John Adams

Small business' concerns over cash flow and billing cycles are pushing bank competitors like Resolve and Ramp to offer short-term products that bear a resemblance to installment lending.

Companies like VizyPay, Stax and Carbon Zero Financial seek fresh ideas from people who built their careers in retail, food service and other verticals.

Drake Bank in Minnesota is working with the fintech B Generous to test whether installment loans can help bring in larger donations to nonprofits.

The technology firm is pitching itself as a partner for the development of central bank digital currencies, hoping to gain its clients a role in newer payment systems.

Firms like Amazon Go and Zippin are focusing more on data their systems collect that isn't captured by traditional point-of-sale systems. This information can play a key role in loyalty programs or back-office tasks such as tracking inventory.

The human resources consultancy Thrive and the money management firm Unifimoney say the appeal of digital assets is expanding for payments and payroll, despite the volatility that eliminated much of the currencies' valuation this year.

Even as companies like Apple make it less crucial to have dedicated payment terminals, Adyen sees a market for two new devices that can build on its strengths in e-commerce.

After enabling used-car sales with The Clearing House's RTP rail, the bank has implemented the same technology for real-time funding of vehicle loans.

A real-time refund can allow travelers to quickly rebook after a cancellation, and instant credits can make longer airport waits more bearable, according to fintech experts.

Jifiti is among the technology companies that want make it easier for retailers and banks to offer installment lending. The disruption caused by inflation and a hawkish Fed are combining to create an opportunity.