Streamlining the Fragmented Payments Ecosystem | BR-DGE | FF News at Money20/20 USA

Streamlining the fragmented payments ecosystem. Payments orchestration is transforming the payments value chain. We spoke to Thomas Gillan, CEO of BR-DGE to find out how they're helping to simplify the experience for merchants and acquirers. For Gillan, orchestration offers a way of streamlining the payments process whilst also optimizing revenue, and helping traditional financial players to remain agile. Watch the video to find out more about this fascinating development and discover how they:

• Find a balance between driving innovation and simplifying merchant infrastructure.
• View orchestration as more than just a cost saving mechanism.
• Use data and machine learning in the payments process.
• The Impact of Fragmentation on Merchant Payments

Speaking at Money20/20 USA, Gillan told us how fragmentation within the payments ecosystem is largely a positive development, driving innovation, consumer choice, and reduced friction at checkout. There’s increasing competition for one. According to Bain and Company, “roughly 10% of SMB transaction banking revenues—and about 15% of profits—will be captured by software providers, fintechs by 2027”. But this development is not without its challenges. For merchants, embedding diverse payment solutions into their infrastructure can be resource-intensive, especially when technical resources are already stretched thin. The danger posed by one commentator is that “lengthy settlement windows, fraud and chargeback issues, can result in significant cash flow issues as a result of trying to navigate the current payments landscape.” The real test lies in balancing the undeniably beneficial innovation with operational efficiency, ensuring that new payment methods are seamlessly integrated without overwhelming the infrastructure. Payment orchestration could be the answer, and companies like BR-DGE are stepping into the gap. Gillan highlighted how orchestration helps merchants build a "best-in-breed" payment stack, capturing revenue and optimizing conversion rates while meeting consumer expectations. It’s about creating a tailored checkout experience that prioritizes customer needs, enabling them to pay how they want, when they want.

Delivering Value Across the Ecosystem

But orchestration doesn’t just serve merchants and consumers; it’s a boon for payment providers too. At the consumer level, orchestration ensures seamless, intuitive payment experiences. For merchants, it enhances acceptance rates, improves global adaptability, and optimizes revenue capture. Importantly, Gillan noted that orchestration is no longer just an execution layer; it’s also a distribution layer. It allows payment providers to connect with markets more efficiently, distributing their products while facilitating smooth transaction execution. Traditional financial institutions and acquirers have long delivered exceptional services, but keeping pace with innovation is a constant challenge. According to Gillan, orchestration augments existing infrastructures, enabling these players to remain agile as they scale and adapt. It’s not about replacing legacy systems but enhancing them to meet the demands of today’s dynamic payments ecosystem. The common misconception about orchestration that perhaps stops traditional institutions from getting involved is that it’s merely a cost-saving mechanism. Gillan explains that BR-DGE is shifting the narrative away from a “race to the bottom” in transaction costs and instead focusing on value-added services, optimizing payment flows, and enhancing the customer journey. This way orchestration becomes a tool for growth, not just cost efficiency.

BR-DGE’s White-Label Solution

We were interested to hear more about BR-DGE’s white-label orchestration platform, which empowers regional payment processors and financial institutions to expand their offerings. By providing out-of-the-box global acquiring connectivity, alternative payment methods, and local acquiring solutions, BR-DGE enables its partners to deploy these features rapidly and effectively. The platform also incorporates intelligent transaction filtering, making acquiring more targeted and efficient.

Looking ahead

We also get some thoughts on the Money20/20 event and what he identified as the key themes at the conference. Data and optimization came up a lot, with a growing emphasis on machine learning and AI. While BR-DGE leans more toward machine learning, Gillan acknowledged the broader industry trend toward leveraging AI to process data intelligently and improve payment flows. At its core, BR-DGE’s strategy remains focused on harnessing data to drive better outcomes for all stakeholders. As the payments industry continues to evolve, BR-DGE’s commitment to innovation, optimization, and collaboration ensures it remains a pivotal player in shaping the future of merchant payments. For more great insights like this, check out our other interviews from Money20/20 USA.