Merchant

The potential user base is huge. Tencent Holdings has 846 million global monthly active-user WeChat accounts, and more than 300 million have linked bank cards.

Merchant cash advances have been controversial because of high premiums. But they can be lucrative for cash advance companies as well as ISOs.

Amazon.com has set the standard for e-commerce with fast delivery, invisible payments and many other perks that keep consumers coming back to its site. Increasingly, the e-tailer has been experimenting with ways to streamline the payment process outside of the trappings of its website.

Both major brands are accelerating a move away from traditional checkout, and all retailers need to make adjustments for the future.

The mobile ticketing service is aimed at reducing lines, and is similar to a deal Atom has in place with Regal Cinemas.

When BankMobile, the brainchild of Jay Sidhu and his daughter Luvleen, relaunches on a new platform in January, security — especially for the onboarding process — will be completely redesigned.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., President-elect Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Justice, could play a key role in the fate of the agency.

The growth that followed the turnover of Costco's payment cards from American Express has been greater than expected, according to the bank.

Legacy systems will be pressured in the year ahead to keep ahead of e-commerce, international regulations and other emerging risks.

Already under fire from companies like Square, another outsider threatens to cut terminal makers out of the loop. It's up to device makers to adapt.