PayThink

Among the most important payment changes on the horizon in the U.S., is the migration to EMV technology and the looming October 1, 2015 deadline.

Risk-based premiums should apply to big banks as well as small ones. That's because the assessment would have an immediate impact on big banks' quarterly profits, thereby appropriately charging them for the competitive advantage and privilege afforded by their size.

Congress should avoid becoming so focused on the problems with big banks that they overlook the community lenders suffering from a lack of regulatory relief.

Cumbersome regulations for prepaid products proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could reduce consumer-friendly market competition, discourage innovation and effectively cut off many Americans’ participation in the digital economy.

Apple realizes that retailers are uniquely well-positioned to encourage mobile payments adoption. That's why the company's decision to start accepting retailer loyalty cards on Apple Pay before launching a loyalty program of its own makes good sense.

Determining regulatory requirements based on banks’ activities rather than their size would liberate old-school institutions from unnecessary burdens without endangering the financial system.

Mobile payments are hot. Industry insiders both hope and fear new technology will upend reigning retail payment systems such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week, including the need to hold bankers accountable for criminal deeds and whether the FDIC's proposed recordkeeping requirement is smart planning or pointless.

Incorporating bill and rental payment data into consumer credit scores would be a boon for underserved Americans. New legislation in Congress could help credit reporting agencies realize this goal.

As NAFCU's members gather in Montreal for the group's annual meeting, SRP FCU CEO Ed Templeton reflects on the insight he has gained during his tenure as NAFCU chairman, and the value the trade association brings to its member credit unions.