Connecting the dots in e-commerce payments: An interview with Ralf Ohlhausen

Abstract

In Europe and other mature markets, things such as bank-transfer payment methods, e-wallets, prepaid cards and mobile wallets are considered alternative payment methods. These also exist in developing markets but are the preserve of a minority of very high-net-worth consumers. More commonly in developing markets, alternative payment methods comprise such things as cash-payment schemes — which allow a user to shop online but pay at a participating store — and pre-paid mobile money apps. PPRO is a wholesaler of payment methods. It aggregates local payment methods and integrates them into its application programming interface (API). Payment service providers, card acquirers and marketplaces work with PPRO, integrating the API with their systems, so that they can provide their merchants with access to a whole range of local alternative payment methods. The European payments landscape is also under the continuous scrutiny of various actors, including regulators. In this interview, Ralf Ohlhausen discusses the specifics of the e-commerce payments industry and how recent developments are affecting the payment space.