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Stuart O'Brien

Spain continues trends towards digitisation of payments
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The Spanish card payments market is forecast to grow by 8.9% to reach EUR402.6 billion ($435.4 billion) in 2024, supported by a constant consumer shift towards electronic payments.

GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics, reveals that card payment value in Spain registered a growth of 22.5% in 2022, driven by a rise in consumer spending. The value is estimated to have registered a growth of 18.1% to reach EUR369.8 billion ($399.8 billion) in 2023.

Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Spain is gradually moving towards the digitalization of its payment infrastructure, supported by a high-banked adult population, partly due to citizens’ right to a basic account, and the expansion of its point-of-sale (POS) infrastructure. The growing acceptance of payment cards by retailers and the advent of contactless technology are set to reduce the share of cash within the economy.”

Cash remains an integral part of the Spanish consumer payments landscape, particularly for lower-value transactions. However, there has been a consistent decline in cash usage, while electronic payment methods have witnessed an increase. This is supported by a well-developed payment infrastructure with over 52,000 POS terminals per one million inhabitants in Spain – which is amongst the highest compared to many of its European counterparts.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the rise in contactless payments in the country, thereby contributing to growth in overall card payments. According to the Study on the payment attitudes of consumers in the euro area (SPACE) in 2022, released by the European Central Bank (ECB), contactless payments in Spain accounted for 67% of all card payments at POS, in terms of volume, in 2022. The share was 66% when it comes to transaction value.

The cap on cash transactions is also pushing the use of card payments in the country. As of 2021, it became illegal for consumers to make cash payments of more than EUR1,000 ($1,073.2) to businesses, which means all amounts above the limit will have to be paid using electronic mode.

Sharma concluded: “The Spanish card payments market, which was affected by the pandemic, returned to a growth trajectory with impressive growth in subsequent years, supported by a rise in economic activity and consumer spending. However, an uncertain economic environment and rising inflation pose challenges for faster growth. The Spanish card payments market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% between 2024 and 2028 to reach EUR515.9 billion ($557.8 billion) in 2028.”

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION MONTH: How MFA became a fraud fighter’s favourite dance partner
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For years, online fraudsters have waltzed through checkout pages, leaving a trail of stolen identities and empty wallets in their wake. But the tide is turning. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), once a niche security measure, has become a vital weapon in the fight against merchant fraud. Here’s how…

The Rise of the Extra Layer:

Traditional online security relied on usernames and passwords, a flimsy barrier easily breached through hacking or social engineering. MFA adds an extra layer of defence. It requires users to confirm their identity with a second factor, such as:

  • One-Time Passcodes (OTPs): These temporary codes, delivered via text message, email, or an authentication app, add a time-sensitive layer of security. Even if a hacker steals a password, they can’t access the account without the ever-changing OTP.
  • Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition software add a unique layer of security, as these biological traits are difficult to forge.
  • Security Tokens: Hardware tokens generate unique codes or require physical possession for authentication, adding a tangible layer of security.

MFA’s Impact on Fraud:

The impact of MFA has been undeniable. Studies show a significant decrease in fraudulent transactions since its widespread adoption. Here’s why:

  • Increased Difficulty: MFA makes it much harder for fraudsters to impersonate legitimate users. Stealing a password alone is no longer enough.
  • Stronger Deterrence: The knowledge that MFA is in place deters fraudsters from even attempting to target merchants with robust security measures.
  • Improved Customer Confidence: Customers feel safer shopping online when they know their accounts are protected by an extra layer of security. This can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.

The Future of Anti-Fraud Solutions in the UK:

While MFA has been a game-changer, the fight against fraud is a constant dance. Here’s what anti-fraud professionals in the UK can expect:

  • Rise of Behavioural Biometrics: Beyond fingerprints and facial recognition, analysing typing patterns, mouse movements, and even browsing behaviour can offer a more holistic picture of a user’s identity.
  • Risk-Based Authentication: MFA won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution. The level of authentication required will likely be based on factors like transaction size, location, and user history. Low-risk transactions might only require a password, while high-risk transactions might require a combination of factors.
  • Frictionless Authentication: New technologies like voice recognition or wearable authentication devices aim to make MFA more seamless for users, without compromising security.

