The Green Sheet Online Edition
June 22, 2026 • 26:06:02
Letter from the editor
The payments sphere is no longer simply about moving money from one place to another. It is becoming an ecosystem built around intelligence, infrastructure, compliance, security and operational strategy. That transformation is visible throughout this issue. In our lead article, Patti Murphy examines the ongoing uncertainty surrounding cannabis payments as regulators continue moving toward broader acceptance of medical marijuana, while many financial institutions, processors and card networks remain cautious. And businesses connected to the cannabis sector continue navigating workarounds, compliance burdens and inconsistent access to financial services. At the same time, payment infrastructure is becoming far more complex. Reporting from Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam, Jean-Philippe Niedergang explores how new European regulations are reshaping the checkout experience and forcing merchants to rethink POS infrastructure, accessibility requirements, instant payments and compliance.
Several contributors also examine how payments providers are evolving into broader business advisers and technology partners. Elie Katz looks at how modern POS systems are transforming inventory management and helping ISOs build stronger, stickier merchant relationships. Joel Horwitz challenges common assumptions about merchant acquisition costs, arguing that both organic and paid marketing strategies carry hidden operational realities. George Csahiouni begins an in-depth two-part series exploring what drives merchant portfolio valuations in today’s market, while Ken Musante examines how AI-driven scams and new network monitoring programs are increasing pressure on acquirers, payfacs and processors to identify fraudulent activity earlier and more aggressively. This issue’s Industry Update and news sections further reflect an industry rapidly adapting to stablecoins, AI-powered tools, real-time payments and shifting fraud dynamics. The common thread is clear: payments companies are being asked to do far more than process transactions. They are increasingly expected to provide intelligence, resilience, compliance support and operational value.
We also celebrate an important milestone in this issue. The Southeast Acquirers Association recently marked its 25th anniversary, inspiring Allen Kopelman’s reflections on the organization’s growth and Dee Karawadra’s heartfelt tribute to longtime board member John McCormick. Together, the pieces capture the relationships, mentorship and sense of community that define this industry. In our Inspiration feature, we reflect on the importance of bringing warmth, patience and genuine connection back into our business relationships. Amid all the changes in our industry, authentic human connection remains one of the most valuable differentiators of all. As always, we hope this issue informs, challenges and inspires you. Please send your comments to greensheet@greensheet.com, and send news to press@greensheet.com.
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