PayThink

In the emerging ecosystem economy, merchants will need to provide a seamless buying journey for customers. That means everything from a dynamic user interface and smart authentication to contactless payment options for faster transaction times, writes Paul Perry, a contributor for the technology company Relay.

Community and regional banks may not be able to outspend their larger rivals, but they can be more nimble in implementing the necessary culture change.

Once Apple looked at the state of its existing ecosystem, it identified a space it could uniquely deliver on, and activated the partners needed to make it come to fruition — a perfect example of the concept of ecosystem enablement, argues Frank Kenney, director of market strategy for Cleo.

The internet giant's planned gaming service may create an omnichannel model for banks to emulate.

As more national banks leave smaller communities and focus on large customers, fintechs are creating an "Uber effect" with an easier experience. Small businesses are increasingly looking to borrow money and fund their growth initiatives, and need a partner who can deliver, argues William Phelan, president of PayNet.

More attention should be paid to strategically preventing and mitigating problems that harm bank reputations.

With its expanded capacity and reliability, 5G will drive innovation in mobile, online and branch services for credit unions.

Users don’t have all the tools they need to ensure the security of their mobile devices, so it’s all the more important for providers of mobile financial services to help users by hardening mobile apps with technology, writes Samuel Bakken, senior product manager at OneSpan.

There’s currently a focus on investing in technology and data to remain competitive, but financial firms also need to ensure they are helping workers adapt, argues Synchrony’s Margaret Keane.

The Financial Stability Oversight Council should adopt measures that help vulnerable communities.