The Green Sheet Online Edition
August 10, 2026 • 26:08:01
Letter from the editor
Conversations about transparency, accountability and merchant trust continue to evolve as new business models emerge, technology reshapes the payments sphere and industry leaders continue examining what responsible sales practices should look like. As our industry grows more complex, the questions become more nuanced, with thoughtful professionals often reaching different conclusions. In Part 2 of our lead Q&A on this topic, payments veterans Dee Karawadra, Allen Kopelman and Justin Volrath share their perspectives on contract transparency, professional standards and the shared responsibility of agents, ISOs, processors and merchants in building a healthier, more trusted payments ecosystem.
The theme of trust continues throughout this issue. Chris Jones explores how the rise of agentic commerce is shifting the industry's trust challenge from verifying buyers to verifying merchants, raising questions about how AI determines which sellers are legitimate. Allan Lacoste examines how software companies are reshaping merchant services, while Ken Musante looks at the economics driving industry consolidation and increasingly integrated payment platforms. Melih Oztalay reminds us that trust begins long before the first sales conversation, as buyers increasingly rely on AI-powered search and third-party sources to evaluate prospective partners. Christopher Hernandez offers practical guidance on building trust throughout the M&A process, Jacob Spencer explains why checkout design has become a strategic business issue, Jessica Walsh explains what Louisiana's new debit surcharge law is—and isn't—likely to change, and Jaki Kackert launches a two-part series examining how payment providers can build stronger portfolios by better serving the HVAC industry.
In our news coverage, Visa introduced a platform to help financial institutions and fintechs manage stablecoin operations, while Mastercard unveiled new tools to simplify development of digital wallets. An Oregon payment processing broker received a three-year prison sentence for helping facilitate more than $14 million in fraudulent bank account debits. A congressional report warned financial fraud victimized hundreds of millions of Americans and urged stronger public-private cooperation. X launched X Money to select U.S. subscribers, expanding into embedded banking and payments. Meanwhile, JD Power reported traditional financial institutions regained ground from fintechs in attracting new customers during the second quarter of 2026.
You'll also find updates on industry milestones, new product and innovator profiles, upcoming events, our Resource Guide and other features designed to inform, inspire and connect the payments community. We welcome your questions, and suggestions at greensheet@greensheet.com and please send press releases to press@greensheet.com. 
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