The Final Step:

MFA’s success story is a testament to the evolving landscape of online security. As fraudsters develop new tactics, anti-fraud professionals must stay ahead of the curve. By embracing innovative solutions and adopting a risk-based approach, they can ensure a secure and prosperous future for online commerce. Remember, the fight against fraud is a continuous dance, and MFA is just one of the steps needed for a smooth and secure online experience for both merchants and customers.

Are you searching for Multi-factor Authentication solutions for your organisation? The Fraud Prevention Summit can help!

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

If you specialise in Multi-Factor Authentication Solutions we want to hear from you!
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Each month on Fraud Prevention Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in May we’ll be focussing on Multi-factor Authentication Solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you specialise in Multi-factor Authentication Solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374 098 | j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

May – Multi-factor Authentication
Jun – Digital Identity Verification
Jul – Fraud Detection Tools
Aug – Anti Fraud Platforms
Sep – AI for Fraud
Oct – Chargebacks
Nov – Biometrics for Fraud prevention
Dec – Mobile Fraud Prevention
Jan – Digital Identity Verification
Feb – Fraud Prevention Solutions
Mar – Risk Prevention & Compliance
Apr – Financial Crime

Photo by Ed Hardie on Unsplash

VIDEO: Why the Fraud Prevention Summit is your essential event for 2024
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The Fraud Prevention Summit will provide you with a rare full working day of industry networking, learning and connection building – will you be attending? – Secure your free place today! 

6th November 2024 | Hilton London Canary Wharf

Watch our attendee experience video to find out more about what to expect at the event! 

Your pass will be fully funded to attend as our guest, which includes: 

  • A seat at our insightful seminar sessions, led by industry thought leaders:
    • “The Fraud Mindset & Eradicating Mule Accounts” – Alex Wood, CEO – FPS
    • “Delve into the fascinating world of AI-powered fraud prevention and its profound impact on the financial industry“ – Rebekah Moody, Marketing and Go-to-Market Strategy – Darwinium
    • “The fight against fraud – are the latest laws working to tackle the fraud epidemic in the UK?” – Diana Johnson, Senior Lecturer – University of the West of England
    • “Critical leadership & team skills to help reduce merchant fraud, and how to deploy them” – Sarah Jones, CEO & Founder – Sarah Jones Coaching
  • Your own personalised itinerary of 1-2-1 meetings with industry leading suppliers, who can help with your upcoming plans and projects
  • Complimentary lunch and refreshments provided throughout the day
  • Multiple networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals
  • Personalised attendance options to suit your schedule


Book your FREE pass >>>

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us here.

Report highlights cost of financial crime compliance in North America
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Financial crime compliance costs have increased for 99% of financial institutions in the US and Canada, with the total cost reaching US$61 billion across both countries.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions released the findings of its latest True Cost of Financial Crime Compliance Study – U.S. and Canada study, which was conducted by Forrester Consulting, 

Mid and large-sized financial institutions (holding more than $10 billion in assets) must reduce costs while complying with regulations, with 44% identifying the escalation of financial crime regulations and regulatory expectations as the primary factor driving increases in compliance costs.

Financial institutions of all sizes are concentrating on cost reduction, with 70% giving priority to cutting costs in the next 12 months.

The challenge of keeping up with the complex sanctions environment is intensifying, leading financial institutions to confront a growing screening workload. At 83% of mid and large-sized organizations and 87% of small organizations (holding less than $10 billion in assets), the number of screening alerts has increased.

