A CFO’s running start: What Q1 looks like in the finance world

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AR you ready?: From invoicing to reconciliation, Paystand’s AR and AP automation software does away with manual work and can accelerate collections. See what else it can do.

Welcome to 2026. Yes, we know we’ve been here for a little while at this point, but this welcome also serves as something of a blueprint to help finance professionals find or maintain their footing as Q1 ramps up. (Because who doesn’t love a blueprint?)

To keep ourselves up-to-date, we’ve teamed up with the leaders at Paystand, whose mission is to decentralize commercial finance. They’re helping guide us through three need-to-know B2B finance trends and themes in Q1, what they mean, and how to tackle them with expertise.

Here’s to starting (and continuing) 2026 on the right financial foot. Let’s get started.

1. AI-driven AR/AP automation: What makes it work?

AI has been the buzzword making its way around every biz block. And though it has firmly taken root in the B2B finance world—and the finance world at large—lingering questions still remain about its efficiency and trustability.

Largely, these questions stem from a throw-AI-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks strategy. And we’ll save you the legwork: This strategy won’t work. AI needs to be implemented thoughtfully and with a proper foundation to work off of.

In Paystand’s e-book, Top B2B Payment Trends for 2026 and Beyond, they share that utilizing and leveraging the right tools for your team is the key to AI discovery, not just plugging in any AI tool that makes a splash on a given week.

For instance, here are some places Paystand noted AI could fit within automation softwares when it comes to AR/AP:

• End-to-end automation: From invoicing to approval routing and reconciliation, workflows can move faster with fewer errors.
• Fraud prevention: AI detects anomalies and suspicious patterns before they become problems.
• Smarter forecasting: Machine learning can predict gaps, surpluses, and timing issues for better decision-making.
• Reduced manual work: Teams spend less time on repetitive tasks.
• Faster collections: Automated processes accelerate receivables and improve cash flow.

Finance professionals and CFOs can also slowly weave generative AI tools into their workflows to become more efficient. Use them for meeting prep, notetaking, data analysis—the possibilities grow when AI is leveraged where it can help shorten your time to result.

And remember: Don’t overload. You don’t have to use all of these tools. Find what works, slot in what fits, and take note of pain points. AI is a learning process, and the learning part isn’t optional. Slow and steady, yet again, proves to win the race.

2. Bitcoin and blockchain: Are they reshaping corporate finance?

Crypto has come a long way. From social media crazes to actual significance in the finance world, Bitcoin and blockchain are proving that they’re more than a passing fad (or a digital photograph of a monkey) in the B2B finance atmosphere. They’re now one of many architects of business finance’s next move.

And don’t forget about stablecoins: New regulations have increased trust from finance departments, so stablecoin isn’t just used as a holding asset—it’s also actually moving in the market.

More and more, Bitcoin and blockchain are utilized by treasuries as traditional money faces erosion and decentralization. Bitcoin is being used in treasuries, and blockchain is being integrated through smart contracts and traceability.

According to Paystand, “Organizations are using Bitcoin for secure cross-border payments, faster settlements, and transparent, auditable records. Blockchain adds real-time visibility through on-chain accounting, helping finance teams stay compliant while reducing reliance on traditional banking rails.”

Bitcoin and blockchain are closely related, but they are not the same thing. Blockchain is the underlying technology, and Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency built on blockchain, one of the most well-known applications of the technology.

Bitcoin can be used as a treasury asset for inflation hedging and diversification, while blockchain-based settlement (which can be used with or without cryptocurrency) can enable faster, more affordable, and more transparent transactions.

Paystand’s e-book highlights that “an estimated 65,000 companies worldwide integrated blockchain into payment systems in 2023, a 38% increase from the prior year (Coinlaw).”

Bitcoin and blockchain are making the rails transparent and providing more of a stable pillar to lean on. Paystand shared that case studies include LatAm and Asia suppliers preferring on-chain rails. Considerations include zero-fee payment networks vs. legacy fees and risks like volatility, regulatory compliance, and custody/security.

3. Buy now, pay later: What does its traction look like?

Who doesn’t love a little head start?

B2B buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a flexible tool that helps companies do—well, exactly that. Buy now, pay later. However, CFOs should weigh credit risk carefully. You don’t want BNPL to become an excuse for procrastination.

Nonetheless, Paystand shares that BNPL has exploded in consumer finance, and B2B is no different. Businesses use BNPL to extend terms while suppliers get paid immediately. Buyers also benefit from extended terms without resorting to trade credit or factoring, and this can deeply improve both sides of the relationship.

The terms are flexible and suppliers get immediate liquidity. This alone is reshaping credit economics and business transactions. As mentioned earlier, though, CFOs should still tread lightly. BNPL is a tool, not an entire strategy.

Paystand noted that common use cases include SMB suppliers, high-ticket goods, and SaaS contracts. But remember: Risks include credit underwriting challenges and regulatory scrutiny as BNPL scales.

Q1 and done

Keep these top three trends in mind as you traverse the finance world. This quarter can be your oyster if you know how to tackle it.

Happy Q1. We’ll see you in the next one.

And if you’re interested in AR and AP automation software that’s tailor-made for businesses, Paystand’s got you covered. Learn more here.