Bank technology

Zynga's social games — especially its hit Facebook game FarmVille — are a big deal in digital payments. Its games are the key to the success of Facebook Credits, and they may provide a similar boost to American Express' Serve.

WattzOn has developed a platform that analyzes users' utility bills to identify savings opportunities. It's pitching it to banks as a way to cross-sell loan products.

Senior bank executives and TowerGroup analysts, as well as our own Sean Sposito, are headed to Boston to hash out ideas for how banks can modernize legacy systems, create useful tablet apps, deal with new regulations and generally, stay alive.

Phishing and spear-phishing attacks have gotten more subtle and sophisticated. An expert provides examples of the latest episodes and advice for banks on how to protect themselves.

CFE has embarked on a two-year core product that will enable developers to mix and match programs written in different languages.

Firm is adding context mapping from the Reinvestment Fund to its CRA and fair lending compliance software to help financial institutions see their loan and deposit distributions across geographic regions and demographic groups.

Yahoo said it is selling up to half its stake in Alibaba Group back to the company.

Community Bank in Iowa to provide online fraud training from TRC Interactive to employees.

The SWIFT board has nominated marketing head as Gottfried Leibbrandt to be the new CEO.

The card firm is using network and transaction data, along with social media intelligence, to produce scores that produce a spending graph and drive recommendations for merchants and loyalty offers.

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When the alternative payments provider Dwolla changed its terms of service earlier this month, it made it harder for users of the digital currency Bitcoin to use Dwolla as a funding source — and easier for banks to step in and benefit from the Bitcoin economy.

The makers of Farmville and Words with Friends are leading the way on customer intelligence, Forrester analyst Joseph Stanhope says.

SunTrust Banks in Atlanta is tapping into Generation X and Baby Boomer angst with a well-named retirement planning tool it's launching today: Retirement Income Navigator.

Bank of Ann Arbor has invited local residents to write billboards poking fun of larger out of town banks' alleged lack of local knowledge in a new ad campaign.

Personal financial management software must deliver real value to banks, not just consumers. Just saying PFM increases customer loyalty doesn't cut it. The value proposition has to be more attractive given the revenue pressures banks face today.

It's hard to say why, but bank technology companies seem to be in love with nonsensical names. Their origins may not be obvious, but goofy brands often have straightforward stories behind them.

Wells Fargo has launched a collaborative online community for college planning aimed at students, parents, guidance counselors and financial advisors.

Every year, despite the risks and high costs, millions of Americans turn to payday loans for emergency funds. To date, a top-down, regulatory approach has been the primary means of addressing the downsides of the payday lending industry. To improve protection of consumers and encourage this industry to mature, such regulation should be joined by efforts that encourage market transparency.

RBS Citizens Financial Group is adding person-to-person payments for its online banking users and expedited automated clearing house transfers for its mobile banking users.