Bailey Reutzel

Most passwords rely too much on pet names, anniversary dates and other easily-guessed concepts. But replacing those words with pictures could provide a substantial improvement in security.

Traditional non-bank payment providers have elected several unconventional names to represent the industry on the Federal Reserve's Faster Payments Task Force steering committee.

Azimo, a mobile remittance startup out of London, has raised $20 million from investors at Frog Capital, MCI Investments, Greycroft Partners and e.ventures, according to a report in TechCrunch.

Scale is one of the most important things remittance companies must focus on, which is why long-standing incumbents continue to have the upper hand.

Swedish e-commerce payment gateway Klarna has hired former American Express executive Michael Rouse to be the chief commercial officer for the company's U.S. launch this year.

Apple's plan to launch Apple Pay in the U.K. with the support of a solid number of issuers came as no surprise — except for the omission of Barclays, the leading issuer and acquirer in the country.

Jack Dorsey will be doing double duty soon. The 38-year-old Missouri-native will be serving as the interim CEO of Twitter, while also continuing to serve as the CEO of Square Inc.

Banks are under significant pressure to modernize payments or lose customers to more nimble digital challengers. But regulatory obligations, which at times hold banks back from being innovative, are also the reason banks become the hero in resolving disputes over charges.

The Bitcoin Foundation's goal of promoting the new digital currency was quickly overshadowed by the personal and legal problems of its management. Now, under new leadership, the group aims to return to its original mission.

Investment in London fintech firms is soaring and young companies are being drawn to the area, especially the Canary Wharf district, thanks to the efforts of incubator Level39, a vibrant social scene, and close proximity to large banks.