What if Payment Cards Could Be More than Just Functional?  

CompoSecure is revolutionizing the payments and banking industry by embracing a culture of innovation, continually challenging the status quo with groundbreaking ideas like luxury metal payment cards and the Arculus Digital Security Platform. Driven by a “what if?” mentality, the company focuses on blending luxury with functionality to create standout payment card designs, such as Robinhood’s solid gold card and Trade Republic’s mirror card. CompoSecure is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences by fostering agile processes and deep expertise to meet tight deadlines. A key innovation is Arculus Authenticate, a secure and seamless embedded authentication technology that enhances user experience while improving security. With a mindset that encourages bold thinking and creative problem-solving, CompoSecure is redefining what’s possible in an ever-evolving industry and is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.  

For more information, visit composecure.com. 

Case Study: CPI Worked with FNBO to Develop a Co-Branded Card for a Large Customer  

In 2022, FNBO had a major opportunity to develop a co-branded card product with a large customer. That was during a time when the market was experiencing supply challenges affecting card production, and they contacted CPI Card Group to discuss their concerns. Learn more about how FNBO has come to think of the relationship with CPI as a partnership in this quick-read case study.  

For more information, visit cpicardgroup.com. 

Entrust Updates Card Issuance Software, Lands E-Commerce Onboarding Deal  

Entrust has launched two new products, including a collaboration with the European payment platform Lemonway for payment processing. The first product is the Entrust Artista RS4 Instant Issuance System, which replaces the previous Artista CR825. This system allows banks and credit unions to instantly issue personalized financial cards, enabling customers to start using them within minutes through secure, over-the-edge retransfer printing and encoding within a single printer.  

For more information, visit entrust.com. 

Georgia Special Charter Attracts Another Applicant  

Fiserv has applied for Georgia’s special-purpose banking charter, which was approved on a conditional basis in October 2024. The charter, known as the merchant acquirer limited purpose bank charter, allows companies to authorize, settle and clear payment transactions for merchants. Fiserv’s approval grants it the ability to join card networks directly and complete administrative tasks to establish the charter. A spokesperson for Georgia’s Department of Banking and Finance confirmed that another large payment processing company has also applied for the charter, though its identity remains undisclosed. The charter will allow Fiserv to potentially lower prices by bypassing bank partnerships and revenue-sharing agreements.  

For more information, visit fiserv.com. 

The Huge Potential of Card Recycling in Banking  

Increasing numbers of banks are adopting payment cards made from recycled plastics, but a key challenge remains engaging customers in the sustainability journey. A recent Virtual Arena discussion, featuring industry leaders Maya Reisinger from G+D and Joe Pitcher from Mastercard, explored how banks can recycle expired payment cards and involve customers to benefit local communities. They highlight how recycling can reduce plastic waste from billions of cards annually, and discussed the environmental benefits, challenges and need for collaboration to scale solutions. Reisinger explains that card recycling involves repurposing expired cards instead of discarding them, with some banks using it to support ESG goals or engage customers. Pitcher emphasizes Mastercard’s efforts to overcome barriers like cost, security, and expertise while exploring advanced recycling methods. Both leaders underscore the importance of education and innovation in promoting sustainable card recycling.  

For more information, visit gi-de.com or mastercard.com. 

Graph-Tech USA to Sell Trimatt Systems CardLine 7000 in the Americas 

Graph-Tech USA (GTUS) has partnered with Trimatt Systems, an Australian leader in advanced process automation and print solutions, to sell the Trimatt Systems CardLine 7000 in the Americas. The CardLine 7000 is a versatile system for producing personalized SIM cards, gift cards, and other packaged products. This partnership builds on a shared history in the card industry, with Trimatt Systems founder Matt Johnson and GTUS founder Markus Portmann continuing a long-standing collaboration. Together, they aim to revolutionize card personalization and packaging with the integrated CardLine 7000, featuring GTUS’s controller and inkjet printer. The system has already gained success in Australasia, the Middle East, and Europe, and the partnership seeks to expand its reach in the Americas.  

For more information, visit graphtech.us. 

HID to Acquire 3millID and Third Millennium  

HID announced its agreement to acquire 3millID Corporation and Third Millennium Systems Ltd., expanding its physical access control portfolio with new products and reaching complementary geographies. 3millID, based in Colorado, provides proprietary access control readers and technology solutions in North America, while Third Millennium, based in Wales, offers access control solutions and software in the UK and Europe. This acquisition enhances HID’s global presence, particularly outside the U.S., and brings new opportunities to increase customer choice. Both companies will now be part of HID’s Physical Access Control Solutions Business Area, benefiting from HID’s global resources.  

For more information, visit hidglobal.com. 

Idemia Chips Power St. Kitts and Nevis’s New ID Cards  

The two-island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea will launch a new electronic identification (eID) system by the end of 2025, featuring technology from Idemia. The system will enable residents to identify themselves digitally and physically with an ID card through the Digital Identity Authentication System. The cards will include Idemia’s security chip and enhanced encryption features, such as dot pattern printing, as confirmed by Public Infrastructure Minister Konris Maynard.  

For more information, visit idemia.com. 

New Visa Certification, Japanese Distributor for Biometric Payment Cards  

The SECORA Pay Bio payment card solution, developed by Fingerprint Cards and Infineon, has been certified by Visa and Mastercard. The solution features an FPC1323 fingerprint sensor and was first introduced by Infineon last August. Infineon has placed a volume order for biometric sensors to be delivered this year. Fingerprint Cards CEO Adam Philpott emphasized that the solution enhances security while offering a seamless user experience and praised Infineon’s commitment to the biometric payment card sector. 

For more information, visit infineon.com or mastercard.com. 

Mastercard Rolls Out Numberless Debit Cards   

As part of Mastercard’s initiative to remove 16-digit numbers from debit and credit cards by 2030, AMP Bank in Australia is launching the first numberless debit cards for small businesses. These cards will replace traditional card numbers with a mix of tokenization and biometric authentication, enhancing security and reducing fraud. While customers will still have physical cards, actual card details will be replaced by tokens generated via the banking app. AMP customers are encouraged to use biometric features like Face ID and fingerprint ID, along with a video selfie during sign-up, to further prevent identity theft. Other Australian banks are expected to follow suit in the next year.  

For more information, visit mastercard.com. 

Monadnock Paper Mills Introduces Renovo  

Monadnock Paper Mills Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States and a leader in sustainable fiber-based solutions, introduces Renovo—a high-performance alternative to plastic gift cards. Renovo, Monadnock’s 30 pt. Envi Paper Card, is made from 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) and engineered to deliver the same durability, print quality and functionality as traditional gift cards, but with a significantly lower environmental impact.  

For more information, visit mpm.com. 

Thales to Supply Polycarbonate ID Cards for Arizona Department of Public Safety  

Thales has partnered with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to provide over 300,000 polycarbonate ID cards and driver’s licenses annually, with a potential extension through 2029. The switch to 100% polycarbonate cards enhances security and durability. These cards will be used for various special licenses and identity cards, including Concealed Weapons Permits, Certificate of Firearms Proficiency, Fingerprint Clearance Cards and Security Guard/Private Investigator IDs.  

For more information, visit thales.com.