Square Leverages AI And Bitcoin Integration To Transform Merchant Operations

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 9, 2025

Innovating the Restaurant Experience With AI Voice Ordering

Square, a leader in merchant payment solutions under Block, is setting a new industry benchmark by introducing AI-powered voice ordering for restaurants and cafes. This enhancement targets delivery-centric establishments, including cloud kitchens, by enabling them to streamline order management. The intelligent system handles nuanced customer queries—whether it’s inquiring about daily specials or tailoring meal preferences—thus allowing staff to focus on high-value interactions.

Elevating Operational Efficiency With Integrated Tools

Beyond voice ordering, Square’s latest platform enhancements include a redesigned kiosk interface for frequent menu selections, Grubhub integration for a smoother third-party delivery experience, and an AI-driven inventory management tool aimed at optimizing supply chain logistics. Furthermore, the AI assistant, initially launched in open beta, now offers local insights ranging from weather updates to industry trends and events, providing merchants with timely, actionable data that can drive operational decisions. Merchants also benefit from a new functionality that allows auto-updating visual widgets to be integrated directly on their dashboards, ensuring critical business metrics are always at their fingertips.

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Pioneering Digital Currency Adoption With Bitcoin

In another strategic advancement, Square is deepening its commitment to the digital economy by integrating a comprehensive Bitcoin solution. This new feature enables merchants to accept Bitcoin payments seamlessly through point-of-sale systems—without processing fees for one year—and to manage digital currency via an integrated wallet. With the capability to buy, sell, hold, and withdraw Bitcoin directly from the dashboard, merchants can convert up to 50% of their daily revenue into Bitcoin. This initiative not only reinforces Jack Dorsey’s well-known advocacy for Bitcoin but also positions Square to tap into the growing prevalence of cryptocurrency payments in the business sector.

A Strategic Leap Forward for Merchants

Miles Suter, Head of Bitcoin Product at Block, emphasized that the Bitcoin tools are designed to ensure seamless transaction processing while equipping sellers with powerful financial management solutions. This dual approach is intended to deliver a level of operational resilience previously exclusive to large corporations, positioning Bitcoin as an everyday transactional tool rather than merely a speculative asset. With this suite of new offerings, Square is clearly poised to drive both innovation and efficiency across the merchant landscape.

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Cyprus Banks Urged To Focus On Long-Term Resilience As Profits Remain Strong

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

The Cypriot banking sector remains in a strong position, supported by solid capital buffers and overall financial stability, according to speakers at the annual general meeting of the Association of Cyprus Banks. At the same time, government officials and regulators stressed that maintaining this position will require continued discipline and long-term planning.

A Strong Sector, But Not A Complacent One

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos used the meeting to highlight concerns over draft laws recently passed by parliament, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the Legal Service, may contain constitutional, legal and institutional issues. Those concerns, he noted, led to presidential referrals and remittals to the Supreme Court.

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Keravnos also said the European Central Bank had been consulted on proposed measures concerning the suspension of foreclosures and the restructuring of loans and guarantees, adding that the ECB had expressed its own concerns.

Profitability Should Reflect Real Economy Lending

While acknowledging that the banking sector remains highly profitable, Keravnos said earnings are expected to reach around €1 billion in 2025, lower than in 2024 as interest-rate conditions gradually normalize.

He said he would prefer bank profitability to rely more on lending to businesses operating in productive sectors and less on the widening of European Central Bank interest-rate spreads.

According to the minister, Cyprus’ return to investment-grade status after 11 years has strengthened the country’s appeal to foreign investors, technology companies and startups. He said this should encourage banks to offer financing that better supports businesses while improving the diversification of their loan portfolios.

The Central Bank’s Warning: Strength Today Is Not A Guarantee Tomorrow

Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides also warned against complacency, saying the sector’s current strength should not be taken for granted.

“The Cypriot banking sector is strong today. But strength that truly matters is not exhausted by a capital ratio, a profit line or a favorable cycle,” he said.

Patsalides added that lasting resilience depends on institutions remaining strong as conditions change, risks become more complex, and competition evolves. In his view, that requires sufficient capital buffers, adaptable infrastructure and management teams prepared for changing market conditions.

Long-Term Resilience Over Short-Term Gains

Patsalides also stressed that banks should focus on long-term resilience rather than short-term performance. Decisions on dividend policy, capital allocation and the use of resources, he said, should take into account continued investment in technology, operational resilience, human capital and long-term adaptability.

He added that banks able to remain competitive over time will be those that invest early in strengthening their capacity to adapt and respond to future challenges.

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