OLB Group Launches iStores.com - an AI platform to Address $16.8 Trillion Projected 2028 eCommerce Market: AI-Powered Platform Eliminates Traditional Barriers With Instant Online Stores and Same-Day Merchant Approval

Rhea-AI Summary

The OLB Group (NASDAQ:OLB) launched iStores AI on January 22, 2026: an AI-powered eCommerce platform that creates online stores and enables payment processing in minutes with same-day merchant services approval. iStores integrates OLB's SecurePay PCI DSS Level 1 gateway with 3D Secure, a strategic PayPal partnership for global checkout, native cryptocurrency and stablecoin acceptance, cross-border currency conversion, and a QuickBooks plugin for automatic invoicing sync. The platform targets nationwide bodega distribution and will offer a free version for select sectors to accelerate adoption and digital inclusion.

Positive

• Same-day merchant approval enabled by AI onboarding
• PayPal partnership for global payment reach
• PCI DSS Level 1 SecurePay gateway with 3D Secure fraud protection
• QuickBooks integration for automated invoicing and reconciliation
• Native crypto support including stablecoins and cross-border payments

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+8.49% 1.6x vol

3 alerts

+8.49% News Effect

+13.7% Peak Tracked

-6.9% Trough Tracked

+$593K Valuation Impact

$8M Market Cap

1.6x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, OLB gained 8.49%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +13.7% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -6.9% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 3 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $593K to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $8M at that time. Trading volume was above average at 1.6x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Projected eCommerce market: $16.8 trillion Q3 2025 revenue: $2.31 million Q3 2025 net loss: $1.18 million +5 more

8 metrics

Projected eCommerce market $16.8 trillion Global eCommerce market projection for 2028 cited in iStores.com launch

Q3 2025 revenue $2.31 million Quarter ended September 30, 2025; down from $3.08 million year-ago

Q3 2025 net loss $1.18 million Quarter ended September 30, 2025

2025 YTD revenue $6.90 million Nine months ended September 30, 2025 vs $10.10 million in 2024

2025 YTD net loss $4.39 million Nine months ended September 30, 2025

Cash balance $3,540 Cash at September 30, 2025 per Q3 2025 10-Q

ATM program size $15.0 million At-the-market program disclosed in Q3 2025 10-Q

Shares outstanding 8,768,132 shares Common shares outstanding as of November 14, 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.5881 Vol: Volume 248,274 versus 20-...

normal vol

$0.5881 Last Close

Volume Volume 248,274 versus 20-day average 167,515 indicates elevated trading interest ahead of this AI launch. normal

Technical Shares at 0.795 are trading below the 200-day MA of 1.31, despite the recent gain.

Peers on Argus

OLB is up 8.9% while key peers show mixed moves, including declines in FAAS, BNA...

OLB is up 8.9% while key peers show mixed moves, including declines in FAAS, BNAI, RVYL, and DTSS, and a gain in NEHC, pointing to a stock-specific reaction.

Historical Context

4 past events · Latest: Jan 20 (Positive)

Pattern 4 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 20	Spin-off update	Positive	-7.5%	Update on DMint spin-off S-1 refiling and planned capital raise.
Dec 11	Annual meeting	Neutral	-1.9%	Announcement of 2025 virtual annual meeting and standard governance items.
Dec 03	Security upgrade	Positive	+10.7%	SecurePay payment gateway achieving PCI DSS Version 4.0 certification.
Aug 14	Listing plans	Positive	-8.1%	DMint plan to refile S-1 and pursue Nasdaq Capital Market listing.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows OLB often selling off on corporate and spin-off updates, while security and infrastructure milestones like SecurePay’s PCI DSS 4.0 certification drew a positive reaction.

Recent Company History

Over the past several months, OLB has focused on payment infrastructure and the planned DMint spin‑off. On Aug 14, 2025, DMint detailed plans to refile its S‑1 and pursue a Nasdaq listing with pro rata share distribution, which was followed by a share decline. A Dec 3, 2025 update on SecurePay’s PCI DSS 4.0 certification coincided with gains, suggesting security upgrades resonated. The Jan 20, 2026 DMint spin‑off progress update again saw weakness. Today’s AI-driven iStores.com launch extends the payment and commerce technology narrative.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved +8.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with OLB...

