Cybersecurity: Risks, Controls and Expectations for 2019

The world of cybersecurity brought about several subtle changes in 2018. For example, malware and targeted 'Spear Phishing' were on the rise, while the focus on protecting the perimeter has begun to take a back seat to hardening internal controls. The changing threat landscape in 2019 is certain to result in a barrage of additional considerations in how we protect data and systems.

‘Soup To Nuts’ – A Multi-Layered Fraud Menu for the Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is well underway, with Black Friday now behind us and many retailers around the world braced for higher levels of eCommerce fraud, from Cyber Monday all the way though until Christmas.

The ‘Internet of Things’ is the Game-Changing Next Step for Telcos… But What Are They Missing?

As I travel to meet new telcos and attend an array of trade shows around the globe, one discussion that comes up again and again is how the telco industry can gear up for the world of IoT. And it’s not just a topic that telcos are “a bit” interested in – the sector believes that IoT will drive the fourth industrial revolution, likening it in importance to the discovery of steam power.

A Postcard from Money20/20

Greetings from Las Vegas. By the time this note finds you, I will be back at my desk pouring over my follow-up notes from another crazy, wonderful, insightful and totally exhausting Money20/20. The event itself has grown to become the annual ‘must-attend’ on the financial technology schedule, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint with new attendees, old friends and an agenda that kept you on your feet for 4 days (and nights).

Dedicated Followers of Fintech: Why Transaction Banking Never Goes Out of Fashion

Taking part in a panel at a recent corporate treasury conference, I was introduced as a ‘consumer payments expert’ – not an obvious qualification for sharing stage-time with serious corporate liquidity and cash management folk, but as the talk track was on mobile wallets and Open Banking, I had some reasonably safe and relevant content on which to fall back.

To Regulate Or Not To Regulate – Is That Thy Question?

Debates are healthy, and as someone who spent a little time during my college years dabbling around the edges of the speech and debate team, I can tell you it’s something that I personally relish.

What Are the Five Payment Items You’re (Most) Looking Forward to at Money20/20?

Mark, Money20/20 is a mere few days away… and with many of our lovely colleagues making their way to Sydney for Sibos, you and I are heading out west for another thought-provoking and fun-filled week at what I believe is the world’s largest payments event, Money2018… err… Money2020.

Request for pay – what does it mean for financial institutions?

What do banks – one with $60B+ in assets, one a mid-size regional bank, and one, a small innovative credit union – have in common with payment networks and the ‘Big 4’ consulting firms? They were all part of the first ACI #PaymentsForBreakfast event in North America! The theme was real-time payments, but the focus was more specifically on Request for Pay.

Sibos Preview: The Five Trends Transforming Real-Time Payments

Real-time is now a reality, with more than 30 schemes live around the world. And real-time is in the spotlight as banks and financial service providers make their way to Sydney for Sibos 2018. What better time to look ahead at the key trends that are going to shape the ongoing development of real-time payments.

US States’ Rights and Fintech?

I moved to the United States (from England) well over a decade ago now, but one thing that I’ve always found interesting, puzzling and at times downright dumbfounding is the various levels of government. City, county, state and federal government bodies – all with a role to play. However, as I studied the history of my new home, I’ve became increasingly fascinated with how the Constitution and Bill of Rights were written.

Combating Fraud in the World of Open Banking and Immediate Payments: Lessons From Australia

Australia has a problem with online card fraud and scams, not unlike any other advanced economy around the world. In 2017, card-not-present fraud made up 85% of all fraud on Australian cards. What is different now though is the early procurement of risk mitigation advice, industry body engagement and public education campaigns in preparation for the launch of the New Payments Platform (NPP).

Winners and Losers in the Regulation Vs Competition Debate? How About New Business Models?

As Summer has abruptly turned to Fall, I have found myself daydreaming of a European vacation (and yes, I realize it’s Fall there too… or rather, Autumn). Maybe it’s the Instagram feed full of friends on a summer sojourn to Italy, France, or Germany, or the constant barrage of Premier League kickoff commercials on the NBC Networks (Let’s Go Gunners!), but yesterday it was something else entirely that had me drifting off into a memory-induced Nutella-crepe state of euphoria.