Article Title

Regulating Electronic Money in Small-Value Payment Systems: Telecommunications Law as a Regulatory Model

Authors

Randall W. Sifers, Indiana University School of Law

Document Type

Note

Publication Date

4-1997

Publication Citation

49 Federal Communications Law Journal 701 (1997)

Abstract

A smart card, or stored value card, is a credit card-sized payment mechanism with an embedded integrated circuit chip. Current technology allows value to be placed on the card through an ATM terminal, a telephone equipped with a card reader, or a personal computer equipped with a card reader. The suitability of the card for small-value, high-volume transactions indicates that stored value cards could, to a large extent, replace currency transactions. Existing laws are not tailored to deal with the nature of transactions involving stored value cards, nor do they address nonbank card issuers. The integration of telecommunications and financial services strains traditional regulatory practices in both areas. Regulation of electronic money should be structured to eliminate barriers to competition and allow for innovation while creating a level playing field for both financial and nonfinancial issuers.

Recommended Citation

Sifers, Randall W. (1997) "Regulating Electronic Money in Small-Value Payment Systems: Telecommunications Law as a Regulatory Model," Federal Communications Law Journal: Vol. 49: Iss. 3, Article 7.
Available at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/fclj/vol49/iss3/7