Beginning with an overview of modern payment systems, this comprehensive guide:

• Discusses the primary modern payment systems, which form the “rails” for significant innovation
• Examines the next generation of payments technologies, which are seeking to deliver greater efficiency, convenience, and utility for businesses and consumers
• Details important regulatory concerns, including money laundering, tax enforcement, and sanctions regimes
• Includes legal and policy insights in the payments environment including the European Union and the U.S.
• Provides current reflections and forward-looking thoughts on issues and concerns presented by technologies that are closely related to electronic payments.

As the Internet continues to expand its scope and impact on our daily lives, how are payment systems likely to adapt to these changes? And while we often extoll the benefits of technology, laws and regulations are also informed by critical examination of related social impacts. How does this movement toward electronic payment systems impact the poor and socially disadvantaged? These topics are boldly addressed as well as other topics.