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Letter from the editor

here are many lenses through Empowering & Connecting
which we can view the con-
tinual evolution within the pay- today’s
T ments space. One of them is
to take a look at developments from a payments
hardware perspective. Examining the evolving role
of hardware and associated payment security brings
major advances into sharp focus. professionals

This issue's lead article delves into hardware's digital
journey, pointing out that as POS devices and payments
became more elegant and invisible, POS manufacturers
and technology providers certified and powered next-
generation commerce solutions. Hardware slowly
faded from the center of the customer experience
while operating behind the scenes to enable mobile
and digital commerce. In this first of a two-part series
on the topic, industry experts weigh in on hardware's
evolution and how advanced technologies are bridging
the gap between physical and digital security.

In addition, data security continues to grab headlines
in our sphere. Sometimes the news is good; other times
it is not. In News Briefs we highlight stories about the
rise in friendly fraud amid the COVID-19 pandemic;
the ballooning of digital fraud, in general, during the • Spotlight Innovator
pandemic; and a proposed new federal data privacy
standard. Additional stories spotlighted in News Briefs Web Pages: Capture prospects with
include Visa and Mastercard's decision, given pressure branded, customized web pages for
from Congress and the public, to delay interchange rate
hikes for another year; economic optimism spurred by innovators and leaders.
5G deployments; and a report on how the ecommerce
sector continues to grow unabated. • Video Content Marketing: Educate
and impress with animation and
The industry experts contributing to this magazine
also cover a range of issues, including how merchant white-board explainer videos.
level salespeople (MLSs) can adapt to thrive in a world • Resource Guide: Grab attention with
of embedded finance; rules for MLSs to follow to
remain profitable; how credit cards can have a place advanced mini ads in print and
in B2B transactions; a new breed of fintechs taking online.
advantage of the cannabis market opportunity; major
disadvantages of an obsessive pursuit of profits; a UK • Targeted Email Campaigns: Reach
government-backed report that fintech and regtech
stakeholders welcomed; and interchange as well as responsive professionals who know
debit card routing issues that have put the major card and trust The Green Sheet.
brands on the hot seat.

You'll also find herein company and product pro- Rick Aston
files, as well as updates on new developments in our
realm such as awards, updated guidelines, rebrand- Senior Media Partnership Specialist
ing, new associations and partnerships, acquisi-
tions, appointments, and relevant industry research. Rick @greensheet.com
We hope this publication and online resources are
of assistance to you in your payments career. We
will welcome your questions and suggestions at 707-284-1693
greensheet@greensheet.com. And please continue to send
your latest news to press@greensheet.com.

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