Technology

The card networks are taking blockchain seriously as a means of streamlining cross-border B2B payments. But while they share a vision, they are taking different paths to this goal. Visa has opted for a closed network that it controls, while Mastercard envisages a wider, more open ecosystem.

States are just beginning to regulate cryptocurrency as a credit collateral for lenders. More can be done.

Seeking relief from rising synthetic fraud, U.S. companies next year will be able to quickly verify whether Social Security numbers match other consumer data in government files, in a bid to thwart fraudsters from creating fake identities with stolen information and SSNs.

It's the latest move by Radius to extend its banking-as-a-service offering to fintech partners.

U.S. cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Inc. has a new banking partner in Britain that will provide real-time payments for customers, three months after losing the service when it broke with Barclays Plc.

Payoneer found its niche providing technology for Amazon, Google and Facebook to deliver mass payouts to independent contractors, but the company has added options for small U.S. businesses to send payments to vendors and suppliers globally.

Good customer service, layered with new technology, gives community banks an advantage over big banks.

Amid the fallout from the catastrophic collapse of Carillion last year, the U.K. government has been getting tough on late payments.

The key is that FedNow will provide speed, equal access and an infrastructure that enables the private sector to build cross-platform solutions, says BillGo's Kelly Seidl.

Freddie Mac's test of artificial intelligence to make lending decisions could be a significant turning point in broadening the use of the technology.