As part of its Uncarrier repositioning, T-Mobile is launching into the banking business with a pre-paid debit card and banking app. But if people aren't willing to trust banks with their cash, why should they trust a telecoms provider?

When we run into trouble, friends and family have our backs. And it's a good job – with payday lenders charging extortionate fees and trust in banks low, who do financially fragile Gen Y turn to when they're in need? This alternative lender will front you cash, whilst taking pressure off your pals.

With banks’ reputations still suffering, people don't know where to put their cash. LearnVest plans to shake things up. It’s an online platform that teaches you how to budget, save and invest. Can financial common sense be as “as accessible as gym membership” when going on a money-diet can be as hard as cutting out cake?

Why is banking becoming more visual? How is awkwardness fuelling payment innovations? And just who is wearing a wristband wallet? In our 2014 sector snapshot of Money, we round up the insights and innovations impacting the finance sector over the last six months.