Is there a blockchain in your future?

Marc Andressen, noted Internet entrepreneur and venture capitalist who co-authored the first web browser, called blockchain the most important invention since the Internet. An executive at BNP Paribas compared the technology to the steam or combustion engine in its potential to transform the world of finance and beyond. The Economist dubbed it “The Trust Machine.

Are You Falling Behind in the Race to Real-Time? How to Build Your Business Case for Immediate Payments

We’re beginning to see a divide in the payments industry, not just between incumbents and new players, but a sub-divide between banks themselves. Some traditional financial institutions have been able to adopt agile processes, whilst others are yet to start their journey toward a more nimble future.

Why Omni-Channel Shoppers Are Worth It

Today’s consumers are tech savvy and highly connected, demanding convenience, speed and choice across channels, payment methods and fulfilment options. And, with a growing proportion of shoppers readily switching between online, mobile and physical touchpoints at various points in the purchasing journey, merchants are now dealing with a constantly evolving and unpredictable retail landscape. This requires fresh strategies and technologies that allow them to adapt to the expectations of omni-channel customers.

Driving Faster Payments in the U.S. and Around the Globe 

In advance of next month’s NACHA PAYMENTS conference, we wanted to connect with some of the companies that are driving real-time payments around the globe. VocaLink is one such organization. The company is providing the central infrastructure software to The Clearing House in the US for its Real-time Payments System. VocaLink operates the UK national payments infrastructure, which processes 90 percent of UK salaries, and also implemented the FAST service in Singapore and PromptPay in Thailand, enabling international faster payments. In September of last year, ACI and VocaLink announced a partnership to offer a complete end-to-end immediate payments solution to launch a domestic or regional immediate payments network.

Are Millennials’ Shopping Behaviors Today, Everyone’s Shopping Behaviors Tomorrow?

Much has been made of the impact that the so-called ‘Millennial generation’ (aka Generation Y) will have – or is already having – on the way financial services are developed and delivered. And plenty of (digital) column space has been dedicated to discussing how the first digital native generation is transforming commerce – and payments – with different expectations, preferences, and shopping behaviors than their older cohorts.

The Middle East Presents Retailers A Growing Opportunity But Faces Two Challenges

36% of Middle East residents are digital shoppers1  and are expected to spend $19B2 online in 2017; with this spend figure rapidly growing to $34B in 2021. Although cash is the preferred method of transacting, the region is edging toward a digital society. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, nearly two thirds of the population has smartphones—fueling shopping online growth.3  This prevents retailers new growth opportunities.

Key Cross-Border Considerations for Payment Providers

Pursuing a cross-border strategy is increasingly popular, especially among those U.S. payments companies – and merchants – competing in an increasingly commoditized domestic market. While there’s no template that works for all businesses, there are certain key themes that seem to crop up again and again when discussing with colleagues, partners and clients.

Seamless Payments Africa and the Region’s Evolving Payments Landscape

Blockchain is overhyped and misunderstood; consumers want consistency; and customer centricity and collaboration are not a project. Although they’re not necessarily my own sentiment, these are my three key takeaways from the Seamless Payments – Africa conference, which wrapped up recently in Cape Town.

Drowning in Data? Or Thirsty for More? Omni-Channel’s Biggest Challenge

There is no doubt that retailers recognize the value of knowing their customers better. Whatever the merchant sector, geography, or business model, understanding customer buying habits, payment and channel preferences, and satisfaction levels can drive sales, boost customer loyalty and raise revenues. But, in the ever-changing world of the omni-channel shopper, how easy is it to really know your customer? The single biggest key to this challenge is data – and lots of it. Not just ‘big data’, but smart, consolidated big data – and this only comes from the ability to bring massive amounts of information together from multiple sources, and analyze it to build a comprehensive picture.

9 Surprising Loan Servicing Trends

“Think like customers, not like lenders” was my motto during my 30 years as a lender. But it’s getting tough. Customers are changing faster than ever. We recently worked with Aite Group on an extensive study to learn more about how customers view and pay their loans. The billing and payment experience is the top driver of loan servicing satisfaction. So focusing here will create more smiling customers. We learned that one VP increased customer satisfaction by 50 percent through enhancing his company’s billing and payment experience*.

El Riesgo Oculto de “Dormirse en Los Laureles” [The Hidden Risk of Complacency]

Available in Spanish and English As a professional in Latin American electronic payments, I often forget how it is to live not knowing what’s going on backstage every time I use my cards. My specialization makes me aware of trends worldwide, so while traveling, I’m able to analyze different technologies in action. My consumer side, also known as my ‘shopaholic’ side, exposes me to multiple situations, since any trip—be it business or leisure—always provides a good opportunity to shop. On a recent trip, I had the chance to experiment with my Argentinian cards during a semi-long-term stay. While out of country for 40 days, I experienced first-hand the challenges that consumers encounter with the EMV payments barrier.

Blockchain for Retailers: Producing Real Business Benefits

When I read about blockchain, I typically come across three use cases: cross-border payments, security issuance and digital currency. These have all been proven to work—and they are also finance-related. But the payments ecosystem includes a lot more than just financial institutions. This post explores the potential impact that blockchain will have on retailers and their value chain.