Fintech

The card networks are taking blockchain seriously as a means of streamlining cross-border B2B payments. But while they share a vision, they are taking different paths to this goal. Visa has opted for a closed network that it controls, while Mastercard envisages a wider, more open ecosystem.

Payoneer found its niche providing technology for Amazon, Google and Facebook to deliver mass payouts to independent contractors, but the company has added options for small U.S. businesses to send payments to vendors and suppliers globally.

Good customer service, layered with new technology, gives community banks an advantage over big banks.

The key is that FedNow will provide speed, equal access and an infrastructure that enables the private sector to build cross-platform solutions, says BillGo's Kelly Seidl.

The California-based institution can now serve more than 3.2 million people.

Recent reports that counterfeit card fraud is markedly down in the U.S. since the introduction of EMV chip cards in 2015 is fantastic news, except for retailers that also sell goods sells online. In that case fraud has merely moved from an in-store payment attempt to a card not present (CNP) one. For e-commerce only stores the rise in payments fraud attempts has been a deluge.

The San Diego-based institution changed its name in attempt to reach wider audience.

Some bank customers would consider switching banks for the status of having a metal card in their wallet. Others are willing to compromise by converting their cards to metal on their own.

Governments use varying methods for tracking the flow of money in and out of the country in order to deter fraud and money laundering, writes Nvoicepay's Alyssa Callahan.

Julieann Thurlow says Reading Cooperative Bank in Massachusetts is well positioned to help immigrants and millennials. Technology is crucial to serving both groups, she says.