When PSD2 comes into effect in 2018, the unprecedented regulatory upheaval will compel banks to explore new business models, commercial strategies and operational practices. In the open banking era, collaboration will be key as banks move to employ partnerships not only to expand the range and quality of services they can deliver, but also to capitalise on the vast pools of untapped data they already hold.

DigiPulse (https://www.digipulse.io/) is the world’s first ‘digital cryptocurrency vault’, a much-awaited development for the crypto-investment community.  But what will it help you do?

 ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), a leading global provider of real-time electronic payment and banking solutions, today announced support for the European Payments Council (EPC) SEPA Instant rulebook standard ISO 20022 within its Universal Payments (UP) solutions portfolio, including  UP Immediate Payments and 

Gemalto, the world leader in digital security maintains its track record of investing in acquired business. The company's ambitious development program includes the release of Gemalto CABIS 7, designed to enable law enforcement and other government agencies to perform biometric-based identity searches with an even greater degree of speed, precision and efficiency. In addition, Gemalto has announced the launch of CABIS Core Cloud engine, widening the support scope of Cogent's flagship CABIS portfolio to include flexible and scalable cloud architecture.

 IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO), a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions, today announced the launch of two new stock indices – KRX-IHS Markit KOSPI 200 Dividend Forecast Yield Top 30 and KRX-IHS Markit KOSPI 200 Dividend Forecast Growth Top 30 – in alliance with Korea Exchange (KRX), a leading cash and derivatives exchange based in Seoul, South Korea.

Alipay, the world’s largest online and mobile payment platform, operated by Ant Financial Services Group (“Ant Financial”), today announced its partnership with local mobile payment system developers TedPay and Valoot to enable Hong Kong taxis to accept payments via Alipay and AlipayHK for the first time. The first tranche of several dozen taxis have already been equipped with an Alipay capability, and the service will be expanded to several thousand more in November.

With the advent of open API banking, professionals across the banking world are steeling themselves for dramatic changes to their value chains and partner ecosystems. These changes call for a radical rethink of the status quo, and highlight areas where the banking industry needs to improve if open API banking is to be a success. As it stands, the banking industry has mixed views on whether open API banking should be welcomed – largely because there’s no clear direction on how to go about it.

There is a fierce debate out there, about what’s better – subscription or pay-per-use/view model of services? Digital content providers, telcos and TV broadcasters mainly prefer subscription or licensing model as it allows them to better predict revenue than in a pay-per-use/view schemes. But is it necessarily beneficial and fairer for the consumer? Many of us are reluctant to commit and may prefer metered usage for product or service. In my opinion, pay-per-use/view is certainly much fairer and more competitive model than a flat monthly subscription fee.