Merchant

LendStreet is looking to break the circle of debt that often arises when struggling borrowers try to consolidate what they owe.

Square Inc. named Activision Blizzard Inc. executive Amrita Ahuja as chief financial officer, replacing Sarah Friar, who stepped down from her role as Jack Dorsey’s No. 2 at the digital-payments company last month.

Citi wants to attract credit card customers who use its card for staples such as groceries and gas — a pivot from its past of marketing to the social butterflies who would use its cards on dining and entertainment.

By adopting faster payments, businesses have more flexibility to make last-minute payments and emergency payrolls, or gain a larger window for early-payment discounts.

Both CUNA and NAFCU have responded to the bureau's request for input by raising concerns about cybersecurity, public complaints and more.

Blockchain technology will allow players to purchase items or games faster, while ensuring their payments are secure, according to Nicolas Gilot, co-CEO of Ultra.

The rise of contactless cards could eclipse mobile payments adoption, experts predicted, while evolving fraud threats may give rise to increased account controls for consumers.

Merchants will need to feel comfortable that enough of their vendors will also accept crypto, writes Jared McClure, co-founder and COO of CrayPay.

Despite years of advancements in mobile and online payments, the physical point of sale remains still ripe for disruption.

The year saw anxiety over how banks would respond to record consumer debt, disruptive glitches at TD Bank and SunTrust, ongoing scandal at Wells Fargo, and much, much more.