Issuers’ Pot Problems, Google’s Fashion Faux-Paus Top Week In Trends

Welcome to What’s Trending In Payments – a weekly look at the most popular, irreverent and important stories the payments industry had to offer over the past five days. Which companies grabbed the most headlines – for better or for worse – this week, and which topics have the industry abuzz with intrigue, laughter or disbelief? Featuring breakdowns from the PYMNTS.com staff and commentary by Karen Webster, here’s our take on what all of you payments peeps thought.


Issuers Deal With Colorado Pot Policies

Why It’s Hot With marijuana still illegal under federal law, issuers are finding themselves without a clear legal directive on whether they can process payments for this potentially lucrative new industry as legalization goes live in Colorado. Still, some are easing their rules.

Karen’s Commentary – There’s always bitcoin…

PYMNTS Commentary – We’d take bets on whether this will be settled before or after Durbin, but we’re not confident we’ll remember this bet by then.

Top Tweet – @BillyBambrough – Visa and MasterCard not cool with their cards being used to by legal weed in Colorado

Google Glass Needs Fashion-Friendly Makeover, Study Says

Why It’s Hot Google Glass has been lauded as a iPhone-sized innovation, and as such, major payments players have been rushing to power its payments. But, could fashion-conscious consumers deal it the deathblow?

Karen’s Commentary – Google Glass has coined a new fashion term …”Naught Couture.” I just don’t see it.

PYMNTS Commentary – Hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder…

Top Tweet – @BoingBoing – Google Glass is a borg mullet http://dlvr.it/4gH64c

Amazon Exec Calls In The Navy

Why It’s Hot Amazon’s top exec Jeff Bezos had a recent cruise interrupted by a kidney stone attack. Luckily, Bezos was given a helping hand by the Ecuadorian Navy, which helped him obtain necessary medical attention

Karen’s Commentary – Sort of puts a whole new meaning into his Amazon Air concept, don’t you think?

PYMNTS Commentary – Where are the drones when you need them? Jokes aside, we’re glad Bezos is OK. What would payments be without him?

Top Tweet – @reformed broker – same-day shipping. RT @DanielPink: Ecuador navy airlifted Jeff Bezos for kidney stones