The biggest story in the news at the moment is of course the coronavirus pandemic and its impact and implications, not just nationally but on a global basis.
Since the last issue of MarketEye, the world has become a different place and when we get through this undoubtedly it will have changed.
Already the virus has made an impact on not just the national and global economic markets but also the payments industry.
The World Health Organisation has advised consumers to avoid handling bank notes and instead switch to contactless payments to deter the spread of coronavirus.
Many retailers have started to refuse cash in an attempt to limit its spread.
UK Finance has announced that the spending limit for contactless card payments will be increased from £30 to £45, with a national roll-out beginning from 1 April 2020.
The decision to raise the limit was taken following consultation between the retail sector and the finance and payments industry. It follows similar increases in several other countries over the past week including Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Poland and Turkey.
The changes were apparently already under consideration, but have been brought forward as part of the industry’s response to the coronavirus outbreak to support consumers who choose to pay using contactless at this time.
Irish bank AIB says that in light of the coronavirus outbreak it is suspending its recently announced plan to introduce transaction charges for contactless payments.
This is not an easy time for anyone. Savantor wishes all our MarketEye readers and their families good health during this difficult time.
Savantor services are tailored to Client needs based on our core service areas
Specialist Resourcing Payments Strategy Platform Transition Operational EfficiencyConsulting and contracting roles in the payments, mobile and banking arena within the UK and across Europe
View moreFind out more from our Savantor brochures, MarketEye back copies and Industry opinion
Collateral Market Eye News & Views Sign Up to receive MarketEyeSend us a support request and one of our specialists will be in contact to assist you.
Register your CV with us and gain access to a range of job opportunities through our online job search portal.