Douglas Blakey

Edinburgh, Romford

Editor at Retail Banker International

Editor of Retail Banker Intl & Electronic Payments Intl at GlobalData plc fan of dated sitcoms, Rangers FC, pro-European, Unionist, work tweets @retailbanker

Articles

Scaramucci and Kinzinger assess Trump 2.0

2 weeks ago | offshore-technology.com | Douglas Blakey

Former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, is rarely lost for words. But ask him to set out the positives to date of the second Trump presidential term and you get close to a short answer. He manages the grand total of just two such examples of Trump policy wins. “There is going to be crypto-friendly, pro-crypto regulation. I see that as very positive. I think they’ve done a good job on the border.” And that is about it.
Scaramucci and Kinzinger mark president's card

2 weeks ago | privatebankerinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Former White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci, is rarely lost for words. But ask him to set out the positives to date of the second Trump presidential term and you get close to a short answer. He manages the grand total of just two such examples of Trump policy wins. "There is going to be crypto-friendly, pro-crypto regulation. I see that as very positive. I think they've done a good job on the border." And that is about it.
CEE’s AI investment boom: Why global investors are flocking to the region

1 month ago | investmentmonitor.ai | Douglas Blakey

Why is CEE such a desirable location for investments in AI? Why are international investors turning their focus here more and more? Let’s dissect it. Quick development and sturdiness of the CEE AI environmentAI investment in the CEE region has increased rapidly because of a robust ecosystem that endures in the face of challenging global economic conditions. Over €850m was raised by AI startups in 2023, while an additional €593m was raised in the first eight months of 2024.
AI is supercharging cybercrime — here’s how financial institutions can stay ahead

1 month ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

In today’s hyperconnected financial landscape, identity is the new perimeter. And attackers know it. Artificial intelligence is accelerating identity-based cyberattacks, allowing fraudsters to exploit stolen credentials, automate phishing, and bypass traditional defenses faster than ever. For banks and credit unions, this shift marks a critical moment. To protect customer trust and financial assets, security teams must evolve just as quickly – or risk becoming prime targets.
Regulation, openness, and a modern platform needed for legacy banks to embrace cryptos

1 month ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Emirates NBD is tapping into the UAE’s booming crypto scene by integrating a cryptocurrency trading service into its Liv X digital banking app. With crypto app downloads in the UAE increasing by 41% to 15 million in 2024, according to AppsFlyer, the Emirates NBD group is leveraging its established reputation and the country’s favorable regulatory environment to capitalise on surging local interest and demand for cryptocurrency trading.
The future of UK payments: Can Open Banking replace US card networks?

2 months ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

The US government has consistently demonstrated its willingness to leverage economic tools—including financial services—to influence other nations. A prime example of this was in 2014 when Visa and Mastercard were required to withdraw services from Russia as part of international sanctions, ultimately leading to the creation of Russia’s domestic Mir payment system.
Modern payments, outdated systems

2 months ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

The payments industry is undergoing a profound transformation. With the rise of digital assets, real-time payment methods, and evolving regulations, the pace of change has never been faster. Transaction volumes are surging, payment methods are diversifying, and businesses are under pressure to adapt. Despite these advancements, many firms still rely on outdated payment systems and technologies that can’t keep up with the growing demands of the market.
The hidden risks of global payroll - why innovation is a strategic imperative

2 months ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Allow me to begin with something I reminded myself about when appointed to my first market-facing or vendor-side executive role after spending the first 15 years of my career as a human resources (HR) and HR Technology practitioner (US and Europe). That solution vendor position also served as the first of what would become several thought leadership and analyst or adviser platforms I would have the opportunity to operate from.
Inside a fraudster’s playbook - how UK retailers are fighting back

2 months ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Fraudsters have never had it easier. It’s escalating and costing businesses billions annually. Tactics are becoming more sophisticated, and bad actors are armed with AI tools, stolen data and Dark Web networks. A single fraudster can carry out refund fraud, place high-value fake orders, and teach others how to do the same – all in a day’s work. As a result, UK retailers are facing unprecedented fraud losses.
Mastercard’s embedded finance solution highlights the growing focus on Gen Z consumers

2 months ago | electronicpaymentsinternational.com | Douglas Blakey

Mastercard’s newly launched One Credential is a one-stop digital solution aimed at giving users greater control over how they pay, including use of prepaid cards, debit cards, credit cards, and buy now pay later (BNPL). Mastercard is aiming to cater to increasing consumer demand for control, flexibility, and choice—particularly among Generation Z users.