Blog

Some news cycles are easier than others. When the market is strong and funding is flowing, fintech stories tend to land with less friction. But that’s not the environment most of us are operating in today.

ICBA Live is an event with history that runs deep. It blends multi-generational bankers and banks as storied as Millbury National Bank (established in 1825) with de novos and then mingles them with established fintechs and start-ups alike. The atmosphere sparks candid conversations about community bankers’ real needs. Instead of big-picture rhetoric and predictable product pitches, it presents practical insights with clear takeaways.

As William Mills prepares for FinovateSpring in San Diego this May, we’re excited to share several insightful video interviews from last year that showcase the cutting edge of fintech innovation. William, who is also serving as a judge for the Finovate Awards for the 8th consecutive year, brought his expert perspective to conversations with industry leaders transforming financial services through technology.

Fintechs are navigating one of the most crowded and fast‑moving markets today. With new entrants launching weekly and regulatory shifts reshaping the competitive landscape, visibility is no longer a marketing nice‑to‑have – it’s a business necessity.

In today’s fast-paced world motivated by instant gratification, long-term benefits are often overlooked in pursuit of short-term rewards. Marketing departments are under constant pressure to generate leads and immediately convert them into buyers, while PR teams are saddled with staying atop the latest market fads in hopes of creating the next trend to “go viral.”

In my career, I’ve gone to hundreds of financial industry events, from association annual conventions, media sponsored events, privately-owned events, user meetings, and more. Depending on who is hosting the event, it tells you a lot about who’s going to be at these events and the content attendees will enjoy. There’s no better banking event of the year than Bank Director’s Acquire or be Acquired (AOBA) conference held earlier this month to meet the greatest number of high-level banking executives.

Welcome to 2026, the year where artificial intelligence has become the unofficial ghostwriter of the internet. A study conducted by Ahrefs in April 2025 found that nearly 75% of new web content is at least partially generated by AI.   

Every time I log into Instagram or Facebook lately, I’m faced with a hit of nostalgia as most of my friends and associates are participating in the “2016 vs. 2026" trend. For those unaware, this meme involves people sharing photos of their key moments from a decade ago. We’re soaking in the nostalgia for grainy filters, the birth of the "Harambe" meme, and the summer millions spent obsessively chasing virtual monsters in Pokémon Go. But as fun as those memories are, they serve as a stark reminder for brands that virality is fleeting.

In our annual predictions blog, WMA associates share their perspectives on fintech PR and marketing trends they expect will shape 2026, from emerging technologies to shifting media dynamics and changing audience expectations.

As the year winds down, the real momentum is just beginning: trade show season. These industry gatherings are prime territory for forging new relationships, uncovering fresh business opportunities and gaining firsthand insight into the trends and technologies redefining financial services. Last year offered a packed calendar of can’t-miss events – and this year is shaping up to be even bigger.