitable last year, and has told investors to expect longer-term earnings margins of at least 25% beyond 2026. Under Caplan, who became CEO in March 2023, Payoneer has sought to move upmarket and do business with larger companies that bring more volume. Still, its focus remains on small and mid-sized businesses, many of them in emerging markets, and how to simplify cross-border payments for companies that may be too small for large financial institutions to service effectively, Caplan said. 'Our business is just about as diversified as you could get,' he said, referencing its breadth across the globe. Shares of the company have declined 35% this year, owing to investor fears over its exposure to customers with businesses that export goods from or into China. The trade turmoil is 'a short-term headwind but an extraordinary long-term tailwind for our firm,' Caplan said at the conference. Recommended Reading Mastercard, PayPal mull stablecoins for B2B payments
Fast Company
7 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
SMB survival requires cybersecurity transformation with AI
Cybersecurity is now one of the top three risks threatening small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in 2025, alongside inflation and economic concerns. Yet many SMBs remain unaware of the full scope of their vulnerability to modern cyberattacks. With AI-powered automation, cybercriminals can attack thousands of SMBs at once, exploiting weak defenses and businesses without dedicated security teams or advanced AI technology. However, a concerning 60% of SMBs remain dangerously underprepared by believing large corporations are more likely targets or being convinced their business has no cyber vulnerabilities at all. The cost of inaction due to misplaced confidence is devastating: nearly 55% say it would take less than $50,000 in financial losses from a cyberattack to force them out of business. One in five SMBs have declared bankruptcy or shut their doors permanently after a cyber incident. Survival requires a shift in strategy. SMBs must take control by using the same advanced AI tools attackers rely on to fight back. A NEW STRATEGY: 4 SIMPLE STEPS TO START With the right strategies, SMBs can protect their data, minimize vulnerabilities, and transform cybersecurity from a cost into an asset. Here's how: 1. Know Your Data Cybercriminals don't attack randomly. They target what's easiest and most profitable: customer payment data, financial records, employee credentials, and business-critical systems. SMBs need to know what data they have, where it's stored, and who has access. Begin with data mapping. Inventory where your data lives—cloud platforms, servers, employee devices, and third-party tools. Identify what's stored, how sensitive it is, and who needs access. From there: Apply role-based access controls Encrypt sensitive information Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) Back up critical data regularly Train teams on basic security hygiene These quick wins dramatically lower risk without blowing budget. 2. Take Care Of The Basics Most cyberattacks aren't successful because of advanced hacking techniques. They succeed because of basic security gaps. Eighty percent of SMBs recognize their vulnerabilities, yet many continue to make basic mistakes. For instance: 23% use memorable passwords, like pet or family member names. 22% don't have cybersecurity measures for internet-connected devices like mobile phones. 18% don't require regular software updates, leaving known vulnerabilities unpatched. 16% never back up their data. 14% don't require MFA for staff. These simple, low-cost steps immediately reduce an SMB's attack surface. MFA can prevent 99% of account takeover attacks. Regular software updates close security gaps cybercriminals actively scan for. And limiting administrator privileges—so only essential personnel can install new software or access sensitive systems—reduces the chance of malware spreading through the network. 3. Train Your Team Technology only goes so far. Seventeen percent of SMBs admit they don't train their employees on cybersecurity best practices, even though human error remains the root cause of most breaches. Falling for phishing emails, mishandling sensitive data, or using unauthorized apps unwittingly opens the door to attackers. Build a culture of security by: Offering short, regular training sessions tailored to each role. Teaching employees how to identify and report phishing and social engineering attempts. Reinforcing password hygiene and safe device usage. Employees can be your weakest link or your first line of defense. The difference is training. 