FIS rolls out AI-based transaction routing at checkout

The bank technology company has released Smart Basket, which uses emerging artificial intelligence to improve transaction routing, a strategy that’s quickly becoming table stakes for fintechs and financial institutions that offer payments.

BMO inks deal to sell 138 U.S. branches to First Citizens

The Canadian bank plans to sell the branches, which are mostly in the Midwest and Great Plains, to First Citizens Bank in North Carolina. At the same time, it plans to build 150 branches over the next five years in markets with longer-term growth prospects.

BNY tops estimates, reports revenue upswing

Bank of New York Mellon recorded another quarter of higher-than-expected revenue and earnings. Revenue for the third quarter rose 9% year over year, while earnings per share beat Wall Street’s forecast by 12 cents.

Judge pauses shutdown firings as Vought vows more to come

A federal judge in San Francisco ordered a temporary halt to reduction in force orders issued by the Office of Management and Budget during the government shutdown, while OMB Director Russell Vought has said he expects to lay off more than 10,000 federal workers.

Mastercard, Visa embrace agentic AI

Mastercard has added an “agentic cloud” to speed deployment, while Visa has issued a protocol to help AI agents communicate. That and more in American Banker’s global payments and fintech roundup.