Visa and HSBC have announced that the two companies have expanded their global relationship to include new debit card programs in a number of countries throughout Asia Pacific and the Middle East. READ MORE »

Visa Inc. this afternoon announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full-year 2008.

Using statistical data from June 30, 2008 (not from September 30, 2008), Visa reported its payments volume grew 15% over the prior year to $699 billion while total volume, inclusive of cash volume was $1.1 trillion, an increase of 19% over the prior year. Cards carrying the Visa brands rose over 12% worldwide over the prior year to 1.6 billion. Total payment transactions increased 14% over the prior year to 11.5 billion. Total VisaNet processed transactions (for the year ending Sept. 30, 2008) were 9.6 billion, an 11% increase over the prior year.

A webcast and accompanying presentation and performance data is available online on the Visa web site. READ MORE »

ViVOtech has announced that Don Kingsborough, CEO and found of Blackhawk Network, has been named to its Board of Directors. READ MORE »

PULSE has announced the launch of a new website, DebitFacts.org, that is says offers "consumers timely and practical information about debit's role as a convenient payment method and a valuable financial planning tool. The site addresses myths and misconceptions surrounding debit cards by offering fact-based information consumers need to know when using debit, as well as advice on making debit part of their personal money management strategy." READ MORE »

Google Checkout has introduced a new shopping cart feature for sellers - saying that: "With the Google Checkout shopping cart, your buyers can add multiple items to their shopping cart, change item quantities, and remove items -- all without leaving your site. When buyers are ready to check out, they can complete their purchases with Google Checkout." Details here.

• NFCNews: Mobile Payments in Retail
• Wells Fargo Releases New Online Automatic Budgeting Tool
• Innova Card and Wavecom Launch an Optimized Security and Communication Architecture for EPOS Terminals
• HP and SAS Debut Real-time Customer Intelligence for Financial Services Institutions
• American Banker to Honor Janie Barrera and Accion Texas With 2008 Innovator Award
• Investor's Business Daily: Credit Card Losses Sting Banks; Borrowers Face Tougher Terms
• WalesOnline: Consumers move to debit cards to stay clear of debt
• Mobile Money Transfer and NFC to Account for 50% of the M-Payments market by 2013 According to Juniper Research
• Consumers Show Increased Concern about Identity Theft