New initiatives could give a boost to an already widely charitable industry, but fickle consumers and uncertain economic waters could prove a challenge.

There are emerging payment innovations and strategies, such as card controls and online payment technology and analysis, that can help banks and other financial institutions connect with small businesses, writes Erik De Kroon, CEO and co-founder of Yordex.

Aging tech systems have become a "pain point" in financial services, and VC firms have backed newcomers trying to push aside traditional vendors and win over banks and credit unions.

Changing demographics and cultural trends are making bank CEOs think beyond profitability and toward addressing what they stand for.

Transaction fraud, attacks, compliance and political uncertainty are a toxic mix, argues Ian Stone, CEO of Veualta.

The investments that Rana Yared's team makes in startups help Goldman Sachs in two ways: Besides earning a profit, the company also uses a lot of the technology the startups develop as part of its internal digital transformation.

The head of the agency's innovation office said the program will be available only to OCC-regulated institutions.

There are important considerations for financial institutions to bear in mind as they build relationships with the likes of Apple and Google.

Innovation is part of Emily Girsch's daily routine. That's why the chief financial officer at Lincoln Savings Bank in Cedar Falls, Iowa, spends a lot of time thinking about the need to modernize bank regulations for the digital age.

The company, which has invested $3 million in fintech in recent years, said the value of the portfolio is nearing $14 million.