This research examines how the relationship between banks and their issuers and processors is evolving as payments infrastructure modernization accelerates alongside increasing consolidation across the payments ecosystem and intensifying competition from non-bank players seeking bank charters.

Once viewed primarily as legacy technology or middleware – providers, issuers and processors are now fewer in number and more deeply embedded as strategic partners supporting banks’ growth, innovation, and customer experience initiatives. The study explores how this shift, influenced by a more concentrated provider landscape and the emergence of newly chartered, digital-first competitors, is shaping banks’ modernization priorities, including technology architecture, data access, flexibility, and speed to market. In doing so, it assesses how banks of different sizes are redefining expectations around service, collaboration, accountability, and long-term risk as they navigate choice, innovation, and dependency in an increasingly competitive payments environment.

Join American Banker and Fiserv for a discussion of new research quantifying the state of digital payments maturity across U.S. banks and credit unions. Based on a blind survey of 381 financial institution leaders, the study introduces a Digital Payments Maturity Index benchmarking institutions across 20 capabilities, from foundational services to instant payments, ISO 20022 compliance and stablecoin enablement.

The research shows clear differences in digital maturity across institution types and a strong link between higher maturity and improved outcomes in customer experience, fraud mitigation, compliance, revenue growth and efficiency.

This luncheon session will explore:

· What distinguishes Legacy Operators, Progressive Movers and Trailblazers.

· How instant payments (FedNow and RTP), ISO 20022 and stablecoins are reshaping competitive positioning.

· Where integration, legacy infrastructure and cybersecurity risks are creating friction.

· How leading institutions are structuring governance, vendor strategy and execution for measurable impact.

· Practical steps to accelerate progress along the digital payments maturity curve.

Explore how innovative technologies are transforming traditional banking operations to better meet customer needs and regulatory demands. Learn how automated KYC and reconciliation tools streamline compliance, and discover how sub-accounts are enabling tailored solutions for wide ranging use cases like HR benefits and property management. Gain insights into embedding risk management and fraud prevention tools, from account validation to velocity limits, while seamlessly integrating partners like investment management and FX hedging with single sign-on (SSO). This session will showcase practical strategies to enhance competitiveness, manage risk, and stay ahead of evolving regulations.