ICMA and TRUSTECH: A Strategic Partnership for Industry Insight
From agentic AI and digital identity to quantum security and payment resilience, many of the forces reshaping the global card ecosystem will be on the agenda in Paris…
AI Takes Quality Control to the Next Level in Dual-Interface Card Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly moving from an emerging technology to a practical tool for card manufacturers. That shift was reflected in recent conversations at ICMA EXPO, where…
Élan Awards Spotlight Innovation in Gift, Loyalty and Promotional Cards
Gift, loyalty and promotional cards represent one of the most dynamic segments of the global card ecosystem. As brands continue to invest in customer engagement and premium experiences,…
Global Excellence in Card Design: ICMA Announces Best Overall Card by Region Winners
The ICMA Élan Awards of Excellence continue to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and technical innovation that define the global card manufacturing industry. For the second year in Élan Awards history,…
Securing Gift Card Activation for the Era of Organized Fraud
Gift card fraud has evolved far beyond opportunistic tampering. Today, organized fraud schemes are exploiting structural weaknesses in how many gift cards are activated at the point of…
Navigating the Sustainability Maze: A More Informed Approach to Card Body Materials
Sustainability is one of the most important conversations shaping the future of card manufacturing. But as more material options enter the market, from recycled polymers to biobased alternatives and compostable substrates,…
Hengbao Wins ICMA People’s Choice Award for Zheshang Bank ‘Zhefu’ Card
ICMA’s Élan Awards of Excellence celebrate the innovation, craftsmanship and technical excellence shaping the global card manufacturing and personalization industry. Each year, ICMA members from around the world submit entries into a variety of categories, with most…
Metal for All: How Personalization Is Expanding the Metal Card Market
Metal cards have long been associated with premium banking products, exclusive customer segments and high-status payment experiences. But at the 2026 ICMA EXPO, ICMA member Daniel Calio, NORAM Sales at IDEMIA Secure Transactions,…
Securing Physical Credentials in a Deepfake-Driven World
As identity threats become more sophisticated, physical credentials are being challenged to do more than simply prove possession. Today’s cards, IDs and access credentials must operate in an environment shaped by generative…
Why Flat Cards Are Becoming the New Standard for Modern Issuers
The shift from embossed to flat cards is no longer just a design trend. Across the global card industry, flat cards are becoming a strategic choice for issuers…