AI Overview 

Let’s Talk AI and Payments

Artificial intelligence, combined with smarter payment systems and data-driven decision-making, is fundamentally transforming the way businesses operate.Recently, on an episode of the Mutual Connections Vodcast with host Jacob Tuttle, Allen Kopelman, CEO of Nationwide Payment Systems (NPS), shared his forward-thinking insights into how AI and financial technology are reshaping commerce—from the technology used in small-business POS systems to large-scale B2B transactions.

🎥 Watch the full episode here: Mutual Connections Vodcast with Allen Kopelman on YouTube (insert actual YouTube URL when available).

AI: The New Engine for Payments and Business Intelligence

AI is now performing tasks beyond merely powering chatbots; indeed, it is actively reinventing how businesses manage their daily operations, pricing strategies, and overall customer experience.

Kopelman discussed precisely how forward-thinking POS and payment providers are embedding AI to make business decisions faster and notably more accurate:

• Smarter POS Systems:Restaurants and retailers can now directly ask an AI-powered help desk questions like, “How do I add a new employee?” or “How do I change menu prices?”—and subsequently receive detailed, real-time guidance without the need to search through outdated manuals.

   

• Competitive Intelligence:Moreover, some advanced platforms can scan and analyze pricing within a business’s specific zip code radius, effectively helping owners see how their prices benchmark against local competitors.

   

• Financial Clarity:In addition, AI can instantly convert daily reports into clear charts, graphs, and actionable summaries. This capability empowers business owners to immediately see crucial trends and optimize scheduling, staffing levels, and inventory management.

   

Kopelman explained that AI simplifies the inherent complexity of financial data, consequently freeing business owners to focus on strategic planning instead of laboring over spreadsheets.

sponsored by

Ethics, Privacy, and the Data Dilemma

Powerful as AI is, Allen Kopelman concurrently emphasized the critical importance of data ethics and robust customer privacy protections. Specifically, he noted that many merchants are unaware of the extent of control that third-party processors like Stripe or Square hold over their customer data.

“These companies act as the merchant of record—not you,” Kopelman explained. “This means they are permitted to store, analyze, and even reuse your customer information across other merchants operating on their extensive platforms.”

He issued a warning that specialized industries, such as healthcare or legal services, must be particularly cautious. The reason is that this specific type of data sharing may not comply with stringent privacy laws like HIPAA. This increasing tension between the benefits of convenience and the necessity of regulatory compliance underscores the urgent need for transparent, merchant-centric solutions, a core principle that Nationwide Payment Systems champions with platforms such as NPSOne and ClickBillR.

Optimizing Cash Flow with Smarter Payment Technology

One of the most practical and valuable takeaways from the conversation was Kopelman’s direct advice aimed at improving small-business cash flow.

He highlighted that numerous B2B companies are often unknowingly functioning as banks for their customers. They achieve this by extending 30- to 90-day payment terms, leading them to carry tens of thousands of dollars in accounts receivable at any given time.

“There’s no profit realized when you’re simply owed money,” Kopelman stated. “Accepting credit cards may involve a small transaction fee, however, the dramatic improvement in your cash flow can ultimately make the difference between a business successfully staying open and unfortunately going under.”

By leveraging credit card acceptance, ACH transfers, or even implementing dual pricing and surcharging models, businesses can significantly accelerate their receivables, effectively balance processing cost with customer convenience, and thus strengthen their overall financial stability. Through ClickBillR and NPSOne, Nationwide Payment Systems provides these essential tools within an integrated, compliant, and highly customizable platform.

Meeting Customers Where They Are

Modern consumers now expect significant payment flexibility, whether they choose to pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or EBT. Kopelman noted that today’s technology is capable of detecting precisely what device a customer is using and then automatically presenting the most relevant payment option. This functionality simplifies the checkout experience and simultaneously boosts conversion rates.

“You’ve absolutely got to meet customers where they are—and that is a literal statement,” Kopelman said. “Therefore, if someone is browsing on an iPhone, the system should show them Apple Pay. Conversely, if they are on a Chrome browser, the system should present Google Pay.”

This proactive mindset also extends seamlessly to social selling. Thanks to today’s sophisticated no-code payment tools, businesses can now post a one-click checkout link directly onto their website or various social media pages—all without requiring a dedicated developer. Consequently, the future of payments is defined as being frictionless, incredibly fast, and fully integrated into every step of the customer journey.

Cryptocurrency and Cross-Border Payments

The conversation then evolved into a fascinating discussion about cryptocurrency. Kopelman shared his prior experience assisting clients in processing exceptionally high-value transactions—including luxury yachts, fine jewelry, and commercial real estate—using crypto before recent U.S. regulations limited its broad mainstream use.

He explained that crypto remains a highly powerful tool for cross-border commerce, particularly prevalent in Europe, where stablecoins and Bitcoin are frequently used as a mechanism to avoid the high fees traditionally associated with international wire transfers.

“Crypto made the process incredibly simple,” he reflected. “A jeweler in Miami could efficiently send an invoice to a buyer in Brazil, and then—boom—it’s instantly paid and converted into fiat currency.”

While U.S. tax laws currently restrict crypto’s mainstream consumer adoption, Kopelman holds the belief that it will return to prominence as soon as regulatory clarity significantly improves.

Sales, Authenticity, and the Modern Entrepreneur

The discussion concluded on a somewhat philosophical note, focusing on sales, authenticity, and the necessary courage in modern entrepreneurship.

Kopelman shared valuable lessons learned from his 25-year career journey, which began as a chef before launching a FinTech company:

• “No guts, no glory” — success fundamentally requires both boldness and measured risk-taking.

• “Get comfortable being uncomfortable” — meaningful personal and business growth always happens outside one’s current comfort zone.

• “Everyone’s in sales” — whether your profession is a chef, an engineer, or a founder, your core job involves successfully selling your specific vision.

He also consciously debunked the persistent myth that professionalism mandates wearing a suit. “Being relatable and authentic matters far more than wearing a tie,” he asserted. “Ultimately, people today crave genuine, real conversations, not forced formalities.”

Looking Ahead: The Launch of NPSOne

To officially conclude the interview, Kopelman announced the imminent launch of NPSOne, Nationwide Payment Systems’ forthcoming all-in-one payment platform.

The comprehensive platform is designed to allow merchants to:

• Accept all major payment types (card, ACH, mobile wallets, and is crypto-ready).

   

• Manage invoicing and detailed reporting in real-time.

• Access advanced fraud protection and essential compliance tools.

   

• Enjoy open API connectivity for independent developers and SaaS partners.

   

“It’s everything you can successfully do on Stripe—and yet it offers more,” said Kopelman. “It’s built specifically for real, established businesses, not just early-stage startups.”

Watch the Full Episode

🎥 Watch Now: Mutual Connections Vodcast featuring Allen Kopelman – YouTube

📲 Connect with Allen on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allenkopelman

💻 Learn more about NPSOne and ClickBillR: https://www.nationwidepaymentsystems.com

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions