Glossary

Information and explanations for some of the terms used in the world of
fintech, payments, and security.

Glossary

Information and explanations for some of the terms used in the world of fintech, payments and security.

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Z

A


Agentic AI

Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems designed to act with purpose, autonomy, and contextual awareness — capable of setting, adapting, and pursuing goals through interaction with their environment or users, rather than only executing predefined instructions. These systems can make informed decisions, coordinate actions, and self-correct to achieve desired outcomes within ethical and operational boundaries.

Account-to-Account Payments / A2A Payments

Direct bank transfers where money moves from one bank account to another without using card networks or intermediaries. A2A payments are commonly used for fast, secure, and lower-cost transactions in e-commerce, bill payments, payroll, and peer-to-peer transfers.

ACH (Automated Clearing House)

An electronic network used for processing and transferring funds between banks and financial institutions. It facilitates the direct transfer of money between accounts, typically used for transactions such as payroll deposits, bill payments, and other types of electronic transfers

Acquirer

An acquirer, also known as an acquiring bank or merchant bank, is a financial institution that maintains the merchant’s bank account and enables merchants to accept card payments from customers. Acquirers facilitate transactions by providing merchants with the necessary equipment and software to process payments.

Acquirer

The financial institution that processes card payments on behalf of a merchant.

Agent

In the context of technology, an agent can refer to a program or system that acts on behalf of a user, performing tasks or providing assistance.

Agent Assisted Payments

Agent Assisted Payments refer to transactions where a customer interacts with a customer service representative or agent to initiate and complete a payment.

Agent-Digital

A term describing a digital or virtual agent, typically a computer program or AI system, that performs tasks or provides assistance in a digital environment.

AI Call Center

A customer service operation that uses artificial intelligence to automate, assist, and optimize customer interactions across voice and digital channels.

AI chatbot

An intelligent software system designed to simulate human conversation through text-based interactions. It uses artificial intelligence to understand user input, interpret intent, and generate relevant, natural responses — enabling automated, real-time communication that feels personal and conversational rather than scripted.

AI in ASR

The integration of Artificial Intelligence in Automatic Speech Recognition, enhancing the ability to process and understand spoken language.

AI Voice Agents

Advanced, voice-activated systems powered by artificial intelligence that enable seamless, spoken interactions with users.

AISPs

AISPs provide account information services. This means they can access and collect data across bank accounts (with authorization), but they cannot initiate payments from those accounts

Alexa payment

Refers to payment transactions facilitated through Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, often using voice commands or other interactions.

Amazon Alexa

Amazon Alexa is a virtual assistant developed by Amazon, designed to interact with users through voice commands and natural language processing

Amex

A branded payment card issued by American Express that enables purchases on credit, often paired with premium benefits, rewards, and direct issuer servicing.

AoC (Attestation of Compliance)

Refers to Attestation of Compliance. It is a document provided by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or by an internal security assessor (ISA) after an organization has completed a PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) self-assessment or a full PCI DSS assessment.

API

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and interact with each other.

App (Application)

A software program designed to perform specific tasks or provide specific functions on a computer or mobile device.

Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV)

An organization authorized by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to conduct external vulnerability scanning services for PCI DSS compliance validation

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans

Authenticated Mandate

In Open Banking, customer details can be provided and populated automatically when creating a Direct Debit e-mandate. It uses the bank details provided when the customer logs into their banking app to setup the payment. Because it is automatic, it reduces the risk of manual error and reduces fraud as the banking app login provides double authentication.

Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system, often used for secure access and transactions, typically through the use of usernames, passwords, biometrics, or other security measures.

Automation

The use of technology to perform tasks and processes without human intervention, often to improve efficiency and accuracy.

AWS (Amazon Web Services)

A bespoke cloud computing platform providing scalable infrastructure and services to build, host, and manage applications and systems.

AWS IVR Payments

AWS IVR Payments refer to a payment processing solution that uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure to support Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.

B

BACS

BACS stands for Bankers’ Automated Clearing Services

Bank Card Numbers

The unique numeric sequences on payment cards that identify the cardholder’s account and enable transaction processing.

Blockchain

Distributed ledger technology ensuring secure and transparent transaction records.

