The Base Camp for EMV Migration: The US is the world's largest payments ecosystem, and the migration to EMV--the global transaction security standard--has now begun in earnest. Yet, for many banks, credit unions, issuers and merchants there's still a frustrating lack of clarity. They know the standards are coming, but legal challenges are clouding the picture, and the cost of conversion is daunting for many.

Mobile Payments: A Separate Path?: NFC-enabled payments are starting to take shape as card networks, telecoms and handset manufacturers target the market with mobile wallet solutions. But no ubiquitous model for all merchants and issuers has emerged, impacting interoperability, slowing conversion and requiring stakeholders engage in multiple strategies. And some applications have the potential to upend the entire industry, by challenging the traditional issuer-centric model.

Fast-Track Adoption Through Transit: Many consider transit ridership to be the "killer app" in expanding the use of open standards-based contactless bank card and mobile payments. Major transit operators have launched pilots, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York City, Toronto, and Dallas. Some have announced ambitious plans for contactless payment cards, stickers, and NFC-enabled mobile devices. Can smaller transit operators participate too? Which cities are going to be next? Which business strategy will shape the future for procurement and operations? How will mobile payments and EMV impact the transit industry?