Key findings from the study:

  • Technology costs are driving increases in expenses for financial institutions, emphasizing the substantial investment required to meet stringent compliance requirements. Specifically, 79% of organizations noticed rises in technology costs related to compliance/know-your-customer (KYC) software in the past 12 months, while technology costs associated with networks, systems and remote work have increased at 75% of businesses.
  • Seventy-eight percent of small financial institutions witnessed higher increases in compliance costs related to labor compared to their mid and large-sized counterparts (63%). Conversely, mid and large-sized financial institutions were more likely to experience higher cost escalations for technology, particularly in compliance with KYC software (82%) and external costs associated with outsourcing (79%).
  • Cryptocurrencies, digital payments and AI technologies are now also emerging as tools for illicit activities. Organizations are grappling with the impact of these sophisticated criminal methodologies within an already complex regulatory landscape. When asked about the types of financial crime they had observed significant increases of more than 20% in the past 12 months, 22% of companies identified financial crime involving cryptocurrencies, while 22% reported heightened use of AI.

“As the cost of financial crime compliance rises for organizations across the U.S. and Canada, organizations must take a strategic approach to financial crime compliance,” said Matt Michaud, Global Head of Financial Crime Compliance at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. “Skilled in-house compliance teams play a crucial role, but businesses should be actively seeking ways to reduce labor costs while simultaneously improving compliance efficiency. Organizations also need to actively counter cybercriminals exploiting artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies and digital channels. Financial institutions must proactively equip themselves with comprehensive data sets, advanced AI/ML-based compliance models and robust analytics within their financial crime compliance solutions to swiftly identify new crime patterns.”

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

Mastercard x Worldpay collab seeks to reduce merchant chargebacks
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Mastercard and Worldpay have formed a new partnership they claim will help merchants to resolve transaction disputes faster and with fewer chargebacks.

Chargebacks – a request for a refund triggered when a consumer disputes a transaction on their account – are a growing issue: industry-wide chargeback volumes are expected to reach 337 million by 2026, a 42% increase from 2023 levels.

Through the partnership, Worldpay, a global payment technology and solutions company, will offer Mastercard’s Ethoca Alerts to its 1 million merchants worldwide. The service provides an early warning system that helps prevent a dispute from becoming a chargeback and reduce potential financial losses due to fraud.

Ethoca Alerts, by Mastercard, works across all payment brands and delivers insights that merchants can use to stop the fulfilment of goods and services. Merchants do not need to change their existing infrastructure or processes to take advantage of Ethoca Alerts. 

The collaboration will also help improve authorization rates for merchants, enabling more of the $2.3tn total transactions Worldpay processes to be completed successfully thanks to fewer erroneously declined transactions.

Johan Gerber, Executive Vice President, Cyber and Intelligence at Mastercard said: “With ecommerce thriving, we’re working to make transactions as safe and as seamless as possible for all parties. This partnership with Worldpay extends our powerful technology to even more merchants around the world, reducing fraud. By working together, we will advance our shared goal of building trust and powering the global digital economy.”

Gabriel de Montessus, Executive Vice President, Global Enterprise at Worldpay said “We’re pleased to bring this solution to the market in partnership with Mastercard to deliver more value and innovation to our clients. Creating more accessible, more flexible and more seamless ways to reduce fraud, while accelerating commerce and protect consumers and merchants is what drives us at Worldpay.”

Between 2022-23 Ethoca Alerts enabled the prevention of $1.6bn in fraud due to chargebacks, helping to protect retailers from fraudulent claims.

FINANCIAL CRIME PROTECTION MONTH: How banks and merchants are leveraging the latest technologies
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The UK’s retail finance landscape is witnessing a technological revolution. While this brings convenience and innovation, it also creates new avenues for financial crime. Thankfully, cutting-edge solutions are emerging to equip banks and merchants with robust defences against fraudsters. Here’s an exploration of key recent and future trends in financial crime prevention, based on input from attendees at the Fraud Prevention Summit…

Recent Trends:

  • Machine Learning (ML) and AI for Anomaly Detection: Advanced analytics powered by ML and AI are becoming a cornerstone of financial crime prevention. These systems can analyse vast amounts of transaction data in real-time, identifying suspicious patterns and potential fraud attempts that human analysts might miss.
  • Network Analysis and Link Discovery: Financial institutions are leveraging network analysis tools to map connections between accounts, entities, and transactions. This helps identify potential fraud rings, money laundering networks, and other complex criminal schemes.
  • Enhanced Customer Authentication: Moving beyond static passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is gaining traction. MFA utilizes additional verification steps, like one-time passwords (OTPs) or biometric verification, to bolster security.
  • Regulatory Focus on Open Banking: Open Banking regulations are driving innovation in fraud prevention. Banks can utilize third-party services to access customer account information with consent, allowing for more robust verification and fraud risk assessment.

