PORTFOLIO Fintech's role in your payments strategy Payments A digital payments strategy can off er guidance on where to start and what's right for your community bank amid an avalanche of emerging payments technology. By Colleen Morrison merging technologies-from real-time payments and blockchain to artifi cial intelligence-are already disrupting the status quo, and the payments market continues to evolve at an alarming rate. In the U.S. alone, fi ntech deals 16 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q June 2019 E in 2018 surpassed previous records, with 659 investments worth $11.89 billion. The constant churn of industry change emphasizes the importance of community banks establishing a payments strategy. This plan will serve as a steadfast guide amid the deluge of new technology off erings. Having a payments strategy also allows a bank to discern which off erings best meet the institution's needs. " Emerging technologies are the tools that support and align with your plan, " says Tina Giorgio, Quick stat 659 investments worth $11.89 billion were made in fintech deals in 2018 Source: CB Insights