Small business banking is evolving as fintech companies like Square, Shopify, Ramp, and Brex expand their offerings to include banking services, challenging traditional banks. These companies aim to capture operational deposits and provide comprehensive financial solutions, capitalizing on the lucrative small business market, which is estimated to generate significant annual revenue opportunities.

The article discusses the intersection of fintech and AI in the context of small business lending, highlighting innovations and trends that are shaping the future of this sector. It emphasizes the importance of staying informed through community engagement and resources.

Blockchain lender Figure Technology Solutions Inc. is set to go public this month, aiming to raise up to $526 million in an IPO that could value the company at $4.13 billion. Founded in 2018, Figure has expanded its offerings beyond home equity loans to include crypto-backed loans and is leveraging AI for loan evaluations, reporting significant revenue growth in recent months.