C

Call Center

A call center is a centralized system that manages inbound and outbound customer communications across phone and digital channels.

Call Routing

The process of directing incoming calls to the appropriate destination or recipient.

Cardholder

A cardholder is an individual or entity that possesses and is authorized to use a payment card, such as a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card.

Cardholder Data (CHD)

Refers to any information related to an individual who owns a payment card. This typically includes the cardholder’s name, primary account number (PAN), expiration date, and any other data relevant to processing a payment or verifying the identity of the cardholder. Protecting cardholder data is crucial to prevent fraud and maintain trust in electronic payment systems.

Cardholder Data Environment / CDE

The part of an organization’s systems, networks, applications, and processes that store, process, or transmit cardholder data. The CDE includes all connected components that could impact the security of payment card information and therefore fall within PCI DSS compliance scope.

Cashless

Cashless refers to a system or method of payment that does not involve the use of physical money, such as coins or banknotes.

CCaaS

Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) is a cloud-based platform that lets businesses handle customer support without running their own call center systems. It provides

Chargeback

A chargeback is a reversal of a credit card transaction, initiated by the cardholder’s bank or credit card company, typically due to a dispute or fraud.

Chargeback Prevention

Chargeback prevention refers to strategies and practices used by merchants, businesses, and payment processors to reduce the likelihood of chargebacks.

Charity Payment Solutions

Bespoke systems designed to securely process donations across multiple channels, tailored to the needs of charitable organizations and their donors.

Click to Pay

Click to Pay is a streamlined online payment method that allows users to complete transactions with a single click by using pre-stored payment and shipping information.

Cloud-based call center solutions

Bespoke customer service platforms hosted in the cloud, providing scalable, flexible, and remotely accessible tools for managing calls, messages, and agent workflows.

CNP (Card not present)

CNP (Card Not Present) refers to transactions where the cardholder’s physical credit card is not required at the point of sale.

Compensating Controls

Alternative security measures implemented when a specific compliance requirement cannot be met exactly as defined, but equivalent protection is still achieved. In PCI DSS, compensating controls must provide a comparable level of security, address the same risk, and be properly documented and validated.

Compliance

Generally refers to adhering to rules, regulations, or standards set by an authoritative body or organization.

Computer Speech Recognition

Computer Speech Recognition, also known as Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), is a technology that enables computers and software systems to understand and interpret human speech

Contact Center

A centralized hub where customer interactions across various communication channels (e.g., phone calls, emails, live chat, social media) are managed and handled by customer service representatives or agents. Contact centrers are integral to customer support, sales, and service delivery operations of organizations.

Contact Center Channels

Distinct communication pathways—such as voice calls, email, chat, social media, or messaging apps—through which customers interact with a service team, each shaping how support is delivered and experienced.

Contactless payment

Contactless payment refers to a method of transaction that allows users to pay for goods or services without having to physically touch or insert a payment card or device into a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

Conversational AI

Conversational AI is a form of artificial intelligence that enables natural, context-aware communication between humans and machines through spoken or written language. It combines language understanding, dialogue management, and adaptive learning to create interactions that feel intuitive, responsive, and human-like — allowing technology to engage in meaningful two-way conversations rather than scripted exchanges.

Conversational IVR

A bespoke voice interaction system that uses natural language to understand and respond to callers, enabling more human-like, flexible conversations.

Cortana

Cortana is a virtual assistant developed by Microsoft, similar to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It is integrated into Microsoft Windows operating systems and available as an app on mobile devices.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of someone’s credit card information to make purchases or obtain funds, typically through theft, phishing, or hacking.

CRN (Call Reference Number)

A unique identifier assigned to a customer interaction or support call to track, retrieve, and manage the case efficiently.

Cross-Border Payments

Cross-border payments refer to financial transactions that involve the transfer of funds between parties located in different countries.

Crypto payments

Crypto payments are transactions where digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies, are used as a method of payment.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of money that uses cryptography for security

Cryptocurrency Wallet

A cryptocurrency wallet is a digital tool that allows users to securely store, manage, and interact with their cryptocurrency holdings.

