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Letter from the editor

mid the hardships and
annoyances of the COVID-19
scourge, a compelling use case Empowering & Connecting
A for contactless payments final-
ly came to light due to widespread concern that tradi- today’s
tional POS payment methods, which rely on physical
touch, would contribute to spreading the virus. With payments
contactless, consumers no longer have to touch POS
terminals, retailers don't have to touch shoppers' pay-
ment cards, and nobody has to rely on cash. Now, professionals
research early in the pandemic indicated the risk of
virus transmission through cash was extremely slim,
but that didn't reassure people on the front lines, and
payment professionals stepped up to provide exactly
what the public wanted.

This issue's lead article delves into the dramatic rise
not only of contactless payments, but also of other
shopping options such as ecommerce and buy now
pay later (BNPL). Experts interviewed for the article
explain how recent innovations in commerce work,
what problems they solve and why they're set to re-
main popular after the pandemic is long gone.

Another issue of major concern is the relentless rise
in fraud, with 2020 marking 36 billion data records
compromised. One contributor addresses this issue • Spotlight Innovator
and highlights an often overlooked way fraudsters
are getting into networks—and it doesn't involve Web Pages: Capture prospects with
faulty technology. For those considering entering al- branded, customized web pages for
ternative finance, another expert details best practices innovators and leaders.
specific to that sphere. Other timely topics explored
in this edition are why chasing maybes is a waste of • Video Content Marketing: Educate
valuable time, the pros and cons of corporate name and impress with animation and
changes, and how to make smart use of LinkedIn so it
becomes a productive networking tool for you. white-board explainer videos.
• Resource Guide: Grab attention with
In News Briefs, we've highlighted the ETA's Star
Awards honoring three standout companies that have advanced mini ads in print and
been highly adept at maintaining business continuity online.
during the pandemic; Mastercard's launch of a new
platform that allows banks and other lenders, as well • Targeted Email Campaigns: Reach
as mobile wallet developers, to offer BNPL wherever responsive professionals who know
Mastercard is accepted; escalating threats posed by and trust The Green Sheet.
third-party service providers and emerging technolo-
gies that have prompted EMVCo and the FDIC to
reassess risk mitigation and security strategies; and Rick Aston
evidence that cryptocurrencies are finally gaining
traction. Senior Media Partnership Specialist

Also, be sure to check out our new product and Rick @greensheet.com
company profiles, which could put you in touch
with your next offering or partner, along with our 707-284-1693
popular updates on recent company and individu-
al milestones in payments. And please don't be shy
about reaching out. Share your press releases at
press@greensheet.com, and send your questions and
comments to greensheet@greensheet.com.

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