Revitalising card issuing: agility and innovation are no longer optional

Why this shift is happening

1.    Regulation and transparency: PSD2/Open Banking and consumer protections require compliance, openness, and a customer-centric approach.

2.    Real-time, personalised expectations: Consumers want instant, secure experiences across channels, including instant issuance and integrated mobile payments.

3.    New payment ecosystems: Digital currencies, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and embedded finance are changing how payments fit into financial services.

4.    Legacy systems hindering progress: Modernisation is increasingly essential because aging, patchwork platforms increase costs and slow down agility.

The path forward

1.    Modernise core platforms: Adopt flexible, scalable architectures for rapid design, testing, and deployment of new card programmes.

2.    Digital-first experiences: Deliver instant issuance, real-time data, secure controls, and seamless cross-channel interactions.

3.    Culture of innovation: Embed continuous improvement and customer-centric thinking into the operating model.

4.    Regulation and sustainability alignment: Build governance that supports compliant, responsible adoption of new payment models.

5.    Reduce change costs: Replatform where needed to unlock speed and cost savings for product innovation.

Those who act now – modernising platforms, investing in digital experiences, and embracing an innovation-driven mindset – will shape the future of payments and lead market transformation.

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