Global Payments Asia-Pacific Limited, a joint venture between The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and U.S.-based Global Payments has introduced its Global HomeCurrencyPay service to merchants in India, following the earlier launch of this dynamic currency conversion service in China, Malaysia and Taiwan. READ MORE »

The GSMA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced an innovative program that "will expand the availability of financial services to millions of people in the developing world through mobile phones. The Mobile Money for the Unbanked (MMU) programme, supported by a US$12.5 million grant from the foundation, will work with mobile operators, banks, microfinance institutions, government and development organizations to encourage the expansion of reliable, affordable mobile financial services to the unbanked." READ MORE »

Barclaycard Payment Acceptance in the UK says that "British shoppers are still willing to splash the cash on their loved ones at Valentine’s. Flowers remain a favourite choice for present giving, with purchases from florists on the 14 February up 168.8 per cent on the week before. Jewellery purchases remain popular, with purchases on Valentine’s Day showing a very strong uplift on the previous week’s sales, an increase of 67 per cent from Saturday 7 February to Saturday 14 February. Meanwhile, spending in restaurants experienced a 20 per cent uplift on the previous week." READ MORE »

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