QR Code Logins Signal a Shift Toward Mobile-First Security in B2B Finance

In an era where corporate finance teams juggle complex workflows and strict compliance demands, secure and seamless access to digital platforms is more critical than ever. Now, a tool borrowed from consumer tech — the QR code — is quietly transforming business-to-business (B2B) authentication.

Over the past two years, a mobile-first QR code login system introduced for a leading treasury and payments platform has been used more than 2 million times, with adoption rising by 60% in the past year. Initially developed to solve password reset headaches for corporate users, the feature has quickly evolved into a new standard for secure access.

What makes the approach stand out is its combination of strong security with intuitive design. By replacing physical tokens with mobile-based QR sign-ins, the system removes friction while maintaining regulatory compliance — especially critical in regions like the U.K. and the EU, where multifactor authentication requirements are more stringent.

Security Meets Simplicity

Instead of requiring users to retrieve and input a one-time passcode from a physical device, the QR code system allows users to scan and sign in using their mobile app. It integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise-grade security frameworks while delivering a streamlined experience.

The convenience is especially appreciated in regions with tight authentication regulations. Corporate clients in Europe, for example, now use the QR sign-in more than twice as often as users in other markets.

And despite concerns that new authentication methods might spark resistance, users have quickly embraced the update once they experience it. The shift isn’t just about ease — it’s also about trust. Many now recognize mobile-based sign-in as a security best practice.

Going Beyond QR: Push Authentication Arrives

Building on the success of QR logins, the platform recently launched push authentication, eliminating the need to manually enter codes altogether. When users attempt to log in, a secure token request is automatically sent to their mobile device for approval.

This update is already gaining momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, mobile token usage officially surpassed physical token usage for the first time — a clear sign that treasury and finance professionals are embracing mobile-first access models.

Designed with the User in Mind

This shift reflects a deeper transformation within B2B payments: a move toward authentication that is personalized, proactive, and predictive. It’s no longer enough to simply be secure — platforms must also be intuitive, efficient, and built around user workflows.

With billions of dollars moving daily through enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, supplier portals, and treasury systems, organizations are recognizing that login processes are not just gatekeepers — they’re part of the user experience. And when that experience is smooth, secure, and mobile-friendly, it builds confidence.

While QR codes may not generate the same hype as AI or blockchain, they are delivering something just as impactful: real-world transformation. They’re reducing login friction, strengthening security, and supporting real-time decision-making for businesses operating in fast-paced financial environments.

As mobile-based security continues to gain ground, QR sign-ins and push authentication may represent the new baseline for how secure digital access is delivered — practical, powerful, and ready for the next chapter in B2B finance.

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