Credit card debt hit $807 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016, with consumer balances on average exceeding $4,800, according to a report released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

With so much uncertainty, the only thing that's clear is how different the sector may look a year from now. Here's an overview of the leading trends in technology that will impact payments and banking in 2018.

From the identity of bankers in the 21st century to the regulatory turmoil in Washington to the huge impact of technology on the industry, readers expressed an array of strong opinions about what happened in 2017.

The digitally savvy lender MyBucks, which has lent money through a smartphone app and chatbots on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, could be a good role model for U.S. banks thinking of using AI in credit decisions.

After visiting with dozens of banks, tech firms and retailers, the CEO of the Delaware bank concluded that he needed to create a customer experience department but could leave blockchain development to his larger rivals. He also gained valuable insights about succession planning during his time away and discovered new ways to connect with employees.

State and federal regulators finally approved the Mississippi bank’s acquisitions of Ouachita Bancshares and Central Community after anti-laundering and CRA matters were resolved. BancorpSouth’s CEO says he may pursue more deals.

The energy crisis, hurricane damage and merger costs have hampered earnings per share at the Louisiana bank. Its CEO has to clear those hurdles and convince investors steady growth is ahead.

With so much uncertainty, the only thing that's clear is how different the sector may look a year from now. Here's an overview of the leading trends in technology that will impact banking in 2018.

Legislation advanced by the Senate banking panel has a good shot at passage, as long as lawmakers remain focused on helping community banks — not Wall Street.

Credit card debt hit $807 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016, with consumer balances on average exceeding $4,800, according to a report released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Here's another look at how credit unions across the country are giving back to the communities they serve.

TD Bank's new lab seeks to divine the future of banking.

The veteran banker wants to turn his Pennsylvania bank into a major business lender. But first he has to spin off the buzzy digital-only bank he helped build.

Scott Page, CEO of CoBiz Bank, will retire in a few days. He will be succeeded by Steven Bangert, the company's chairman and CEO. The company's chief financial officer will also become its chief operating officer.

The company will gain four Chicago-area branches as part of the $41 million all-cash acquisition for the parent of ABC Bank.

Rita Lowman recently joined the bank from C1 Financial, where she had been chief operating officer.

David Becker is trying to prove to investors that his Indiana bank can succeed over the long term. With the rise of online banking and fintech firms, Becker is a community banker worth watching in the new year.

Bank M&A started off with a bang this year, with eight of the 10 biggest deals taking place in the first six months. North Carolina and Florida accounted for six deals on the list.

A new European Union directive guarantees that third-party providers can access bank customers’ account information. The requirement will trigger a new revolution in financial services in Europe that U.S. bankers should be tracking.

A voice banking feature was the overwhelming winner in the Speed Round competition at this year's CUNA Technology Council Conference, but it remains to be seen how widely that technology will be adopted in 2018 and beyond.