Analysis

The stock moved +8.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with OLB’s strategy of expanding its fintech and commerce infrastructure. The iStores.com AI launch directly leverages prior investments in SecurePay and payment security, adding an AI-driven front end for merchants. With shares at 0.795, still below the 200-day MA of 1.31 and well under the 52-week high of 2.5, past revenue declines and going-concern disclosures remain key risks when assessing how durable such enthusiasm might be.

Key Terms

artificial intelligence, payment gateway, 3D Secure, PCI DSS Level 1, +2 more

6 terms

artificial intelligence technical

"a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered eCommerce platform that enables businesses"

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. For investors, it matters because AI can enhance efficiency, uncover new insights, and enable smarter strategies, potentially impacting the value and performance of companies that develop or utilize this technology.

payment gateway technical

"combining advanced AI technology with OLB's robust SecurePay payment gateway infrastructure"

A payment gateway is the digital service that accepts and securely transmits customers’ credit card or bank details when someone buys something online or in an app. Think of it as a virtual cashier and security guard rolled into one: it checks the payment, prevents fraud, and tells the seller whether the money is approved. Investors watch gateways because they affect a company’s ability to make sales, the speed of revenue collection, transaction costs, and exposure to fraud or downtime.

3D Secure technical

"the platform incorporates comprehensive 3D Secure authentication protocols, providing advanced fraud protection"

3D Secure is an extra step added to online card payments that asks the buyer to verify their identity—often with a password, code, or biometric prompt—before a purchase completes. For investors, it matters because it reduces fraud and shifts liability away from merchants, but can also affect sales if customers abandon checkout; think of it as a security checkpoint that lowers theft risk while sometimes slowing the flow of shoppers.

PCI DSS Level 1 regulatory

"Powered by SecurePay, OLB's PCI DSS Level 1 certified payment gateway, the platform incorporates"

PCI DSS Level 1 is the highest certification under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, required for organizations that process very large volumes of credit or debit card transactions. For investors, it signals that a company has undergone rigorous security testing and controls to protect cardholder data—like a certified bank vault—reducing the risk of costly data breaches, regulatory fines, and reputational damage that can hurt revenue and stock value.

stablecoin financial

"includes native support for cryptocurrency transactions, including stablecoin payments, enabling merchants"

A stablecoin is a type of digital currency designed to keep its value steady, often by being backed by traditional assets like money or commodities. For investors, stablecoins offer a reliable way to move money quickly across digital platforms without the value fluctuations common with other cryptocurrencies, making them useful for saving, trading, or transferring funds with less risk of sudden losses.

card-not-present technical

"providing advanced fraud protection for card-not-present transactions. This multi-layered security"

Card-not-present describes a payment where the buyer’s payment card is not physically swiped or inserted at a point-of-sale—common with online, phone, or mail orders. For investors, it matters because these transactions carry higher fraud, dispute and processing risk than in-person sales, which can increase costs, reduce margins and affect revenue reliability, much like renting a car remotely rather than handing over keys in person.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2026 / The OLB Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:OLB), a leading fintech company specializing in payment processing and omnichannel commerce solutions, today announced the launch of iStores AI, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered eCommerce platform that enables businesses to create fully functional online stores and begin processing transactions in minutes, with same-day merchant services approval.

iStores.com represents a paradigm shift in how businesses establish their digital commerce presence, combining advanced AI technology with OLB's robust SecurePay payment gateway infrastructure to deliver an unprecedented speed-to-market solution for merchants of all sizes.

Revolutionary AI-Driven Platform

The iStores AI platform leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to automate the traditionally complex and time-consuming process of establishing an eCommerce operation. Within minutes, businesses can launch professional online stores complete with product catalogs, shopping carts, and full payment processing capabilities. The platform's AI engine handles merchant onboarding, risk assessment, and compliance verification, enabling same-day approval for merchant services - a process that traditionally takes days or weeks.

