The Green Sheet Online Edition
February 2, 2025 • 25:02:01
Letter from the editor
As the 119th U.S. Congress settles in, the payments industry is bracing for another round of legislative battles that could shape the financial landscape for years to come. From renewed debates over the Credit Card Competition Act to the ongoing scrutiny of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, policymakers are wasting no time diving into issues that impact merchants, banks and consumers alike. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency regulation is taking center stage, with the new administration signaling a shift in approach. This issue’s lead article breaks down the key legislative and regulatory developments that could redefine the industry—whether through heightened oversight, shifting payment rails or an evolving stance on digital assets.
Helping merchant level salespeople navigate the changing landscape is critical at this time, and one expert contributor to this issue provides actionable advice on how to build a standout online presence with strategies for brand voice, photography and digital tools to reinforce brand image to stay competitive in 2025. Other contributors discuss how data is the backbone of the payments ecosystem, driving risk management, operational efficiency and innovation, so data access is integral to growth in the payments industry; the key differences between civil and criminal liability and how these two types of liability apply in the payments industry; why fostering a preventive mindset is essential; the benefits of taking full advantage of Payment Account Reference numbers, which offer smart payment processing by streamlining transactions, enhancing fraud prevention and more; and how embedded payments are revolutionizing Europe’s financial landscape, enabling seamless transactions within platforms.
The news stories we've highlighted report on a new company designed to enable sales agents to offer vertical-specific software solutions integrated with payment processing, simplifying complex merchant needs through a mobile app; Block, owner of Cash App, facing $200 million in fines and consumer refunds after federal and state regulators found it failed to protect users from fraud and violated anti-money laundering rules; major tech trade groups suing the CFPB over a new rule that extends regulatory oversight to big tech payment platforms, arguing it exceeds the agency’s authority; and the National DigiFoundry's release of an industry guide on using decentralized Web3 technologies to enhance secure information sharing across finance, healthcare and technology sectors.
This issue also contains other timely features, including updates on industry milestones and new profiles and interviews.
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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.
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