Technology

Online lenders, core providers and software companies have created digital platforms that speed up and simplify Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.

Unlike in 2008, banks have become a steady force during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the increase in online activity because of COVID-19, tracking down and investigating red flags might be more difficult given the volume of transactions on existing accounts, unless strict authentication measures are applied, says Giact's David Barnhardt.

As coronavirus puts parameters on how we interact with each other, instant issuance is more important than ever, says Matica's Paul Schwerdtfeger.

PayPal, Intuit QuickBooks Capital and Square Capital have been named direct lenders in the Paycheck Protection Program, and more await the go-ahead. They could be crucial to reaching the smallest firms trying to survive the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic.

There is no doubt that many restaurants and merchants are struggling right now. But it makes no sense to hurt consumers and financial institutions by expanding failed policies like the Durbin Amendment, argues Jeff Tassey, chairman of the board for the Electronic Payments Coalition.

A combination of digital and cloud capabilities, data gathering and regulatory experience should give smaller banks an edge over nonbanks.

PINs and passwords are increasingly viewed as insufficient to tackle this new standard, says Fingerprints' Jonas Andersson.

The $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package and other government moves are designed to provide a lifeline for small businesses, but they also create complications as businesses must quickly accumulate payment records and other information to apply for the loans.

Customers in the challenger bank's pilot program drew down an average of $200 each in advance of the government's $1,200 payments.