MoR & payments ecosystem shifts — Xsolla partnerships, Stripe entry, attribution tools
Key Questions
What is a Merchant of Record (MoR) in app payments?
A Merchant of Record handles payment processing, assumes financial liability, calculates and remits taxes, and ensures compliance with global regulations. Services like Xsolla, Paddle, and FastSpring operate in this role.
How is Stripe entering the MoR and agentic commerce space?
Stripe has launched Managed Payments as a Merchant of Record, positioning it to compete with Xsolla, Paddle, and FastSpring in agentic commerce. This includes support for subscriptions and global payouts.
What partnerships has Xsolla announced recently?
Xsolla partnered with Skich for MoR services targeting EU iOS DMA and global Android, and with Tenjin for server-to-server attribution. It is also expanding Nordic presence with events like Nordic Game 2026.
Which companies are seeing growth in the payments ecosystem?
EBANX reported 48% year-over-year growth in APAC, while Appcharge is actively expanding iOS link support and hiring. Xsolla continues DTC events and creator-focused strategies.
How do these MoR shifts impact developers?
Developers gain more options for tax compliance, alternative billing, and reduced liability through MoR providers. The competition between Stripe, Xsolla, and others is driving new tools for subscriptions and cross-border payments.
Stripe launches Managed Payments MoR and agentic commerce competing with Xsolla/Paddle/FastSpring; Xsolla-Skich MoR (EU iOS DMA/global Android); Xsolla-Tenjin S2S; EBANX 48% YoY APAC; Appcharge iOS links active and expanding hiring; Xsolla Nordic DTC events.