Investments

MoneyLion and Opportunity Financial are following in the footsteps of financial technology businesses that have raised billions of dollars from special purpose acquisition companies. The quick injection of funds is expected to accelerate their growth as well as make them more competitive with banks and other mainstream financial services firms.

Marqeta reached a $4 billion valuation over the last decade focusing only on prepaid and debit card issuing, and now it’s retooled its digital platform to issue credit cards, too.

Few businesses accept bitcoin for payments, but as Tesla and other big companies get on board that could change, says T1 Payments' Donald Kasdon.

Consumers who have felt betrayed by banks are more likely to turn to mobile apps that give them a greater sense of financial control. Bankers must reconnect with these people and reassure them that their personalized advice is safe and valuable.

PayPal is weighing a foray into stock trading and high-yield savings accounts as the firm pushes beyond its iconic checkout button.

Still under fire for financing oil-and-gas exploration, banks are now being criticized for bankrolling producers of the single-use bottles and wrappers that are piling up in landfills and waterways. How will they respond to the mounting pressure from environmentalists?

Ken LaRoe, whose First Green Bancorp was sold a few years ago, is seeking approval for a de novo called Climate First Bank that would cater to low-income communities hurt by climate change and favor ecology-minded tech vendors.

Marcus Martin will be responsible for expanding sustainable investing options for the Minneapolis company's corporate and commercial customers.

Banks weren't involved in the trading frenzy, but some observers say the regulatory response should address risks to all financial institutions.