The Green Sheet Online Edition
March 23, 2026 • 26:03:02
Letter from the editor
Checks may be declining, but they remain deeply embedded in the payments ecosystem—and increasingly vulnerable to fraud. In a landscape shaped by digital acceleration and evolving criminal tactics, older payment methods are becoming unexpected pressure points. Our lead article examines the resurgence of check fraud, driven by organized crime, mail theft and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
It also explores why checks continue to play a critical role in certain sectors and what financial institutions and businesses must do to manage risk while modernizing their processes.
The situation for checks may change dramatically, though, should the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act actually be implemented, according to a Green Sheet Advisory Board member who points out that the law would require a rebuild of the complex, interconnected payments infrastructure, disrupting commerce, increasing costs, and possibly forcing businesses back to cash and checks, since the payment rails, after all, are not public utilities.
Other experts contributing to this issue delve into how examining overlooked KPIs exposes risks in customer experience, compliance, technology and liquidity and reveals why organizations need dedicated chief payments officers; how alternative payment methods, cross-border capabilities and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping payments and why today's ISOs and MLSs must expand beyond traditional card processing; ways in which mobile POS tools are transforming independent retail, giving owners real-time visibility, remote control and freedom to manage operations, inventory and promotions from anywhere; and how analysis of FFIEC Call report data reveals shifts in merchant acquiring volume, sponsor bank risk exposure and regulatory pressures shaping growth, governance and competitive positioning.
Major developments covered in News Briefs span consolidation, innovation and rising risk across payments. Brink’s $6.6 billion acquisition of NCR Atleos signals growing integration of physical and digital infrastructure, while PayPal’s partnership with Rainforest highlights the continued shift toward embedded payments within software platforms.
Visa is advancing authorization with a single API designed for real-time, data-driven transactions. At the same time, new research underscores the growing threat of AI-driven fraud and the industry’s struggle to keep pace. Rounding out the issue, a spotlight on women leaders reflects the expanding influence shaping strategy, policy and growth across the payments ecosystem.
Want to connect with colleagues and leaders in payments? Datebook has you covered. Curious about recent industry milestones? Industry Update will fill you in
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