H. Michael Jalili writes for the American Banker about Blackhawk Marketing Services Inc., a unit of Safeway that distributes prepaid cards.

University of Texas law professor Ronald Mann has announced publication of a new book on the global credit card industry titled Charging Ahead: The Growth and Regulation of Payment Card Markets Around the World, published by Cambridge University Press.

UK-based mobile entertainment and solutions provider Mowave has launched a new mobile service with PayPal that will allow readers of Maxim and Stuff magazines to purchase a range of products, such as subscriptions and electronics, simply by sending a text message from their mobile phone. The service, which utilizes PayPal’s new “Text to Buy” platform, marks the first time that UK publications have implemented a mobile payment system to process subscriptions or purchases of goods.

EMC has announced it has completed the acquisition of RSA Security. EMC also announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Network Intelligence, a privately-held company in the security information and event management market. EMC says "the acquisition of RSA and Network Intelligence joins market leaders which together will create the new information security division of EMC."

Western Union has announced that it is beginning to make presentations to the equity investment community in preparation for its planned September 29, 2006 spin-off from First Data Corp. The meetings are being led by Christina Gold, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Union, David Barnes, Executive Vice President of Finance and Strategic Development, and Scott Scheirman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The company's road show presentation is available at www.westernunion.com (PPT).

Chase Bank USA has announced the Chase Freedom card, calling it "the first and only credit card that gives consumers ultimate control over their rewards options, setting the standard for next-generation rewards programs." Chase Freedom is offered as a MasterCard or Visa and comes 'blink-enabled' for contactless payments.

• PayPartners(TM) Puts Convenience into Paycards
• First Data's TeleCheck Electronic Check Acceptance(R) Rolled Out in Office Depot Stores Nationwide

We have received news of the following recent management changes:

• Donaldson M. Ross has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at Bankrate, Inc. Michael Ricciardelli has been named Vice President, Marketing, at Bankrate.
• Rod Katzfey has been named Senior Vice President & General Manager of Comdata Processing Systems.