Technology

LevelUp has made constant changes to its mobile-payments technology as it has aggressively spread its system to new consumers and merchants alike. Today, it is in the process of eliminating issues by replacing its older systems and is promoting a white-label app to appeal to more merchants.

In an interview this week, Jennifer Shasky Calvery, the director of Fincen, said the government was not trying to squash the development of digital currencies, but made it clear they must follow proper anti-money laundering procedures like other financial institutions.

CardSpring and VeriFone Systems Inc. allow consumers' credit and debit cards to act as loyalty cards for redeeming digital coupons.

Visa issuers have put 3.5 million chip-based smart cards in the hands of U.S. consumers since the card brand announced its EMV-card migration roadmap in August of 2011, a Visa executive says.

Starbucks attributes the widespread use of its mobile payments app to a "seismic change" in how consumers use mobile phones and social media. The company expects a further surge in adoption as its rewards system expands to grocery stores.

Payleven's EMV-chip mobile card reader has found a spot on Apple Inc.'s retail shelves in Europe and on the company's website.

Total System Services Inc. will continue to process payments for U.K.-based Nationwide Building Society, considered the largest building society in the world based on its assets and 15 million members.

Financial-technology and payments company FIS has named its president and chief operating officer, Gary Norcross, to its board of directors.

Clip, which sells mobile payments technology in Spanish-speaking markets, has developed a mobile card reader.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. joined more than 30 of the biggest U.S. retailers in objecting to a $7.25 billion antitrust settlement with Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc. over merchant fees, saying the deal is meaningless when card companies can continue to fix the charges.