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Stripe Unveils Tools to Support UK Businesses with Global Payment and Money Management Features
Stripe has announced a wide-ranging upgrade to its platform designed to help UK-based businesses scale internationally. The updates, revealed at the company’s Stripe Tour London conference, include new tools for managing money across borders, handling multi-currency operations, improving fraud detection, and integrating financial services into platforms and marketplaces.
With more than one million UK businesses already using Stripe—including nearly half of FTSE 100 companies—the firm is positioning itself as a key infrastructure provider for the country’s digital economy. From startups and fintech platforms to retailers and government agencies, a diverse range of UK institutions are now linked to Stripe’s ecosystem.
Cross-Border Payments and Currency Management Made Easier
Among the most notable changes is the expansion of money management tools that allow UK businesses to hold, spend, and manage funds in multiple currencies directly from their Stripe accounts. This feature aims to remove barriers for small and medium-sized businesses looking to operate in more than one market without the complexity of managing separate accounts or dealing with unpredictable currency conversions.
The platform now supports outbound payments to 50 countries. Businesses only need a recipient’s email address to send funds—a move that simplifies contractor and vendor payments for global teams and service providers.
Stripe has also added support for 25 new payment methods, such as India’s UPI and Brazil’s Pix, allowing UK merchants to tap into local consumer preferences in a more seamless way. At the same time, Stripe has improved its tax handling features. Businesses can now collect and file taxes across 102 countries and display local pricing in over 150 currencies—critical for e-commerce operations hoping to scale internationally.
AI-Driven Security Takes Center Stage
The company’s introduction of what it calls the world’s first foundation AI model for payments has also drawn attention. According to Stripe, this model captures more nuanced data signals than previous fraud detection systems. The company reports that its effectiveness in identifying card testing attacks on large-scale businesses has increased from 59% to 97%, an improvement that could have material implications for platforms facing rising online fraud.
This marks a significant advancement in AI deployment within financial technology. While many companies use artificial intelligence to analyze transactions and behavior patterns, Stripe’s new system represents an attempt to use more advanced AI models to detect risk at a higher level of precision.
Embedded Finance and New Offerings for SMEs
Stripe also introduced new embedded finance features tailored to platforms and marketplaces. These include expanded access to Stripe Capital, which provides business funding, and Charge Cards issued through Stripe Issuing. The company also plans to roll out Stripe Treasury for UK users, enabling businesses to manage their finances in-house with a built-in bank account system.
These tools are designed with freelancers, small businesses, and solopreneurs in mind—segments often underserved by traditional banks. According to Stripe, enabling embedded finance allows platforms to support these users with tailored solutions without requiring separate financial infrastructure.
Positioning UK Businesses for Global Growth
Stripe’s product updates come at a time when UK businesses are increasingly looking to global markets amid economic headwinds at home. For many, reducing payment friction and simplifying compliance requirements are essential to remaining competitive.
Stripe Tour London, which hosted over 1,700 business leaders and entrepreneurs at the Excel venue, served as the launchpad for these new features. The event follows Stripe’s larger annual Sessions conference in San Francisco, where the firm unveiled over 60 product updates.
During the London event, Stripe cofounder John Collison highlighted two emerging trends he believes will redefine online commerce: stablecoins and artificial intelligence. According to Collison, stablecoins have potential for enabling real-time cross-border payments, while AI will soon play a central role in how online transactions are conducted.
While he didn’t provide a roadmap for these developments, Stripe recently announced a partnership with Visa aimed at making stablecoin balances usable in the same way as fiat currency, hinting at broader ambitions in this area.
Not Just for Startups
Stripe’s customer base in the UK spans a wide spectrum. From fintech platforms like Revolut and Monzo to national retailers such as Tesco and established institutions like Hargreaves Lansdown, Stripe’s infrastructure is used across various industries.
The company also supports government services, demonstrating the extent to which digital payment infrastructure is becoming embedded in public and private systems alike.
A Strategic Focus on Infrastructure
Stripe’s approach reflects a broader trend within fintech: the move toward offering foundational services that reduce the technical and regulatory burden for businesses of all sizes. By focusing on infrastructure—rather than consumer-facing apps—Stripe has carved out a niche that supports the operations of companies across sectors.
In providing tools that integrate compliance, payments, and financial services, Stripe’s expansion aligns with the needs of businesses navigating a fragmented global economy. From AI-enhanced fraud protection to localized tax solutions, the aim is to let UK companies focus on growth while Stripe handles the complexity behind the scenes.
Conclusion
The product updates shared at Stripe Tour London reflect a deliberate strategy: to support UK businesses with tools that enable global operations without adding administrative burden. With features aimed at simplifying payments, improving security, and embedding finance into digital platforms, Stripe is strengthening its role as an infrastructure provider in the fintech space.
As more UK businesses adopt cross-border strategies, the availability of such services could be a decisive factor in their ability to scale efficiently. While the impact of new tools will take time to measure, Stripe’s latest announcements suggest that it sees itself not just as a payments company, but as a critical enabler of the digital economy.
