Page 5 - GS170301

Letter from the editors

dvancements in technology have swept us
into a digital world in what is the blink
of an eye compared with the time it took,
A say, for the printing press to alter the way
people lived. Considering how new the electronic
systems we all now depend on truly are ‒ encompass-
ing everything from electronic authentication and
authorization to online banking to virtual gift cards
to text message marketing ‒ those tasked with secur-
ing the payments system are doing an amazing job of
tracking a moving target. This issue's lead article takes
a look at the evolving and costly fraud landscape and
how dedicated experts are continually devising new
strategies and practices to secure our realm.
And what a dynamic realm it is. Contributing writers
present perspectives in this issue on how, with the
ability to work remotely from just about any locale,
ISOs could dispense with traditional offices and hire
able people wherever they may be, enabling them to
maintain a middle class lifestyle that in higher-cost
regions would not be possible; the secret to motivating
your current merchant customers to provide a reliable
stream of referrals; essential steps for reinforcing 2017
goals as the year's second quarter looms; why small
businesses can be valuable customers for ISOs, despite
their being difficult to contact, pressed for time, short
of resources and prone to buy the easiest solution at
the lowest price; and how proven tools can help you
remain focused even during times when acrimony
appears to rule in public and private discourse, as well
as on social media.

The News section delves into a court ruling in favor of
the CFPB, giving the agency the right to appeal a ruling
that its structure is unconstitutional; issues raised,
both pro and con, for the OCC's proposed granting
of fintech bank charters; and a new collaboration
between IBM and Visa that aims to improve security
on the Internet of Things by aligning the global
brands' patented technologies and capabilities. You'll
find additional news stories under Breaking Industry
News on our home page.

Also included are reporting on new research indicating
consumers trust financial institutions more than those
institutions trust themselves, briefs on numerous
individual and company milestones, new product and
company profiles, and more. Please let us know what
you'd like included in the next issue at greensheet@
greensheet.com, and send your news to press@greensheet.
com.

5