John Adams

First Data hopes to enhance its ability to integrate payments with other merchant services by acquiring the processor and technology company CardConnect, which is already one of First Data's largest distribution partners.

Sweeping new data-sharing rules require a substantial IT revamp at large financial institutions.

Bank of America has added new features to its mobile banking app in an effort to build flexibility in mobile wallet options and more closely tie payments to financial services.

Amazon is lending its considerable brand and heft to a cash payment model that borrows a vital piece of real estate from Apple Pay.

Artificial intelligence is steadily making its way through the payments and financial services world. The technology's usefulness for fraud detection is clear, but there are other areas where AI can have an impact.