All articles by EPI editorial
EPI editorial
EU growth leader, Czech Republic embraces contactless
The EUs fastest-growing economy has benefited from falling oil prices and government
policies to stimulate exports and domestic demand. With more investment expected, how will this affect the Czech Republics cards and payments industry?
Standardisation and convenience hold the key as the payments revolution goes real time
The development of real time payments schemes, both in and outside Europe, has raised concerns of fragmentation to Europes payments landscape. Seeing off the challenge will protect the harmony established by SEPA and bring greater speed and efficiency, says UniCredits Thomas Dolenga
Baltic state weans consumers off cash
While cash accounts for 52.7% of Latvias transaction volume, payment cards have gained popularity over the past decade and consumers are moving towards cashless adoption. Financial literacy programmes and an improved labour market have also played key roles in the Baltic states progress
Is PSD2 a self-defeating regulation?
When the Payment Services Directive (PSD2) replaces the PSD in January 2018, it will have wider scope to cover new payment services created by a period of innovation. The legislation aims to improve consumer protection and competition, and drive innovation. Tom Hay, head of payments at Icon Solutions, writes
Eastern Promise: Japan
Despite its reputation for technological advancement, Japan remains a largely cash-dominated society. Will tourism and the upcoming Olympic Games change consumer habits?
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Spain comes out of crisis with electronic payments surge
Cash still reigns in Spain, but electronic payments have gained some ground. With banking penetration high and the economy recovering from crisis, can the government increase consumer awareness further?
South Africa banking on reducing cash
Large rural and unbanked populations are key issues in South Africa, but some banks are stepping up to the challenge. Credit cards are often better value than loans, and other innovative electronic solutions are also being launched
Can blockchain take a foothold in Africa?
Blockchain Technology (BCT) could be the most significant social and political innovation to impact Africa this century. If digital currencies become adopted in African nations, it could significantly reduce corruption from government, it could provide transparency and control to every day citizens. Robert Courtneidge, global head of cards and payments, Locke Lord
Has PSD2 the power to change the game in payments?
The Payment Service Directive (PSD) of 2007 is being updated by PSD2 after much debate between European institutions and stakeholders. This legislation comes along with a number of other initiatives from the European Commission. Lars Tebruegge, independent payment consultant, writes
Three reasons why organisations should double check the ownership of bank accounts
Organisations across all industries may feel that taking account information over the phone through a call centre or increasingly as information entered by the customer into an online form is enough. But, alas it is not the case. Here are three key reasons why its in the interest of both the organisation and its customers to check bank account data before it is entered into the system, let alone used to make, or receive payments. Jonathan Williams, director of payments strategy, Experian