Other fintechs’ rush to become banks is being driven by investors seeking “crazy returns," says CEO Dan Price. But he acknowledged that at some point Gravity may need a charter of its own to remain competitive.

As competition becomes more about countering fintechs than beating other banks, alternative payment methods and broader services will be key, says Icon Solutions' Simon Wilson.

The industry’s most effective relationships come when providers serve as collaborators and an extension of their clients to serve customers and work in tandem to address a range of challenges and grow their businesses together, says Paya's Chris Scappa.

The Chicago fintech, which currently offers personal loans and credit cards, will add deposit accounts with the acquisition of Level.

The joint checking account is similar to its individual checking feature, launched last April, and will target millennial couples in particular.

The world’s largest retailer filed for a trademark on the name on March 29, in the process giving clues as to what the startup might actually do.

PingPong and Perch want to make it easier for third parties, which are often accumulated into a larger group by acquisition, to sell overseas on Amazon's platform.

At a time when it’s never been more important for small businesses like salons and spas to improve economics, scalability and control, fintech can provide a path to better margins, says Boulevard's Biju Nair.

Like their counterparts in the U.K., U.S. regulators should be working closely with the private sector to establish principles and guardrails to direct and focus tech advancements in ways that will protect consumers and financial stability.

JAM FINTOP Banktech will fund startups that offer services designed for the banking industry. All 66 limited partners are banks.