Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
GAO Interchange Report: Reducing Rates will “Pose Challenges”
November 20, 2009
Reducing Interchange Would ‘Pose Challenges,’ the GAO Says | www.digitaltransactions.net
The GAO’s study on interchange was thoughtful, balanced, and light on recommendations. The inconclusive nature of the report reduces the likelihood meaningful legislative action will impact interchange in 2010. However, the combination of DOJ investigations, merchant class action litigation, and continued...
$300 Million for Revolution is Perplexing
November 18, 2009
American Express Says It Will Buy Revolution Money | www.bloomberg.com
It was only 8 months ago that Ted Leonsis said that the post-money valuation of Revolution Money is less than $200 million (WSJ April 6, 2009). As I remember thinking that number was wildly inflated at the time I was truly shocked to read about $300 Million purchase price.
Network challenger uses handsets not cards, focuses on an underserved niche
November 16, 2009
Bling Nation Secures $20 Million in Series B Funding | www.reuters.com
Bling Nation is launching a new retail electronic payment system – a daunting challenge in a well served and intensely competitive market where scale and network effects matter enormously. However its targeted and novel approach may give it a fighting chance. Bling Nation uses mobile phone handsets...
Star ventures online, PayPal seeks growth through Star licensees
November 12, 2009
First Data partners with PayPal to link debit cards to PayPal accounts | www.internetretailer.com
The Star and PayPal electronic payment networks are partnering to enable Star cardholders to use PayPal to spend online. This bolsters Star’s value proposition relative to other debit networks which in recent years have been winning market share. It also marks an initial step by the e-commerce giant...
Nothing is Risk Free: Reaction to Visa (V) and MasterCard (MA) earnings reports
November 7, 2009
2nd UPDATE: Visa Swings To 4Q Pft; Announces $1B Shr Buyback | online.wsj.com
Very real risks to both Visa and MasterCard are often glossed over by analysts. It is flawed to assume that their business is immutable and “risk free.” Both companies need to anticipate new market entrants and continue to evolve and innovate. Very real competitive threats abound.
Helping retailers earn more profit on their most profitable transactions?
October 19, 2009
Interchange Fees Step Into the Spotlight | online.wsj.com
Sensing an opportunity to benefit from anti-banking sentiment in Washington, the National Retail Federation and other retailer lobbying groups have intensified their efforts against the payments industry. Retailers have skillfully cloaked their agenda to reduce the cost of accepting credit card payments...
PIN Debit on the Internet will spell the demise of Signature Debit
August 10, 2009
Debit Cards in Use to Reach 5.2 Billion By 2012, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | www.prweb.com
Signature debit remains a payments alternative only because there still is no PIN debit product on the Internet. Also playing into the picture is that Issuers prefer Signature Debit due to higher Interchange rates. On the otherhand, merchants, acquirers, and consumers are in favor of PIN Debit.
United Tells Travel Agents to Cover Credit Card Fees
June 24, 2009
United To Shift Card Costs To Agencies | hudsoncrossing.blogspot.com
How widely adopted will this change be? What will the effect be on consumers? On OTAs? On the airline industry?
Retailers step up the demagoguery in anti-interchange campaign
April 14, 2009
Retailers, consumers squeezed | www.washingtontimes.com
Retailers are waging a no-holds barred campaign seeking government regulation of card acceptance fees and interchange. A barrage of advertising and inflammatory op-ed pieces such as “Retailers, consumers squeezed” make a revival of the “Credit Card Fair Fee Act” later this year more likely. If it or...
April 2, 2009
Consulting Management Platform | www.fidelityinfoservices.com
-Growth in electronic payments -Competitive pressure in financial services and payments systems -M&A activity in risk management
Network challenger uses handsets not cards, focuses on an underserved niche
November 16, 2009
Will the last Hedge Fund manager to leave London please turn out the lights
November 16, 2009
Can we be in recovery if we are still in intensive care?
November 16, 2009
How Can Linkedin's New Features Help Job Seekers?
November 15, 2009
5 Ways Social Media Gives Job Seekers an Advantage in a Recession
November 15, 2009
www.reuters.com
www.ft.com
recareered.blogspot.com
5 Ways Social Media Gives Job Seekers an Advantage in a Recession
www.bloomberg.com
recareered.blogspot.com