Global Payment Capabilities Through PayPal Partnership

Building on OLB Group's strategic global partnership with PayPal, iStores AI offers merchants seamless access to PayPal's worldwide payment network, providing customers with trusted, familiar payment options. This integration expands the platform's reach across international markets and enhances conversion rates through PayPal's widely recognized checkout experience.

Enterprise-Grade Security With 3D Secure

Security remains paramount in the iStores AI platform. Powered by SecurePay, OLB's PCI DSS Level 1 certified payment gateway, the platform incorporates comprehensive 3D Secure authentication protocols, providing advanced fraud protection for card-not-present transactions. This multi-layered security framework protects both merchants and consumers while ensuring compliance with the latest payment industry standards and regulations.

Nationwide Bodega Network Distribution

iStores AI is positioned to transform commerce across OLB's extensive bodega distribution network nationwide. By providing these community retail hubs with sophisticated eCommerce capabilities, OLB is enabling thousands of small businesses to compete in the digital marketplace while maintaining their essential role in local communities. This initiative bridges the digital divide and brings enterprise-level commerce technology to underserved business segments.

Cryptocurrency and Cross-Border Payment Innovation

Recognizing the evolving payments landscape, iStores AI includes native support for cryptocurrency transactions, including stablecoin payments, enabling merchants to accept digital assets alongside traditional payment methods. The platform's cross-border payment capabilities eliminate traditional international transaction friction, allowing businesses to seamlessly serve global customers with optimized currency conversion, reduced fees, and faster settlement times.

QuickBooks Integration for Seamless Operations

iStores AI features a powerful QuickBooks plugin that automatically synchronizes invoicing with order management, streamlining accounting workflows and eliminating manual data entry. This integration ensures accurate financial records, simplifies reconciliation, and provides real-time visibility into business performance through merchants' existing accounting systems.

Free Version for Strategic Sectors

In a move designed to accelerate adoption and support economic development, OLB Group plans to release a free version of iStores AI targeting specific business sectors. This initiative will democratize access to professional eCommerce technology, enabling startups and small businesses to establish digital commerce operations without upfront capital investment.

Management Commentary

"iStores.com AI represents the convergence of artificial intelligence, payment processing innovation, and our commitment to empowering businesses of every size," said Ronny Yakov, CEO of The OLB Group. "By reducing the barrier to entry from weeks to minutes and combining that with our global payment partnerships, advanced security infrastructure, and nationwide distribution network, we're fundamentally changing how businesses can participate in digital commerce. This platform embodies our vision of making sophisticated commerce technology accessible to everyone - from corner bodegas to growing enterprises."

About The OLB Group, Inc.

The OLB Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:OLB) is a diversified fintech company providing innovative payment processing solutions, digital asset technology, and omnichannel commerce platforms. Through its SecurePay payment gateway and complementary services, OLB enables businesses to accept and process payments seamlessly across multiple channels while leveraging emerging technologies in digital assets and AI-driven commerce solutions. For more information, please visit OLB.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such factors include, but are not limited to market conditions, regulatory developments, the timing and completion of the spin-off and IPO, and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Investor Contact:
The OLB Group, Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@olb.com
Phone: (212) 278-0900, ext. 333

SOURCE: The OLB Group, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What is iStores AI and which company launched it (OLB)?

iStores AI is an AI-driven eCommerce platform launched by The OLB Group (NASDAQ:OLB) to create online stores and process payments in minutes.

How does iStores AI speed merchant onboarding for OLB (OLB)?

The platform uses AI for onboarding, risk assessment, and compliance verification to enable same-day merchant services approval.

Does iStores AI support international payments and which partner expands global reach for OLB (OLB)?

Yes; iStores integrates with PayPal to provide global checkout and expanded international payment acceptance.

What security standards does iStores AI use for payments on OLB (OLB)?

Payments run on OLB's SecurePay gateway, certified PCI DSS Level 1, and incorporate 3D Secure authentication for fraud protection.

Will iStores AI accept cryptocurrency and how does that affect cross-border sales for OLB (OLB)?

iStores natively supports cryptocurrency and stablecoin payments and includes cross-border currency conversion to reduce friction and speed settlements.

Is there a free version of iStores AI from OLB (OLB) and who is it for?

OLB plans a free version targeted at specific business sectors to accelerate adoption among startups and small businesses.