Mobile wallets blend together, going so far as to share the same branding pattern — Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Walmart Pay, etc. — but a few companies are going against conventional wisdom with their own products.

The San Francisco startup behind the cryptocurrency XRP claims it can send money around the world faster, cheaper and with greater transparency.

Despite the mad rush among investors to buy up bitcoin, XRP and other prominent cryptocurrencies, these digital coins have largely failed to operate as instruments for payment. MoneyGram's deal with Ripple might change that, or it might be the first nail in the crypto coffin.

A digital coin from China that takes its name from a character in "The Matrix" has become one of the world’s most valuable cryptocurrencies. And it’s done so by defying many of the principles that underpinned bitcoin’s meteoric rise.

Ripple, the startup looking to help the financial industry speed up payments with blockchain technology, said MoneyGram International Inc. is testing the use of its XRP digital currency to move funds.

The work of the famed psychologist Daniel Kahneman provides insights into how bankers can make better business decisions around cryptocurrency and other investments.

As new cryptocurrencies swarm the market, retailers have to be disciplined in which they accept — if any.

Line Corp. is working to integrate cryptocurrencies into its messaging platform as the Tokyo-based company seeks to differentiate its products and services, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

While the intermediaries that record and verify transactions such as payments are removed, the remaining parties may not be ready for shifting responsibilities to guarantee transactions, writes Sebastian Venderzeil, a director at Cornerstone.

The central bank is beginning to consider the possibility of a “digital dollar,” which will foster more efficient and transparent payments.