Customer Engagement Management

Customer Engagement Management is the practice of actively building and maintaining meaningful interactions between a business and its customers throughout their entire relationship. It involves

Customer Identification Program (CIP)

A Customer Identification Program (CIP) is a set of procedures and processes established by financial institutions and other regulated entities to verify the identity of their customers.

CVC (Card Verification Code)

A bespoke security feature on payment cards used to verify transactions and reduce fraud during card-not-present payments.

cVRP – Commercial Variable Recurring Payments

A business-focused form of Variable Recurring Payments that allow customers to authorize companies to take multiple account-to-account payments of varying amounts within agreed limits. Built on open banking, cVRPs are designed for commercial use cases like subscriptions, utilities, and ongoing service billing, offering more flexibility and control than traditional direct debits.

D

DALL-E

DALL-E is an AI model developed by OpenAI that generates images from text descriptions.

Data breach

A data breach is an incident where unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential or sensitive information, often leading to the exposure, theft, or misuse of that data.

Debt collection

Debt collection refers to the process of pursuing payments owed by individuals or businesses to creditors.

Decoded

The process of converting encoded information into its original and understandable format.

Descoping

The deliberate exclusion of certain systems, processes, or data from the scope of compliance or security assessments to reduce risk, complexity, or regulatory burden.

Digital Currency

Virtual currency existing only in electronic form, not physically tangible

Digital Wallet

Electronic version of a physical wallet, storing payment information for online and mobile transactions.

Direct Debit

A financial arrangement that allows a business or organization to automatically withdraw funds from a customer’s bank account to cover recurring payments. This method is commonly used for paying bills, subscriptions, or loans. It simplifies the payment process for both the payer and the payee by automating the transfer of funds on a regular schedule.

DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency)

Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) is a signalling method used in telecommunication systems to transmit data by generating a combination of two distinct audio frequencies.

E

E-commerce

The buying and selling of goods and services conducted over the internet, involving online transactions.

E-Mandate

An e-mandate is a digital authorization that allows a payee to collect payments from a payer’s bank account via direct debit.

E-wallet

Electronic wallet for storing digital currency or payment information.

ECOM

Abbreviation for Electronic Commerce, encompassing online buying and selling of goods and services.

Electronic funds

Electronic funds refer to money that is transferred or stored digitally rather than physically. Instead of using cash, checks, or paper-based methods, electronic funds rely on computer networks to move money between accounts. This system enables fast, secure, and automated financial transactions between individuals, businesses, and institutions.

EMV

Global standard for credit card processing with embedded microprocessor chips.

Encryption

Process of converting sensitive data into a coded format for secure transmission and storage.

EPOS

System facilitating electronic transactions at retail locations.

ERP Systems

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) – integrated software systems designed to manage and streamline core business processes across departments.

F

F2F

Refers to in-person interactions where both parties are physically present, commonly used to describe card-present transactions or direct customer service encounters.

Faster Payments

Faster Payments is a service used by businesses to make and receive payments in real-time.

Financial Conduct

The regulation and oversight of institutions and individuals to ensure ethical, compliant financial practices.

Fintech

Financial technology, encompassing innovative solutions and technologies in the financial sector.

Fraud

Deceptive practices intended for financial gain, posing risks to individuals, businesses, or systems

Fraud Prevention

Techniques and measures implemented to detect and prevent fraudulent activities in payment transactions

G

Gatekeeper

Security feature preventing unauthorized access to sensitive payment information.

Gateway

Software or hardware connecting online merchants to payment processors for transaction authorization.

GDPR

European Union regulations ensuring the protection and privacy of personal data.

H

Housing association

A housing association is a non-profit organization that provides and manages affordable housing for individuals and families.

I

Integration

The process of combining different systems or software to work together seamlessly, enhancing efficiency and functionality.

ISO

An international body establishing and publishing standards to ensure product quality, safety, and efficiency.

ISO 27001

An international standard for managing information security. It provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS) to protect sensitive data and minimize security risks. Organizations certified under ISO 27001 demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding information through systematic risk management and security controls.

IVR

A technology allowing automated interactions with callers through voice and keypad inputs, commonly used in customer service systems.

IVR Authentication

The process of verifying a caller’s identity through an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system using methods such as PINs, passwords, one-time codes, account details, or biometric voice recognition before granting access to services or sensitive information.

