Walmart, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google are just a few of the non-financial companies that are using scale and innovation to compete in financial services.

As competition becomes more about countering fintechs than beating other banks, alternative payment methods and broader services will be key, says Icon Solutions' Simon Wilson.

The industry’s most effective relationships come when providers serve as collaborators and an extension of their clients to serve customers and work in tandem to address a range of challenges and grow their businesses together, says Paya's Chris Scappa.

Banking and payments technology tester and certifier Fime is working with the government of India to develop the testing infrastructure for a national contactless transportation card and accompanying mobile app.

Both consumers and merchants are realizing the permanent benefits, says Azoya USA's Franklin Chu.

PingPong and Perch want to make it easier for third parties, which are often accumulated into a larger group by acquisition, to sell overseas on Amazon's platform.

Gift card giant Blackhawk Network has partnered with Bakkt, which offers an app to manage various digital currencies.

Companies that can pay people quickly and flexibly will have an advantage, says Payslip's Fidelma McGuirk.