4. Prepare For The Inevitable Even the strongest security defenses can't stop every attack, but knowing how to respond can limit the damage. A cyber incident response plan doesn't need to be complex—just clear and actionable: Document a step-by-step process for handling an attack: how to identify one, who to notify, how to contain damage, and how to restore operations. Assign roles in advance so employees aren't scrambling to act. Test response plans regularly through tabletop exercises or simulated scenarios. More than half of SMBs (53%) experienced Wi-Fi or network disruptions in the past year. Others faced phishing attacks (48%) or website downtime (45%). These are common and costly, but with preparation, they don't have to be fatal. HOW MSSPs UPLEVEL YOUR STRATEGY Even with the best security mindset and preventative measures, most SMBs don't have the time, expertise, or resources to keep up. Seventy-four percent self-manage their cybersecurity or rely on a family member or friend. That's where managed security service providers (MSSPs) come in. For SMBs that are stretched thin and can't afford full-time security professionals, MSSPs provide proactive monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response, thereby acting as an extension of SMBs' internal teams by working 24/7 to identify and mitigate risks before they turn into costly breaches. But despite the clear need, only 15% of SMBs outsource to an MSSP. Offloading these responsibilities frees up valuable time and allows SMBs to focus on growth, rather than security. AI: THE SMB EQUALIZER TO MAXIMIZE DEFENSE Just as cybercriminals use AI to automate attacks and scale operations, SMBs can use AI to fight back. AI-powered security tools help SMBs detect threats faster, respond more effectively, and offload manual security tasks. AI recognizes anomalies in real time. Unlike traditional security measures that rely on pre-programmed rules, AI continuously learns and adapts by flagging suspicious activity before attacks can escalate. For example, AI can detect an employee logging in from an unusual location or a sudden increase in file downloads—both signs of an impending breach. In fact, 55% of SMBs say AI will be most useful in identifying cybersecurity threats before they impact business operations. AI also automates routine security processes. From identifying phishing texts and emails (49%) to automating software updates (26%), AI-driven security reduces the workload on small IT teams and ensures critical security measures aren't overlooked. Instead of manually sifting through endless security alerts, AI prioritizes real threats by helping SMBs respond quickly and efficiently. SMBs that take a proactive approach by leveraging AI-powered security and expert support from MSSPs don't just reduce risk, they gain a strategic edge. In a landscape where 20% of SMBs won't survive a single attack, investing in cybersecurity isn't a luxury. It's a necessity.
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Analysts Love This 1 ‘Underappreciated' AI Stock
Shopify (SHOP) is a cloud-based, multi-channel e-commerce platform. The company provides its users with the necessary tools to manage, design, and market their products across multiple channels such as web and mobile stores, pop-up shops, social media, physical stores, and more. It enables users to manage inventory, process orders and payments, and assist in deliveries. The company primarily offers its services to small and medium-size businesses. Founded in 2004, the company is spread across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific with its headquarters in Ontario, Canada. About Shopify Stock Shopify has a market cap of $144.25 billion with the stock trading sideways and gaining just 2.8% in 2025. The stock did see a slight dip in early April but has recovered while gaining 19.2% in the last month. Despite this, it is still 16% behind its 52-week high set in February. Shopify Slightly Beats Revenue Estimates Shopify announced its first-quarter results on May 8. Revenue came in at $2.36 billion, outpacing analysts' $2.33 billion estimate. During the quarter Shopify had gross merchandise volume (GMV) of $74.75 billion, better than Wall Street's $74.66 billion estimate. Monthly recurring revenue came to $182 million, beating analysts' $179.99 million estimate. Revenue from its Merchant Solutions segment came to $1.74 billion, surpassing the $1.71 billion estimate. Subscription Solutions revenue stood at $620 million while analysts predicted $621.22 million. Shopify saw a swift rise in operating expenses which rose 10.9% to $966 million. Operating margin came at 8.6%, up from 4.6% posted in the same quarter last year while billings increased 28.1% to $2.36 billion. The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $5.51 billion while free cash flow increased 56.5% to $363 million. For the ongoing Q2, management has provided guidance where they expect revenue