Merchant

The National Credit Union Administration's plan to liberalize its rule governing member business lending has touched a raw nerve inside the community banking industry.

Marlin Business Bank has launched a new site to compete with alternative lenders such as OnDeck and Kabbage, which specialize in providing quick and convenient access to small-business credit.

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau plan detailing ways to protect consumers from payday lending "debt traps" has earned widespread support from Americans, according to a survey by Pew Charitable Trusts.

The concept of a purely mobile or digital transaction is already evolving into something more. A few companies are taking the idea of a software-based payment system and bringing it into the physical world.

Financial institutions that make routine collection calls now face the threat of "robocall" class action lawsuits. Earlier this month, things went from bad to worse for banks that have not committed any abusive robo-calling practices.

While the blockchain will doubtless offer some amazing innovations, much of the hype has focused on obtuse applications in existing markets rather than an exploration of how the technology will be used to create entirely new markets. There are big changes that are being pursued by the best and most ambitious minds in the financial technology and payments industries.

Switzerland's Migros is the country's largest retailer and employer, as well as the owner of a prominent local bank, giving the company an unconventional perspective on the costs and benefits of mobile payments.

Particularly in the fast-food industry, the menu of mobile capabilities is more super-sized than ever — and it's one of the rare payments trends that's actually being driven by the consumer.

American Express and Best Buy will allow consumers to make purchases on the retailer’s website using the reward points earned from their Amex spending.

Total System Services (TSYS), in partnership with commercial software provider Acquirer Systems, has launched a new EMV certification service.