Apple to open up the iPhone’s NFC chip in Europe?

Apple has offered to open up access to the iPhone’s NFC chip to rival mobile payments providers, “three people familiar with the matter” have told Reuters, “a move that could settle EU antitrust charges and stave off a possible hefty fine”... More

















What's New in Payments

Germany passes law forcing Apple to open up Apple Pay

Apple warns of risks from German law to open up mobile payments — Reuters — “A German parliamentary committee unexpectedly voted in a late-night session on Wednesday to force the tech giant to open up Apple Pay to rival providers in Germany… The legislation, which did not name Apple specifically, will force operators of electronic money infrastructure to offer access to rivals for a reasonable fee.”



What's New in Payments

Facebook to partner with banks for WhatsApp payments rollout?

WhatsApp in talks to launch mobile payments in Indonesia — sources — Reuters — “Unlike in India where it plans to offer direct peer-to-peer payment services, WhatsApp will simply serve as a platform in Indonesia supporting payments via local digital wallets due to tough licensing regulations… The Indonesia model could become a template for WhatsApp to adopt in other emerging markets to get around regulations on foreign players creating their own digital wallets, the sources said.”


What's New in Payments

Japanese government to reward shoppers for using mobile payments

Hoping to boost spending, Japan tries to sell shoppers on cashless purchases — Reuters — “A scheduled increase in the sales tax to 10% from 8% in October could hurt spending. Aware of that risk, the government is betting big on mobile payments, an industry only just taking root in Japan. As soon as the tax increase kicks in, the government will offer points redeemable for future discounts to shoppers who use QR codes and other cashless payments.”