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Letter from the editors

ryptocurrencies have been growing in
appeal among merchants and acquirers,
particularly early adopters who like to
C jump in and discover new technology
applications as soon as possible. However, volatility
in the market has given many pause. Recent headlines
from news outlets include "Bitcoin will rebound but
Altcoins are 'never coming back': BitPay exec," "Mike
Novogratz says the cryptocurrency market has found
a bottom," and "Europe's central bank wants noth-
ing to do with cryptocurrency (for now)." "For now"
appears to capture a common mindset for those keep-
ing an eye on cryptocurrency acceptance and other
uses for blockchain technology in the payments realm.
Proponents of cryptocurrency acceptance believe it's
only a matter of time before the technology becomes
widespread. This issue's lead article explores the cur-
rent cryptocurrency landscape through interviews
with key executives on the ground, and sets forth pros
and cons for interested parties to consider.

Payment acceptance isn't the only area undergoing
change in our realm. Experts contributing to this
issue have provided insights on new rules for Bridge the Gap
small business marketing and why MLSs need to
understand them; the background and likely impact between your
of the new California Consumer Privacy Act; and the
history, as well as primary intent, of the inaugural free advertising dollars
terminal initiative – something many in the industry
misunderstood. Other topics addressed by our and bottom line.
contributors include what winemaking and acquiring
do and do not have in common, and the significant
drawbacks ISOs encounter when outsourcing Customized advertising campaigns
lead generation. You'll also find herein up-to-the- to fit any size company and budget.
minute product and company profiles, as well as
updates on new developments in our realm such as • Spotlight Innovators’ Pages
updated security tools, industry leader and company
honors, relevant research, strategic partnerships and (frequently updated content)
acquisitions, and appointments of note. • Print (various size options)
In the news, we've provided excerpts from recent • Resource Guide listing
stories posted online at www.greensheet.com. These (print/online/front page (option))
include developments in faster payments, new security
guides for small and midsize businesses from the PCI • Email Blasts (to GS readership)
Security Standards Council, a shift toward biometrics
for mobile payments, the Electronic Transactions • Online (website/twice month newsletter)
Association's new self-regulation program, the • Video
Toshiba-Ingenico co-branded retail solution, and the
first-ever fintech bank charter, which was granted to • Bundle advertisng campaign discounts*
Varo Money. We will welcome your comments and
questions at greensheet@greensheet.com. Please let us
know what you find useful herein and what other Danielle Thorpe
coverage would be beneficial to your professional
development. We also look forward to receiving your AVP Media Partnerships
press releases, which we consult when researching
news and preparing Industry Update. Please continue 707-284-1686
to send your news to press@greensheet.com.

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