Interchange galvanizes the attention of regulators around the world like iron filings to a magnet. Everyone in card payments watches their moves closely because of its economic impact on merchants, card networks, acquirers and, in theory, consumer pricing. European regulators are among the most recent to weigh in. Based on the EU’s Multilateral Interchange Fee legislation, effective December 9, interchange on many card products is now capped at 0.3% for credit and 0.2% for debit. The ripples are just beginning to spread. Join PSE Consulting’s Luke Purser and Glenbrook’s George Peabody as they discuss this shift in the European payments landscape. The conversation closes with Luke’s insightful comments on what it’s going to take to get the UK’s credit push system—Faster Payments—to the physical point of sale.

On a personal note, I am very grateful for your support of Payments on Fire over this year and look forward to bringing you more good conversations Send me you story ideas! In the meantime, in this complicated and challenging world, celebration and rest restore each and all of us. Warm wishes from me and Glenbrook Partners for a safe, happy, restful Christmas, Chanukah, Milad un Nabi, Kwanzaa, or whatever practice you favor and follow at this time of the year’s turning. — George Peabody