Abstract
The authoritative source of reliable, detailed, country-by-country
quantitative and qualitative information on card issuing, merchant acquiring
and card processing in western Europe.
This report covers the card markets in 17 countries with detail down to the
level of the individual card issuer. Statistical data include card numbers,
transaction volumes and values by type of card and issuer, merchant outlets
and numbers of point of sale terminals. Commentaries enable the reader to
understand the dynamics of each national market and the key domestic issues.
The report comprises 950 pages and over 650 tables and charts answering key
questions such as:
- Who are the leading players and what are their market shares?
- How successful have different card types been and why?
- How strong is each of the international card schemes?
- How is the market growing?
- What usage levels do cards achieve?
- What is the split between consumer and commercial cards?
- How much does it cost to hold different types of card?
- To what extent do credit card balances revolve?
- Who carries out merchant acquiring?
- How many POS terminals have been installed?
- How is transaction processing organised?
- What is the current status of EMV implementation?
- How is the industry preparing for SEPA?
The basis for practical decision making
The report is an invaluable tool and data resource for planning new products,
improving existing services, developing market strategies, and deciding
whether or how to enter new markets.
Card issuers and co-branding partners gain a detailed and objective
analysis of their own and foreign markets, enabling them to refine product and
market planning. Best practice in other countries can be monitored and cross-
border opportunities can be developed.
International card organisations find a comprehensive analysis of the
western European market on a comparable, country-by-country basis, analysed by
card type.
Merchant acquirers and processors benefit from the analysis of the
acquiring sector, key players, terminals, outlets and pricing.
Suppliers to the card industry obtain the detail and dynamics of each
market and the important differences between them. They will be able to
identify the leading issuers, acquirers and processors.
Methodology
In-depth research was conducted between May and October 2009 by direct contact
with card issuers, acquirers and network organisations across Europe. This
primary research comprised a detailed survey backed up by a programme of
executive interviews and desk research.
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