to grow at a mid-20% rate year-over-year, while gross profit is pegged to grow at a high-20% rate and operating expenses as a percentage of revenue is anticipated at a 39% to 40% range. Shopify Labeled 'Underappreciated' by Analyst Wells Fargo analyst Andrew Bauch called Shopify an underappreciated artificial intelligence (AI) play in a new research note last week. The analyst has given the stock an 'Overweight' rating while raising its price target from $107 to $125, reflecting nearly 17% upside potential. The analyst has called Shopify an 'underappreciated' player in the AI space while highlighting its strong commitment to AI integration, partnership with market leaders such as OpenAI, Meta (META), and Perplexity, and innovative merchant solutions. He further claimed that instead of being threatened by the AI revolution, Shopify stands to gain from it given its AI adoption and expansion in e-commerce. Wells Fargo claims the company to be well-positioned to capitalize on the rising AI-powered commerce industry and project agentic commerce to grow to $505 billion by 2030, a solid 30% growth rate annually in gross merchandise volume (GMV). They also expect Shopify to keep a 12.5% market share in the market providing the company a sizable boost from its current GMV. Analyst Takes on SHOP Analysts have a positive outlook on the company with a consensus 'Moderate Buy' rating and a mean price target of $116.88 reflecting upside potential of roughly 9%. The stock has been reviewed by 45 analysts in total while receiving 28 'Strong Buy' ratings, two 'Moderate Buy' ratings, 14 'Hold' ratings, and one 'Strong Sell' rating.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pax8 Introduces The Era Of Managed Intelligence In Its 2025 Research Report: The Agentic Inflection Point
Press Release – Pax8 The report outlines the emergence of agentic systemsAI-powered agents capable of autonomous action and reasoningand their transformative impact on the global SMB economy. SYDNEY, NSW (June 11, 2025) Pax8, the leading cloud commerce Marketplace, today released its inaugural research report, The Agentic Inflection Point: And the Rise of the Managed Intelligence Provider. The comprehensive study defines the future of small-to-midsized business (SMB) operations, transformed by agentic labor and the democratisation of enterprise-level technology access. It also introduces Managed Intelligence, a bold new framework that enables all stakeholders in the technology ecosystem to navigate this transition and thrive in the agentic era. 'We are standing at the edge of a monumental new era where agentic systems will redefine how work gets done,' said Scott Chasin, CEO of Pax8. 'The proliferation of these AI agents will allow SMBs to compete against large enterprises and scale faster than ever, and Managed Intelligence Providers will be key to enabling the technology. The rate at which this technology is advancing makes the next 24 to 36 months critical. MSPs that evolve quickly into the MIP model will be poised to experience long-term success in the new paradigm.' The report outlines the emergence of agentic systems—AI-powered agents capable of autonomous action and reasoning—and their transformative impact on the global SMB economy. It positions the MIP as the strategic partner that curates, orchestrates and governs intelligent agents: Making the move from simply managing services to truly driving business outcomes for SMBs. The Agentic Inflection Point also serves as a guide for partners ready to embark on their transformation and capitalise on the enormous opportunity in front of them. Key Findings from the Report The Agentic Inflection Point The report focuses on a new paradigm taking shape, where autonomous software agents collaborate with human expertise to redefine business operations. The fusion of AI and automation reduces the time spent between idea and execution, marking the dawn of the Idea Economy, where businesses are built and run by code, and software agents transition from supporting work to doing it. The result is the democratisation of capability, empowering organisations of all sizes with tools once reserved for industry giants. Four Levels of Agents Pax8's research has identified four distinct levels of AI agent functionality, each representing a significant leap in autonomy and business impact. Chatbots: Generative tools that respond to direct human prompts and queries through the use of AI and rules. Assistants: Enhanced chain-of-thought reasoning to decompose complex goals into actionable steps, make decisions based on contextual information and execute multiple operations in sequence. Digital Labor: Operating independently across multiple systems and tools with minimal human oversight. Digital Workforce: Coordinated systems of multiple agents