ETA update: Transact 2018, Transact Tech NYC, activism

The Electronic Transactions Association opened 2018 with a packed agenda. Following are highlights of particular interest to payment professionals. Of immediate importance to those planning to attend the ETA's annual Transact tradeshow, taking place April 17 to 19, 2018, in Las Vegas, the deadline for a discounted rate on early registration is Fri., Feb. 23. For registration details, visit www.electran.org/events/etatransact18/register/ .

New to the Transact exhibit area will be the Contactless Zone, presented by FreedomPay Inc., which will showcase the innovation and collaboration advancing growth in contactless payments. "As consumer expectations for payments evolve, companies must look to contactless to find a way forward," said Jason Oxman, CEO of the ETA. "Contactless payments offer better security, convenience and opportunities for innovation."

ETA Transact will also present a fireside chat with Lou Anne Alexander, Group President at Early Warning Services LLC. Alexander will discuss how person-to-person (P2P) and mobile applications are changing the payments industry. As a company, Early Warning offers real-time multiple use cases through its Zelle Network, including P2P payments, business and government disbursements, check deposit and bill payments.

Over the years, ETA Transact has gained recognition as an exemplary gathering place for individuals engaged in all aspects of the payments ecosystem. ISOs, value-added resellers, independent software vendors, large financial institutions and technology companies are invited to network and participate in educational sessions scheduled throughout the event. More than 200 companies are expected to exhibit this year.

Transact Tech NYC, federal spotlight

On March 13, 2018, the ETA will host the first event in its 2018 Transact Tech series. Transact Tech New York City will take place at the American Express Tower, in partnership with the International Biometrics+Identity Association. The event will focus on next-generation authentication methods such as advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence, as well as data security and the changing POS experience. To view the full agenda, visit www.electran.org/eta-events/2018-transact-tech-nyc/ .

Additionally, as a global trade association representing over 500 payments and technology companies, the ETA plays an active role in Washington, D.C. In February, Oxman testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions of Consumer Credit on how ETA members and the payments industry are expanding the use of financial technology to combat fraud.

"ETA and its member companies share a commitment to protecting consumers from harm and will continue to push for sensible policies and encourage policymakers to take a collaborative approach with our industry," Oxman told congressional lawmakers.

During his testimony, Oxman unveiled the 2018 update to the ETA's Guidelines on Merchant and ISO Underwriting and Risk Monitoring. He also reinforced the ETA's support for measures like the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's proposed fintech charter, national security requirements and uniform data breach notification standards, which have been developed with a collaborative approach to solving pressing issues.

At the end of his testimony, Oxman commended the subcommittee and reconfirmed the association's commitment to working cooperatively with Congress, federal regulators, and the industry toward the common goal of preventing fraud and expanding financial inclusion. For a copy of Oxman's complete testimony, visit www.electran.org/wp-content/uploads/ETA-Testimony-Derisking-and-Financial-Inclusion-Feb-2018.pdf .

Editorial Note:

Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.

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