NEW RESEARCH REPORT BY MERCATOR ADVISORY GROUP

Credit Card Issuer Processing: State of the Industry

This report from Mercator Advisory Group, "Credit Card Issuer Processing: State of the Industry" is a review and discussion of the current state of the credit card processing service bureau industry in the United States. In this study, the major account management service providers to the credit card issuing industry are reviewed, including both traditional service bureaus and agent bank service bureaus. The history of the major players is examined, as are emerging solution providers.

The research indicates that a prolonged period of software development and acquisition is over, signaling a new era of product innovation based on customer-centric products and services. Professional services in the form of strategic product consulting is being used to create increased value from the issuer/processor relationship, as service providers strive to become their clients trusted advisor and confidant in all aspects of portfolio management.

Patricia Hewitt, author of the report, states: "As the largest issuers only get larger, what will the impact be on the next tier issuers? The competition for a larger share of the mid-sized issuer segment will only become fiercer and in turn, these lenders will require more highly competitive products than ever before. In addition, the revenue model changes being forced on the industry by regulators will result in issuers looking for an increased ability to reduce risk, improve profitability, and derive more value out of their existing account base."

One of the 14 Figures included in this report

This report contains 40 pages and has 13 exhibits.

Other recent reports from the Mercator Credit Advisory Service:

				Small Business Credit Card 2008 Update: Issuers and Customers Seek Order amid Chaos

Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to this report as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits.

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