Future Trends:

  • Biometric Authentication Beyond Mobile Wallets: Fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans could become more common for online and in-person transactions. This eliminates the need for passwords and offers a higher level of security.
  • Behavioural Biometrics: This emerging technology analyses a customer’s typing speed, mouse movement, and other behavioural patterns during online transactions. Deviations from a customer’s baseline behaviour could indicate a potential fraud attempt.
  • Shift towards Predictive Analytics: ML advancements will enable solutions to predict and prevent fraud before it occurs. By analyzing historical data and behavioural patterns, systems can identify high-risk transactions and flag them for further scrutiny.
  • Artificial Intelligence for Case Management: AI can automate aspects of fraud investigation, freeing up human analysts to focus on complex cases. This can streamline the investigation process and lead to faster resolution of fraudulent activity.
  • Collaboration through Consortiums and Information Sharing: Financial institutions and law enforcement agencies are increasingly collaborating through consortiums to share information on emerging fraud trends and develop joint strategies.

Benefits for Banks and Merchants:

Implementing these trends offers significant benefits:

  • Reduced Financial Losses: Effective financial crime prevention solutions can significantly reduce losses from fraudulent transactions.
  • Enhanced Customer Protection: Robust security measures reassure customers about the safety of their financial information, fostering trust and loyalty.
  • Improved Regulatory Compliance: Financial institutions need to comply with regulations like Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML). Advanced solutions help meet these requirements.
  • Increased Operational Efficiency: Automating fraud detection and investigation can free up staff time and streamline operations.
  • Competitive Advantage: Providing a secure and trustworthy financial environment can give banks and merchants a competitive edge in attracting and retaining customers.

Financial crime in the UK retail sector is a constant threat, but technological advancements offer powerful tools for prevention. By embracing these trends – from AI-powered analytics to potential biometric authentication – banks and merchants can create a more secure and robust financial ecosystem. This empowers them to protect their customers, maintain financial stability, and thrive in the digital age.

Are you searching for Financial Crime Prevention solutions for your organisation? The Fraud Prevention Summit can help!

Photo by Miquel Parera on Unsplash

‘One million attacks on global financial sector in 120 days’
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BlackBerry’s latest Global Threat Intelligence Report has revealed threat actors focusing efforts on targeting high-value data held by the global financial sector, with one million attacks logged over the 120 day period.

This “death by a million cuts” is revealed to be using mainly commodity malware, which indicates a large number of independent actors targeting the industry in pursuit of financial gain. Critical infrastructure attacks, including those targeting government, financial, healthcare and communications industries, altogether accounted for 62 percent of industry-related attacks over the report period, September to December 2023. 

The BlackBerry Threat Research and Intelligence team registered a 27 percent uptick in novel malware to 3.7 new malicious samples per minute prevented by its AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, compared to 2.9 per minute in the previous reporting period. Overall, BlackBerry claims its cybersecurity solutions stopped 31 attacks every minute, a 19 percent increase on the last reporting period. 

“We’re consistently seeing increased volumes of attack in highly lucrative industries using novel malware,” said Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President of Threat Research and Intelligence at BlackBerry. “Novel malware typically indicates specific motivations from threat actors towards particular attack targets with intent to evade defences, which are often based on static signatures. We’ve reached a pivotal point where traditional detection methods alone are not enough to combat this increasingly complex problem. AI is already being weaponised by malicious entities, so it must equally be the dominant tool for detection and defence.” 