working together, specialising, collaborating and distributing work to accomplish complex objectives at scale. The Rise of the Managed Intelligence Provider The Agentic Inflection Point introduces the Managed Intelligence Provider (MIP) – the next evolution of the MSP. The current MSP model is reaching maturity, with the demands of AI-driven businesses, the complexity of autonomous systems and the need to deliver business outcomes. MIPs guide clients through automation-powered reinvention, leveraging agent marketplaces, governance frameworks and curated solution stacks; reinventing how business gets done. According to survey results in the report, 66 Pax8 partners believe they will be seen as strategic business advisors to their clients in two years, a more than seven-fold increase to their current role as an IT support provider. This data proves that the change in the partner's identification from a reactive vendor to a proactive enabler is already in motion. The Agentic Supply Chain To enable SMBs to compete with enterprise-scale capabilities, the Agentic Supply Chain will emerge, providing the necessary infrastructure to support digital labor. This comprehensive framework of intelligent systems will integrate into business operations and enable marketplaces to become orchestration hubs. In this new supply chain, agents will initiate the buying, selling and scaling of licenses and MIPs will shift from procuring licenses to procuring outcomes. Monetisation Models The age of agentic AI will also introduce new pricing models that align with how MIPs generate revenue. Compared to the legacy model where software is sold by the seat, agentic systems will be sold based on the result they deliver. The Agentic Inflection Point identifies four primary business models for capturing value in this new paradigm: Per Agent (FTE Model): Pricing aligned with the human equivalent they augment or replace. Per Action (Consumption-based): Usage-based pricing is tied directly to the value delivered. Per Workflow (Process-based): Workflow-based pricing that captures the value of end-to-end automation. Per Outcome (Value-based): A sophisticated pricing model tying compensation directly to measurable business outcomes. The AI-Built SMB The Agentic Inflection Point reveals that 54% of midsize enterprises have already deployed AI, and 83% of high-growth SMBs are actively experimenting with it. As AI capabilities mature, Pax8 predicts the rise of the 'AI-Built SMB'—businesses that are AI-native from day one, embedding generative and agentic technologies into every facet of their operations. These companies automate everything from customer service to product development, favor modular, vertical solutions over legacy software suites and often scale with lean teams. This new breed of SMBs aligns more with the agility and innovation of tech startups than traditional small businesses. To lead the agentic transformation, Pax8 is building the foundation for the agentic economy, including an agent marketplace, a Model Context Protocol integration framework, an agentic orchestration platform, a Managed Intelligence toolkit and much more. By connecting builders (SMBs), enablers (MIPs) and producers (software/cloud vendors), Pax8 aims to create an ecosystem that could shape the next trillion-dollar economy.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pax8 Introduces The Era Of Managed Intelligence In Its 2025 Research Report: The Agentic Inflection Point
SYDNEY, NSW (June 11, 2025) Pax8, the leading cloud commerce Marketplace, today released its inaugural research report, The Agentic Inflection Point: And the Rise of the Managed Intelligence Provider. The comprehensive study defines the future of small-to-midsized business (SMB) operations, transformed by agentic labor and the democratisation of enterprise-level technology access. It also introduces Managed Intelligence, a bold new framework that enables all stakeholders in the technology ecosystem to navigate this transition and thrive in the agentic era. 'We are standing at the edge of a monumental new era where agentic systems will redefine how work gets done,' said Scott Chasin, CEO of Pax8. 