The U.S.-based networks are offering credit cards and other products through financial technology companies that otherwise could allow consumers in the region to bypass bank-issued cards.

Industry leaders in the spotlight this year include Citi's Jane Fraser, TD's Bharat Masrani and several others who are making big moves in cryptocurrency.

Yan Zhao, President of NYDIG as she exploreshow Bitcoin is experiencing wider adoption in the traditional finance world, and why that is.

These executives are adapting to changing customer demands amid rebounding M&A and coronavirus-related challenges.

Alloy Labs Alliance, a consortium of community banks, is working with the fintech Payrailz on a project called "Chuck" that would route peer-to-peer payments over different networks, based on which is least expensive for each transaction.

The charity has added digital and contactless options to its traditional cash collections.

The year's biggest storylines included an M&A revival, a reexamination of overdraft fees, a changing of the guard in Washington and the rise of new technologies. Here's a look back.

PNC, Bank of America, JPMorgan, Wells Fargo and Citi have all introduced automated projections for commercial clients in recent months. Fintechs that cater to small businesses had pioneered the niche.

The social network, now called Meta Platforms, is buying the South Dakota bank's name for $60 million.

The tax preparation company, which is building out its own financial services business, says Square's new brand "would improperly capitalize on the goodwill and consumer trust cultivated by [H&R] Block since 1955."

Kabbage and other firms are extending credit to fund higher salaries at the small merchants that are struggling to hire new employees.

The fintech, which provides crypto custody services to financial institutions and recently obtained a national trust bank charter, will use its Series D funding to increase the size of its team and strengthen its infrastructure.

The issuer will help Skipify develop technology that recognizes returning customers at e-commerce sites, pre-fill payment details and provide access to loyalty programs.

Now that JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Capital One and others offer the alternative credit option, the startups that created this market are adding products to cement their hold on consumers and merchants.

The financial technology firm Chime said customers can now deposit cash at more than 8,500 Walgreens Boots Alliance locations, another example of nonbanks pushing deeper into consumer finance.

Banks in Mastercard's True Name program, which allows transgender and nonbinary customers to get cards bearing their preferred name, often use those customers' legal names elsewhere. Three challenger banks have made adaptations to achieve greater consistency across all communication channels.

Banco Bradesco, Brazil’s second-biggest bank by market value, is partnering with the Miami-based fintech BCP Global to offer digital investments to upper-middle-class and rich Brazilians.

Immigrants from Brazil, Nigeria and Kenya will be able to get scores based on their home country credit histories under a partnership between American Express and Nova Credit.

By acquiring First Sound Bank in Seattle, the fintech would control the strategic direction of the combined company and won't have to share revenue, CEO Luvleen Sidhu says.