IVR Call Center Solutions

Bespoke automated systems that manage customer interactions through voice menus and routing, tailored to a business’s specific processes and needs.

IVR in Call Center

A bespoke automated phone system that interacts with callers and routes them based on their inputs.

IVR Payment

A payment method conducted through Interactive Voice Response systems, enabling secure transactions via phone interactions.

IVR Payment Solutions

Automated phone-based systems that allow customers to make payments via touch-tone or voice commands.

K

KYB

A process used to verify the identity and legitimacy of a business entity, similar to KYC (Know Your Customer) but focused on companies rather than individuals. It involves checking business details such as registration, ownership, and financial status to prevent fraud and ensure regulatory compliance

KYC

Verification process ensuring the identity of customers before providing services.

M

Masking

Hiding sensitive data such as payment and personal information is best practice.

Merchant Account

A specialized bank account that enables businesses to accept payments, including credit card transactions.

Merchant Services

Financial and technology services that help businesses accept and process customer payments. This includes credit/debit card processing, online payments, point-of-sale (POS) systems, payment gateways, and fraud protection.

Multi Channel Payment

Payment that span various channels, including online, mobile, and over-the-phone transactions.

N

Nacha

Nacha stands for the National Automated Clearing House Association. It is a nonprofit association that governs the ACH network, which enables the electronic transfer of funds between bank accounts in the United States.

Natural Language Processing ( NLP)

A field of artificial intelligence focused on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language in a meaningful way. It bridges the gap between human communication and machine comprehension by analysing linguistic patterns, context, and intent — allowing technology to process text or speech as people naturally express it.

NFC (Near-Field Communication)

Near-Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables devices to exchange data over very short distances, typically up to 10 centimetres (4 inches).

O

Omnichannel

A business approach providing a seamless and integrated customer experience across various channels, including online and offline.

Open Banking

Open Banking is a financial framework where banks and other financial institutions allow secure, controlled access to customers’ financial data by authorized third-party providers, with the customer’s explicit permission. It’s designed to give people more control over their financial information, enabling better, faster, and more personalized financial services—such as budgeting tools, loan options, and payment solutions.

Outbound payments

Financial transactions initiated by a payer to transfer funds to another party.

Over the phone payment

A payment method where transactions are conducted by providing payment details verbally over the phone.

P

P2P Payment

A bespoke digital transaction method that enables individuals to send and receive money directly, tailored for fast and convenient person-to-person transfers.

Pause and resume

A feature allowing users to temporarily halt and later continue processes or transactions.

Pay by Bank

A payment method allowing users to make transactions directly from their bank accounts, enhancing security and convenience.

Pay by Link

A payment method where users receive a clickable link to complete transactions, simplifying the payment process.

Payment Facilitator

Entity simplifying the onboarding process for merchants to accept electronic payments.

Payment gateway

A service that facilitates the secure transfer of payment data between a merchant and a payment processor.

Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs)

A type of financial service provider that can initiate a payment on behalf of a user directly from their bank account—without the user needing to go through the bank’s own interface

Payment Orchestration

A bespoke system that intelligently manages and routes payments across multiple providers to optimize success rates, cost, and performance.

Payment Platform

A bespoke system that enables, manages, and processes transactions across multiple payment methods, tailored to a business’s operational and customer needs.

Payment Processing

The entire cycle of handling and facilitating the movement of funds between a payer and a payee.

Payment Processor

A Payment Processor is a company or service that handles the transactions between a merchant and a customer’s bank during the purchase process.

Payment Reference

A unique identifier attached to a transaction to track, match, and reconcile a specific payment between parties.

PCI

PCI simply stands for payment card industry. This financial industry segment includes all the various organisations responsible for storing, processing, and transmitting cardholder data. This includes both debit cards and credit cards.
PCI is frequently used in conjunction with a secondary acronym, DSS. Together, they stand for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, a set of recommended practices ensuring cardholder information is handled securely. PCI DSS regulations cover how businesses should transmit and store this sensitive data with a set of guidelines for payment processors to follow. The standards also apply to any developers or manufacturers creating new payment processing devices.

PCI DSS

Security standards ensuring the safe handling of credit card information to prevent fraud.

