James Eyers

Finance executives have been circumspect about the transformative power of the new technology, suggesting return on investment should be the focus.

The shares fell 3.6 per cent on Friday after the group flagged commodities and global markets income will be down next year, missing first-half expectations.

The co-founder of the buy now, pay later pioneer told staff at Block, which he joined after the takeover, he would step away from an executive role.

The buy now, pay later group has endured a difficult two years and returned to growth, particularly in the US, where the majority of sales are processed.

The company, which already has a major mortgage loan book, will target start-ups and sole traders as it attempts to find higher margins.

The two payment network giants have threatened to stop providing refunds to defrauded customers if forced to limit how much they charge for their services.

Business groups including those representing the hospitality and convenience sectors worry they will be left wearing the cost of a ban on debit card fees.

The Albanese government is attempting to ease financial pressure on families ahead of a federal election next year. But the change could hurt small businesses.

Bringing data and payments together promises efficiencies for super funds grappling with new laws that will more than double incoming contributions.

The pharmacy and retailing giant pays $15 million in transaction costs every year. Now it has signed on to a new NAB-backed system that circumvents them.