The card networks have historically been considered among the best and highest quality business models in public markets. But more recently, the card network stocks have de-rated as investors have grown concerned about perceived threats, from legislation to AI. Matt O'Neill recently reinstated coverage of the payments group and he joins the podcast to discuss these risks and why he believes fears are generally overstated. Relatedly, he discusses what transactions may look like in the future if consumers employ AI agents to do more of their purchasing and how AI may help with product discovery more imminently. We also address Buy Now Pay Later, which may not be the upstart it once was, but it's a segment where we expect compelling growth ahead, as well as an evolving business model.

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