PayThink

Threats to the industry's control over payments were apparent before PayPal became popular. However, risks are even more visible and real today.

The only tactic for survival is brutal honesty. So let's accept the very real risk of disappearing and do the heavy lifting required to persevere.

Small merchants need to adopt omnichannel, but it can be difficult in a low resource environment. Staying flexible to add technology fast is key.

It is premature to say whether criticism of cross-selling and calls to break up the big banks will lead to action, but there is one area where a spinoff could actually be in the banks' interest.

Making customer experience consistently good is a priority, but it's not enough. Great experiences in the future will be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

The rules can be tricky, but social data can add lots of detail that can help prove identity and reduce fraud.

Handled correctly, vendor contract management during the course of a merger can go from being a just another integration chore to becoming a key benefit of the transaction.

Guidance on regulatory expectations is helpful, but it is not yet clear whether such guidance gives financial institutions impetus to onboard or keep clients they perceive to be riskier.

If the Democratic nominee wins the presidency, she could quickly face opposition from within her own party regarding her moderate views on banking and economic policy, particularly from Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Mobile wallets need to be open and accessible across all systems.