John Adams

In recent years, there's been a lot of activity in payments M&A, but a few deals stand out — some for their size, and others for their ability to transform both parties in a fundamental way.

The information you need to start your day, from PaymentsSource and around the Web. Today: Australia cuts taxes for bitcoin; PayKey raises funds; U.K. tech firms lobby for London; U.S. inspector general says virtual currency may impact on traditional currency.

Square has been adding myriad services as it seeks to become a full-service merchant gateway.

First Data posts an acquisition release in error, though it may eventually buy the company.

The information you need to start your day, from PaymentsSource and around the Web. Today: Fed will study payment crime next year; ATM thieves get a starter kit; Mobile coupons at the arena; Cryptocurrency for the point of sale.

As incidents such as the Equifax breach create more urgency to move beyond static identifiers and authentication methods, Visa is getting aggressive about pushing dynamic tools to vet and shield identity.

American Express' incoming CEO may have to fundamentally change how the company makes money, if regulators and the Supreme Court side against it.

There's never an easy time to change leaders, but for American Express it's a particularly challenging time as it faces legal challenges to a core part of its fee structure and is still revamping its business model after a stinging client loss.

By acquiring WePay, JPMorgan Chase — the bank that comes to mind when words like "incumbent" and "legacy" are uttered — proves that size does matter in the fintech game.

The information you need to start your day, from PaymentsSource and around the Web. Today: iOS personal photo security could protect payments; McDonald's in Singapore installs lockers for smartphones; Did North Korea hack a bank? Kazakhstan plans a virtual currency/Fintech hub.