From Prediction To Reality: B2B Fintech Brex Acquired By Capital One

Capital One’s acquisition of BlueTarp Financial in 2019 bolstered its B2B financing and trade credit solutions for business sellers (from the AR perspective). Now, with the acquisition of Brex, Capital One completes a crucial piece for B2B buyers in the AP process. This landmark deal is just the beginning.

The Logic Behind Banking Finance Automation Software M&A

Banks are acquiring B2B finance automation software companies and fintechs to access advanced, AI-driven technology solutions that help them stand out in a market where core corporate banking services — such as invoice financing, cash management, accounts payable, and accounts receivable — are becoming increasingly commoditized. This enables banks to offer more innovative, value-added services and maintain their competitive edge. At the same time, B2B fintechs are pursuing banking licenses so they can go beyond software and payments to deliver a full suite of financial services, directly competing with traditional banks in the B2B finance arena. This dual trend is driving rapid transformation in the sector, with both banks and fintechs seeking to broaden their capabilities and deliver integrated, digital-first solutions to business clients.

Breaking Down Silos To Automate Finance

The current landscape of ERP, finance automation, banking, and payment systems remains highly fragmented and siloed — even as automation advances, these solutions often operate in isolation from other business functions. Capital One’s acquisition of Brex marks a significant step toward addressing this challenge. For instance, Brex’s unified spend management platform integrates corporate cards, expense management, and travel solutions, enabling real-time data sharing across finance, procurement, and even HR departments. By connecting these traditionally separate workflows, Brex helps break down silos within B2B finance operations. Looking ahead, this approach can serve as a blueprint for integrating processes across broader business lines — including B2C — by leveraging AI-powered platforms that orchestrate data and workflows seamlessly between departments. The future of finance is not just about automation but about achieving true integration and orchestration across the entire enterprise.

Stay Informed: Forrester’s Research Portfolio

Forrester continues to publish in-depth research on B2B payments and finance automation, analyzing market trends and evaluating innovative software vendors and fintechs in this rapidly evolving segment. Explore our latest reports to stay ahead of the curve.