New report shows how multi-acquirer strategies, APMs, and AI are driving global retail growth
New research from ACI Worldwide and Payments Dive shows that global retailers are increasingly leveraging multi-acquirer strategies to drive growth and stay competitive. According to the report, Unlocking Opportunity: How Payments are Powering Merchant Growth, 97% of global retailers are already working with multiple acquirers, with 96% of those reporting increased revenue.
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The study highlights the rise of alternative payment methods, including real-time payments and cryptocurrencies, alongside the growing use of artificial intelligence in payment processes. Retailers are adopting multiple acquirers to expand payment options, enter new markets, and improve authorization rates, with many also realizing notable cost savings.
Global expansion is prompting retailers to localize payment strategies. Many are adding local acquirers and prioritizing partners that support popular regional payment methods. Cryptocurrency adoption is also accelerating, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, with 55% of retailers noting that crypto payments influence their choice of acquirer. Stablecoins, offering faster settlements and lower fees, are driving much of this interest.
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Alternative payment methods such as mobile wallets, account-to-account payments, and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options are becoming mainstream, while artificial intelligence is increasingly used for fraud detection and predictive analytics. To manage the complexities of working with multiple acquirers, 90% of retailers are using or planning to adopt Payment Orchestration Platforms (POPs), which streamline operations by unifying acquirers, gateways, and payment methods.
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“The next wave of retail growth is powered by AI-driven insights, enabling merchants to optimize performance and engage customers while embracing emerging payment methods,” said Adriana Iordan, global head of merchant at ACI Worldwide. “Intelligent payment orchestration is not just about efficiency—it unlocks new revenue streams and transforms payments into a growth catalyst.”
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