Payments


Softcard Layoffs Follow Marketing Push (Jan. 12, 2015)

Shortly after Softcard unveiled Tappy, a puppet starring in a campaign to educate consumers about Softcard and mobile payments, the NFC-based mobile payment initiative backed by AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile has laid off approximately 60 employees.

Switzerland goes contactless with SIX Payment Services

Switzerland’s SIX Payment Services has begun distributing the country’s first contactless debit cards, through a partnership with local bank Hypothekarbank Lenzburg, based in Aargau. The project, which began in December, replaces the bank’s entire portfolio of 22,000 debit cards with dual interface V PAY cards that enable contactless and regular transactions.

Blog: Why I Can’t Toss My Checkbook

P2P options abound, but I won’t be ditching my checkbook until providers make it easy and compelling enough for the local service providers I pay to make the switch.

i2c, CPS Launch Corporate Rewards Card Down Under (Jan. 6, 2015)

Payment processor i2c Inc., and Melbourne, Australia-based program manager Corporate Prepaid Solutions (CPS) have launched the Visa-branded uChoose corporate rewards gift card in Australia, setting the stage for global collaboration on additional corporate prepaid programs.

EU VAT Law Aimed at Leveling Playing Field Goes into Effect (Jan. 5, 2015)

The start of a New Year also brings a new EU law into effect that’s intended to stop companies from undercutting their competition by setting up in low-tax countries. However, the law also could increase the tax on purchases of digital content like mobile applications, music downloads and e-books.

SafeCharge Enters New Verticals with 3V Acquisition (Jan. 2, 2015)

Dublin-based 3V Transaction Services Ltd., which specializes in issuing, processing and management of prepaid card programs, will be the foundation of a new issuing division of SafeCharge, which acquired the technology provider for €14.5 million (US$17.4 million).

The Biggest Payments Stories of 2014

As you get back to business in 2015, bookmark this catalog of the biggest stories from the past 12 months as well as insights into the future of payments in the New Year.

Alibaba, SoftBank Discuss Collaboration in India (Dec. 23, 2014)

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and Japanese telecom and Internet firm Softbank are in the midst of preliminary talks to work together, instead of compete, to capture a sizable chunk of India’s consumer Internet market, according to a report.

EU Officials Agree to Cap Interchange Fees (Dec. 18, 2014)

Members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and European Union Council negotiators yesterday agreed to cap the interchange fees on cross-border and domestic card-based payments, ensuring uniform rules across the EU.