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Letter from the editors

major shift has occurred in our industry.
Where once we were dedicated to facili-
tating transaction processing, we are now
A devoted to a more comprehensive, chal-
lenging and potentially far more rewarding mission of
commerce enablement.

ISOs and MLSs, who initially may have scrambled
to devise new strategies when payment processing
became commoditized and terminal placement no
longer offered immediate income, are increasingly
creative en route to becoming business consultants
who do, indeed, enable commerce in new ways. The
lead article in this issue is the first in a three-part series
that explores the transformative payments journey
and the technology behind it, and shares perspectives
from industry veterans who have not only witnessed
but also helped to foster changes in vision that offer
corporate and individual renewal to those willing to
reach for it.

Amid innovation and disruption, some things do not
change for the industry's feet on the street: the need
for honesty, as well as the need to lead with logic and
honor. These points are made with aplomb by industry
experts who contributed to this issue. Other industry
leaders continue the tradition of sharing insights with
those who are less established in the payment world:
herein, you'll read about one ISO founder's road to
building a thriving business, as well as how artificial
intelligence can be used in tandem with old-fashioned
human intelligence to prevent fraud.

Industry news breaks often on many fronts, and we
post stories frequently on our home page. Stories that
made it into print this time cover the CFPB's offer
of more time for prepaid companies to comply with
new rules; the dynamic goings-on at the 17th annual
Southeast Acquirers Association conference; First
Data's intention to acquire Acculynk to strengthen
its portfolio of ecommerce solutions, and Viewpost
IP Holdings' partnership with Visa to provide virtual
commercial card products to its small and midsize
business clients.

You'll also find herein individual, company and
product profiles; data on recent acquirer earnings; a
look at developments in the mobile app realm; briefs
on recent awards, partnerships, acquisitions, research;
and more.

We hope this issue informs and inspires you to
strengthen your career, stick to your goals and build
a thriving business. Please let us know what's going
on in your corner of the payments world and what
issues matter most to you. Email your feedback to
greensheet@greensheet.com, and send your news to
press@greensheet.com.

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