Retail stories
Boards face mounting pressure to set AI rules now, as faster adoption is exposing Australian firms to data, workforce and security risks.
Boards are being urged to fix data quality, fraud controls and infrastructure before AI adoption numbers start to matter.
The move signals Adyen's push to deepen local ties in Asia-Pacific as payment providers compete for merchants across the region.
Consumers in Australia and New Zealand are facing longer waits and repeated handovers as companies rush to deploy agentic AI, Genesys found.
Asia Pacific retailers, travel firms and hotels face a 63% rise in bot attacks as AI tools and APIs widen exposure to fraud and disruption.
Nearly half of commerce traffic across Akamai's network came from AI bots by late 2025, raising fraud and DDoS risks for retailers.
Retailers may get more personalised search tools after Constructor was ranked first in three Gartner use cases, ahead of Google and others.
Strict compliance has helped banks and insurers outperform retail on inbox placement, as cleaner data now drives better delivery rates.
Businesses may need to rethink bot blocks, as Decodo says automated systems now make up 57.4% of web requests and shape product discovery.
Most firms are still increasing AI budgets, even as 57% of CX leaders say the technology has delivered little or no impact on operations.
Enterprise buyers are demanding proof that AI agents can be audited, tested and constrained before they go live in customer service.
AI is reshaping contact centres as NiCE's 2026 awards spotlight retailers, banks and telecoms cutting costs and improving service.
Indian firms and schools face a widening AI skills gap as leaders warn of productivity gains, job disruption and ethical risks.
Canadian small businesses will gain bundled payments and management tools as TD folds Clover point-of-sale devices into its merchant services.
UK consumers and businesses could benefit as Cifas adds nearly 500 scam signals to a global network aimed at faster takedowns.
Tighter regulation and rising cyber threats are pushing insurers to bolster defences for customer data and operational systems.
Only 12% of UK companies qualify as AI leaders, with most still struggling to turn pilot projects into measurable returns.
Food businesses face refund losses and regulatory checks as AI-made complaints and images are increasingly used to allege food safety failings.
While discovery is already mainstream, 45% of Hong Kong shoppers still balk at letting AI complete purchases, the survey found.
Merchants will hear practical advice on approvals, AI and expansion as Ecommpay tries to simplify a crowded payments market.