Activist hedge fund Jana Partners has built a stake in Fiserv, a major player in payment processing and financial technology. The firm has been in discussions with Fiserv and expressed support for CEO Frank Bisignano, signaling a potential alignment on strategic direction.

Fiserv, which processes billions in transactions annually for banks and businesses, has faced pressure to optimize operations and drive growth. Jana's involvement often leads to operational improvements and shareholder returns, making this development significant for investors. The hedge fund's support for Bisignano suggests confidence in his leadership amid ongoing industry consolidation.

This move comes as financial technology companies face heightened competition and regulatory scrutiny. Jana's track record of pushing for changes at companies like Whole Foods and Qualcomm indicates it may seek similar influence at Fiserv. The hedge fund's stake could accelerate strategic initiatives or potential partnerships in the evolving payments landscape.