Insights Archive

November 17, 2021

CBDC Must Not Threaten Stablecoins, House Republicans Say In CBDC Principles

Republicans in the House Financial Services Committee have set out four principles for a potential central bank digital currency (CBDC) aimed at preserving the role of the United States in the global payments system.

November 17, 2021

We Don’t Want To Be Visa Or Mastercard, EPI Chief Warns

The European Payments Initiative (EPI) will not be easy to fulfil but that does not mean it is not necessary, Martina Weimert, the interim company's chief executive, has said.

November 17, 2021

CMA Agrees To Delay Variable Recurring Payments For Sweeping

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided to postpone the introduction of variable recurring payments by six months, recognising that the largest banks are not ready to implement the service by January.

November 17, 2021

Tribal Casinos Losing Millions In Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware groups have made hundreds of millions of dollars from attacks on tribal casinos in North America over the last two years, with these incidents leading to operational disruptions, theft of player data and financial losses, a cybersecurity expert has said.

November 17, 2021

Finnish Problem Gambling Rate At All-time Low, Says Veikkaus

Finnish gambling monopoly Veikkaus has said problem gambling rates among slots players are at an all-time low as a result of the impact of restrictive consumer protection measures introduced over the past few years.

November 17, 2021

Maryland Sports-Betting Launch Lagging As New Commission Gets Up To Speed

Maryland’s uniquely expansive sports-wagering legislation and divided regulatory responsibilities mean mobile betting may not launch for another year, the state’s chief gaming official said during a VIXIO GamblingCompliance webinar.

November 16, 2021

Dutch Regulator Calls For ’Sustainable Solutions’ To Help Customers Rid Themselves Of Debt

The Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets has outlined proposals it wants to see lenders adopt to help customers manage their loan arrears. Among its solutions is the use of behavioural sciences to improve insights.

November 16, 2021

P27 Full Speed Ahead With Transformation Projects In Sweden, Denmark

Transformation programmes that enable a pan-Nordic multi-currency platform are moving ahead with full speed in Sweden and Denmark following EU merger clearance.

November 16, 2021

Central Bank Of Ireland Spots Deficiencies In Firms’ AML Compliance

The Central Bank of Ireland has identified various weaknesses in firms’ anti-money laundering compliance and set out expectations for firms to “demonstrate” they have an appropriate framework in place.

November 16, 2021

SCA Renewal Reforms Not Far Enough, But PSD3 Offers Glimmer Of Hope

Although third-party providers have welcomed changes to strong customer authentication (SCA) rules regarding 90-day renewals, some have questioned whether the banking watchdog is doing enough to prevent harming businesses. PSD3 could help address these issues and more.

November 16, 2021

Battle For Control Of Sports Betting In California Setting Up Showdown In 2022

Sports betting remains a multi-billion-dollar illegal business in California, but tribal officials and lobbyists were optimistic Monday that voters will approve a ballot initiative next year to legalize retail wagering on games at Indian casinos and four racetracks across the state.

November 16, 2021

Malaysia Confirms Talks On Online Gambling Liberalisation

After 18 months of silence, the Malaysian government has reaffirmed it is moving toward a regulated online gambling environment to strengthen the fight against illegal activity.

November 16, 2021

Betsson Warned Over Sports Integrity, As COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

The Swedish Gambling Authority has reprimanded Betsson for breaking match-fixing rules, as COVID-linked limits on the market finally expire.

November 15, 2021

New Report Finds Strong Support In Favour Of Regulating AI

A new report has found that a large majority of technology policy experts and influencers believe the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) should be regulated.

November 15, 2021

Sweden Calls For EU-Wide Bitcoin Mining Ban

As the popularity of cryptocurrencies drives intensive mining of coins such as Bitcoin, regulators are weighing in the potential ecological risks associated with the booming product. Latest in the line is Sweden, which has called out for an EU-wide mining ban on Bitcoin due to environmental concerns; however, it is questionable whether such a ban could have an effective impact on the global scale.

November 15, 2021

Klarna Launches In Ireland And Says It Welcomes Regulation Of BNPL

As Klarna rolls out buy now, pay later (BNPL) services in Ireland and gives positive nods towards regulation of the industry, VIXIO discusses the Swedish company's wider market strategy as it develops any time, any where instalment credit. We also assess its claims that consumers are shifting away from credit cards.

November 15, 2021

Philippine Online Boss Linked To Narcotics In New Report

A licensed foreign-facing online gambling operator in the Philippines is allegedly linked to the drug trade and is a business partner of an alleged former meth lab boss close to President Rodrigo Duterte, according to a consortium media report.

November 15, 2021

Arkansas Weighs Change To Allow Mobile Sports Betting

The Arkansas Gaming Commission on Thursday will consider a proposed rule change that would allow mobile sports betting through the state’s licensed casinos.

November 15, 2021

Children Cannot Avoid Gambling-Like Mechanics In Games, Says Research

Danish regulator research on gambling addiction has found microtransactions made by children on video games such as FIFA often replicate gambling mechanics.

November 12, 2021

Crypto Cowboys: Wyoming Wants To Be Pioneer On Virtual Currency Wagering

With an economy based largely on cattle, oil and mining, policymakers in Wyoming have grabbed the attention of gaming operators, attorneys and payment processors after becoming the first state to regulate the use of cryptocurrency for wagering on sporting events.

November 12, 2021

Week In Brief - November 12, 2021

A short roundup of some of the week's payments news you may have missed. This week we look at Daimler's new payments solution, UK consumers' struggle to get APP fraud refunds and a pioneer Austrian crypto tax bill. We also report on BNPL regulatory changes in New Zealand and Australia, Egypt's efforts to regulate instant payments and the latest news on the EU's digital euro project.