Highlights from the latest BlackBerry Global Threat Intelligence Report include: 

  • 62 percent of industry-related attacks targeted critical industries: Digitization and the prospect of debilitating national infrastructure attracted notorious gangs and Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) groups who attempt to exploit security misconfigurations and vulnerabilities for varying motives. 
  • Commercial enterprises also under attack: 33 percent of all threats targeted commercial enterprises (including retail, manufacturing, automotive and professional services), with the majority (53 percent) of those deploying information-stealing (Infostealer) malware with the aim of accessing highly sensitive data.  
  • Rapid weaponization of CVEs by Threat Actors: Ransomware gangs observed taking advantage of new Zero Day vulnerabilities and mass mobilizing against potentially vulnerable targets, with zero-day exploits motivating profiteer groups.  

Based on its data analysis, the BlackBerry Threat Intelligence and Research team predicts that 2024 will bring an increase in attacks targeting critical infrastructure and other profitable segments. VPN appliances will likely remain desirable targets for nation-state-level threat actors and it is anticipated that there will be a continued increase in supply chain cyberattacks targeting hardware and software vulnerabilities. Further, APAC will likely see an increase in attacks from China and North Korea, particularly financially-motivated attacks. 

Photo by Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash

Alt payments now preferred over cash and cards for e-commerce in China
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Alternative payment methods such as mobile and digital wallets dominate the e-commerce space in China, displacing cash and cards as the most preferred payment method, with a 67.3% market share in 2023.

GlobalData’s E-Commerce Analytics reveals that Chinese e-commerce market is expected to register a 11.9% growth in 2024 to reach CNY17 trillion ($2.4 trillion), as consumers increasingly shift from offline to online purchases. The market is set to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% between 2024 and 2028 to reach CNY25.7 trillion ($3.6 trillion) in 2028.

Poornima Chinta, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Chinese e-commerce market, the largest in the world, experienced sustained growth over the past few years driven by rising internet and smartphone penetration, availability of secure online payment systems, and increasing number of online shoppers.”

To boost e-commerce sales, the government is also taking various initiatives. In August 2023, nine Chinese government departments, including the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), introduced a three-year plan to develop and promote e-commerce even in rural areas. The plan includes several aspects such as improving internet and payment infrastructure as well as developing required logistic facilities.

Coming to payment tool preference, alternative payment solutions dominate e-commerce in China with a combined market share of 67.3% in 2023, according to the GlobalData’s 2023 Financial Services Consumer Survey. This is a trend that is prevalent in many Asian markets.

Alipay and WeChat Pay, with more than one billion worldwide users each, are the most popular alternative payment methods, which have gained prominence due to their simplicity, speed, and convenience. International brands such as Samsung Pay and Apple Pay are also available in the market.

Alternative payments are followed by bank transfers and payment cards. Cards account for a 14.9% share of e-commerce transaction value in 2023. Credit cards are more preferred than debit cards due to the value-added benefits they offer including interest free instalment payment options, reward programs, cashback, and discounts.

Chinta concludes: “The Chinese e-commerce market is expected to continue its upward growth trajectory supported by the government initiatives and growing consumer preference for online shopping. Alternative payment solutions are likely to continue their dominance driven by their growing userbase and increasing online merchant acceptance”

Registration is Open for November’s Fraud Prevention Summit!
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The Fraud Prevention Summit, formerly known as the Merchant Fraud Summit, is a bespoke and highly targeted event, where you can meet with a selection of top suppliers, who can help with your upcoming plans and projects, alongside opportunities to network with peers & attend educational seminars!

See what our past attendees had to say:

“Great event, well organised and met some great people! Looking forward to doing business and enhancing the relations forged on the day” – Belron uk

“Well organised, good location, relevant and useful to my business” – Driversure

The event is entirely free for fraud professionals, like you, to attend. 

6th November 2024 

Hilton London Canary Wharf 

Your free pass includes;

✅ A corporate itinerary of one-to-one meetings with leading solution providers

✅ A seat at our industry seminar sessions

✅ Full hospitality including lunch and refreshments throughout

✅ Multiple networking breaks to make new connections in your field

Places are in high demand, book your free pass here.