'The proliferation of these AI agents will allow SMBs to compete against large enterprises and scale faster than ever, and Managed Intelligence Providers will be key to enabling the technology. The rate at which this technology is advancing makes the next 24 to 36 months critical. MSPs that evolve quickly into the MIP model will be poised to experience long-term success in the new paradigm.' The report outlines the emergence of agentic systems—AI-powered agents capable of autonomous action and reasoning—and their transformative impact on the global SMB economy. It positions the MIP as the strategic partner that curates, orchestrates and governs intelligent agents: Making the move from simply managing services to truly driving business outcomes for SMBs. The Agentic Inflection Point also serves as a guide for partners ready to embark on their transformation and capitalise on the enormous opportunity in front of them. Key Findings from the Report The Agentic Inflection Point The report focuses on a new paradigm taking shape, where autonomous software agents collaborate with human expertise to redefine business operations. The fusion of AI and automation reduces the time spent between idea and execution, marking the dawn of the Idea Economy, where businesses are built and run by code, and software agents transition from supporting work to doing it. The result is the democratisation of capability, empowering organisations of all sizes with tools once reserved for industry giants. Four Levels of Agents Pax8's research has identified four distinct levels of AI agent functionality, each representing a significant leap in autonomy and business impact. Chatbots: Generative tools that respond to direct human prompts and queries through the use of AI and rules. Assistants: Enhanced chain-of-thought reasoning to decompose complex goals into actionable steps, make decisions based on contextual information and execute multiple operations in sequence. Digital Labor: Operating independently across multiple systems and tools with minimal human oversight. Digital Workforce: Coordinated systems of multiple agents working together, specialising, collaborating and distributing work to accomplish complex objectives at scale. The Rise of the Managed Intelligence Provider The Agentic Inflection Point introduces the Managed Intelligence Provider (MIP) – the next evolution of the MSP. The current MSP model is reaching maturity, with the demands of AI-driven businesses, the complexity of autonomous systems and the need to deliver business outcomes. MIPs guide clients through automation-powered reinvention, leveraging agent marketplaces, governance frameworks and curated solution stacks; reinventing how business gets done. According to survey results in the report, 66 Pax8 partners believe they will be seen as strategic business advisors to their clients in two years, a more than seven-fold increase to their current role as an IT support provider. This data proves that the change in the partner's identification from a reactive vendor to a proactive enabler is already in motion. The Agentic Supply Chain To enable SMBs to compete with enterprise-scale capabilities, the Agentic Supply Chain will emerge, providing the necessary infrastructure to support digital labor. This comprehensive framework of intelligent systems will integrate into business operations and enable marketplaces to become orchestration hubs. In this new supply chain, agents will initiate the buying, selling and scaling of licenses and MIPs will shift from procuring licenses to procuring outcomes. Monetisation Models The age of agentic AI will also introduce new pricing models that align with how MIPs generate revenue. Compared to the legacy model where software is sold by the seat, agentic systems will be sold based on the result they deliver. The Agentic Inflection Point identifies four primary business models for capturing value in this new paradigm: Per Agent (FTE Model): Pricing aligned with the human equivalent they augment or replace. Per Action (Consumption-based): Usage-based pricing is tied directly to the value delivered. Per Workflow (Process-based): Workflow-based pricing that captures the value of end-to-end automation. Per Outcome (Value-based): A sophisticated pricing model tying compensation directly to measurable business outcomes. The AI-Built SMB The Agentic Inflection Point reveals that 54% of midsize enterprises have already deployed AI, and 83% of high-growth SMBs are actively experimenting with it. As AI capabilities mature, Pax8 predicts the rise of the 'AI-Built SMB'—businesses that are AI-native from day one, embedding generative and agentic technologies into every facet of their operations. These companies automate everything from customer service to product development, favor modular, vertical solutions over legacy software suites and often scale with lean teams. This new breed of SMBs aligns more with the agility and innovation of tech startups than traditional small businesses. To lead the agentic transformation, Pax8 is building the foundation for the agentic economy, including an agent marketplace, a Model Context Protocol integration framework, an agentic orchestration platform, a Managed Intelligence toolkit and much more. By connecting builders (SMBs), enablers (MIPs) and producers (software/cloud vendors), Pax8 aims to create an ecosystem that could shape the next trillion-dollar economy.
