PAYMENTS
“ No single organisation can do this alone, it takes a coordinated effort from banks, fintechs, payment providers and policymakers,” Mark continues.“ Each of those needs a model that incentivises investment.”
Traditional card networks generate revenue through interchange fees charged to merchants. A2A payments, being direct transfers, present fewer obvious revenue opportunities, creating a challenge for sustainable business models.
Visa’ s approach involves collaboration with leading financial institutions, combining operational efficiency with the company’ s established consumer protections and dispute mechanisms.
“ We’ ve developed Visa A2A to address each of these priorities,” Mark explains. This strategy aims to provide A2A payments with protection levels similar to those associated with traditional card payments. Such parity could significantly accelerate consumer adoption by reducing perceived risk and increasing confidence in the technology.
“ With Direct Debit, you don’ t know how much is coming out or when”
MARK WILCOCKS, VP, PRODUCT AND SOLUTIONS, VISA UK & IRELAND
Balancing standards and innovation As A2A networks mature, the industry faces the delicate challenge of balancing standardisation with continued innovation. Current fragmentation limits the technology’ s potential impact and scalability, yet excessive standardisation could stifle the creativity that drives progress.
Mark believes that standardisation is crucial, particularly around user experience and technology standards.
“ Unified API standards and consistent mandate workflow help lower costs, simplify
46 August 2025