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IndustryUpdate

ditional economic indicators. While demand for small demand for high-performance payment HSMs, while
business credit remains strong, many firms still struggle hyper-scale cloud security and data sovereignty rules
to secure financing. are accelerating adoption, particularly in Asia-Pacific,
researchers found.
The report argues that growth is shifting toward lenders
that embed services into everyday business systems and PCI SSC issues first report
use AI to lower costs, improve speed, and scale lending on global payment security
more effectively.
The PCI Security Standards Council released its inaugu-
Castles finds EU regulation ral Annual Report, highlighting progress and priorities
reshaping retail checkout in advancing global payment security. The 2025 report
outlines how the PCI SSC and its global community
Castles Technology released a new white paper exam- addressed evolving threats through collaboration, inno-
ining how European Union regulation is changing the vation and education. Key developments include a
retail checkout. Titled POS Compliance in 2026: What shift to a product-led operating model with seven new
Retailers Need to Know, the report explains how compli- product families, major updates to standards and guid-
ance requirements are becoming embedded directly into ance, expanded global representation through a larger
the POS experience. It outlines the impact of regulations Board of Advisors and new India–South Asia Regional
including PCI DSS v4.0, instant payments rules, acces- Engagement Board, and robust training and community
sibility mandates, e-invoicing, product safety and digital engagement worldwide.
identity.
The report also addresses emerging technologies such
The white paper highlights upcoming regulatory mile- as artificial intelligence and looks ahead to the council's
stones, technology implications for Android POS plat- 20th anniversary in 2026.
forms and includes a practical compliance checklist. It
positions compliance as a strategic opportunity to build TCB notes January drop in consumer confidence
trust, improve efficiency and future-proof retail opera- The Conference Board reported a sharp drop in U.S. con-
tions.
sumer confidence in January 2026, with the Consumer
Americans more selective Confidence Index falling 9.7 points to 84.5, its lowest
about tipping, JIM reports level since 2014. Both the Present Situation Index and the
Expectations Index declined significantly, with expec-
JIM.com released its 2025 JIM Generosity Index, analyz- tations sinking well below the level that often signals
ing nearly 90,000 tipping transactions from more than recession risk.
6,200 small merchants nationwide. The report found
that while consumer frustration with tipping is growing, Consumers grew more pessimistic about business
most Americans continue to tip, typically within the 15 conditions, jobs and future income, citing concerns
percent to 20 percent range, but are more selective about about inflation, prices, politics and the labor market.
where gratuity applies. Tipping varies significantly by Confidence fell across all age, income and political
state, with South Carolina ranking highest and Oregon groups. Spending plans weakened overall, reflecting
lowest. greater caution, though dining and some travel-related
services remained areas of relative strength.
The data also shows tipping expanding beyond restau-
rants into higher-ticket services such as automotive, PARTNERSHIPS
beauty and specialized personal services. The findings
highlight tipping’s continued economic importance for
small, service-based businesses. Giftcards.com, PayPal expand
access to digital gift cards
Mordor Intelligence reports on HSM market growth
Blackhawk Network extended digital gift card avail-
According to Mordor Intelligence, the hardware security ability to PayPal users, enabling purchases through
modules (HSM) market is growing rapidly as organiza- the PayPal wallet with a 5 percent cash-back offer via
tions prioritize cryptographic security, data protection Giftcards.com. The collaboration gives consumers a con-
and regulatory compliance. Valued at $1.98 billion in venient way to buy digital gift cards within a familiar
2025, the market is projected to reach $3.51 billion by wallet experience as digital wallet usage continues to
2031, reflecting a CAGR of 10.02 percent. grow. Giftcards.com offers hundreds of digital gift cards
across retail, dining, entertainment, gaming and multi-
Growth is driven by expanding cloud adoption, rising brand categories. BHN said the partnership reinforces its
digital payments, and broader use of encryption across leadership in digital gift cards and supports merchants
industries. Instant payment systems are increasing by meeting consumers where they already shop. The

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