PCI DSS 12 Requirements

The core security controls defined by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard to protect cardholder data and secure payment environments. They cover areas such as network security, access control, encryption, vulnerability management, monitoring, testing, and information security policies that organizations must implement to maintain PCI compliance.

PCI DSS 4.0

The latest version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard defining security requirements for handling cardholder data.

PCI DSS Report on Compliance (RoC)

A formal assessment document that confirms an organization meets the security requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Prepared by a qualified assessor, the RoC details how cardholder data is protected across systems, processes, and networks to support secure payment operations and regulatory compliance.

PCI SAQ

A tool that allows merchants and service providers to evaluate their compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

POS (Point of Sale)

Physical location where a transaction occurs, often referring to retail checkout counters.

Prepaid Card

Payment card with a predetermined value, often used as a gift or budgeting tool.

Q

QR Code Payments

Transaction method using Quick Response codes for efficient and secure information exchange.

R

Reconciliation

Matching and balancing financial transactions to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Recurring Payments

A payment model where customers are charged at regular intervals, often used for subscription-based services.

Remittance

Transfer of money by a person working in a foreign country to their home country.

Residual Payment

Ongoing payments received by a merchant for continued use or subscription to a service.

Risk Management

Strategies and practices to identify and mitigate potential financial risks.

Routing Number

Nine-digit code identifying financial institutions in the United States.

S

SAD

Confidential card information—like full magnetic stripe data, CVV/CVV2, or PINs—used to authenticate transactions and must be securely protected.

Service pages

Dedicated web pages or digital interfaces that provide detailed information, instructions, and resources about a specific product, service, or customer support offering.

Session Initiation Protocol / SIP

A communications protocol used to establish, manage, and terminate real-time voice, video, and messaging sessions over IP networks. SIP is commonly used in VoIP and unified communications systems to enable internet-based calling and multimedia communication.

Settlement

Finalization of a financial transaction, often involving the transfer of funds between parties.

Smart Card

Card embedded with a microprocessor chip, enabling additional functionalities beyond traditional cards.

SMS Payment

A payment method conducted through Short Message Service (SMS), allowing users to make transactions via text messages.

STT ( Speech to Text)

Also known as voice recognition or automatic speech recognition (ASR), is a technology that converts spoken language into written text.

SUN

A Service User Number (SUN) is a unique identifier assigned to a service user in payment systems, particularly in the context of direct debit transactions

Suppression

The process of excluding specific information or contacts from a database or communication list.

SWIFT

SWIFT generally refers to the “Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication,” a system that enables secure and standardized communication between financial institutions, primarily for international money transfers.

T

Tap to Pay

Contactless payment method where users tap their cards or devices on a reader for transactions.

Token Vault

A secure storage system where tokenized payment information is stored for future use.

Tokenization

The process of substituting sensitive data with a unique identifier (token) to enhance security in transactions.

Transcription

The conversion of spoken or written words into text, often used in various applications, including medical and legal fields.

U

Underwriting

Evaluation of risk and eligibility for providing financial services, often in credit card processing.

V

Virtual Card

Digital representation of a physical payment card used for online transactions.

Virtual Terminal

Online interface allowing merchants to manually enter and process card transactions, typically used for mail or phone orders.

Voice Payment Solutions

Bespoke secure systems that enable customers to complete payments through voice interactions during a call.

VRN

Most commonly refers to a Vehicle Registration Number (the alphanumeric code on a vehicle’s license plate)

VRP – Variable Recurring Payments

A type of account-to-account payment that allows customers to authorize ongoing payments with flexible amounts and timing within agreed limits. Enabled through open banking, VRPs provide a secure alternative to direct debits for subscriptions, utility bills, and other recurring payment use cases.

W

Web payment

Financial transactions conducted through online platforms or websites, providing a convenient and secure payment method.

WhatsApp payment

A payment feature integrated into the WhatsApp messaging platform, allowing users to send and receive money within the app

Wire Transfer

Electronic transfer of funds between banks, often used for large transactions.

Z

Zoom Contact Center

A cloud Contact Center that combines voice, video, chat, SMS, email and social media on one connected platform.

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Sophie Chan

Head of Revenue & Relationships