Instead of focusing on testing grounds for fintech startups, regulators should develop initiatives to improve their own oversight and compliance technologies.

Legacy players cannot copy an upstart because legacy players have existing footprints and customers and are anchored by valuable business models, writes Ken Krupa, CTO of MarkLogic.

The advocacy group argues that major core processors are not helping small banks keep pace with customers' technology demands.

Harvest is when farmers need funding the most. ProducePay has financed over $850 million of produce in under four years, disrupting traditional finance rules in the farm-to-table process.

The next downturn will come sooner rather than later, so bankers should press policymakers for several core improvements to the financial system before attitudes in Washington change.

Azlo, Bento, Bank Novo and other neobanks argue they are better at helping small businesses, giving them extra attention, technology and advice.

Traditional financial institutions still have an advantage over challenger banks when it comes to building relationships with small merchants, despite scandals that have befallen megabanks.

SigFig is partnering with Citizens Bank to launch an advice platform in its effort to become a direct competitor to legacy core systems providers.

Several former policymakers have joined virtual currency firms as directors or advisers, but the trend carries risks for officials and consumers alike if these companies stumble.

If approved, the Fed would consider risk factors besides size in how strenuously it oversees individual banks; Capital One's CIO on operating a bank as a technology company.