Payment security is the defining element in dealings with customers; traditionally, it is the cornerstone of the fiduciary relationship between savers and financial intermediaries. It must also be guaranteed in the new “virtual” realities; the dangers inherent in the new technologies require harmonized technical and legislative measures that the European standards can provide.
As the market continues to suffer from the financial crisis, the growth potential of the payment card sector remains enormous in countries such as Italy, where cash transactions are still predominant. Economic conditions Developments in the retail payment services market have been affected by the financial crisis and unfavourable cyclical conditions.