The Green Sheet Online Edition
June 6, 2021 • 21:06:01
Letter from the editor
Each time we pose questions to members of The Green Sheet Advisory Board, we eagerly await their answers, for the board consists of innovators who represent distinct facets of the payments sphere. Their diverse perspectives are indicative of the freedom found within payments and fintech for decisive people to create their own niche, customize their businesses to leverage their strengths, solve the puzzles that interest them most, and serve the markets they are most drawn to.
For more than a year, we've all carried on in a world that was dealt a deadly, devastating blow. Many initiatives taken by payments leaders at the pandemic's onset were smart business moves; some were even heroic. While moving into economic recovery mode, we wanted to know what Advisory Board members are focused on during this period of transition and lingering unknowns. This issue's lead article is the first in a two-part series sharing their experiences, insights and advice.
Our contributing writers also share wisdom on such topics as the importance of embedded finance and how the pandemic accelerated development of banking-as-a-service; the need for payments professionals to have a basic understanding of the vital role of money laundering controls and the fight against financial crime; what open banking is, how it works and how it will affect financial services, including payments; signs that cryptocurrencies are here to stay and going mainstream; and how APIs are silently fostering rich, dynamic technology ecosystems.
Stories highlighted in News Briefs touch on relevant developments, including the Fed's request for public comment on a proposed pathway for fintechs to access Fed payment and account services; payments industry support for crypto startups; dongle-free options contributing to a boom in contactless commerce; research indicating America is getting back to business; and a partnership between Square and Plaid to offer businesses an ACH debit option.
Also in this issue are company and product profiles, along with our Resource Guide showcasing potential business opportunities; an overview of recent Merchant Sales Podcast episodes; updates on appointments, research, partnerships and acquisitions, and other recent milestones; and a reader's thoughts on a book about blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs and smart contracts. We thrive on your feedback. Consider penning a short perspective for Readers Speak, or send your questions and comments to greensheet@greensheet.com. Also, we'll be happy to post your latest news on our homepage, so send your press releases to press@greensheet.com. 
Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact information, links and other details may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.
