Build a foundational understanding of the payments ecosystem and gain insight into the innovations driving change in the global payments industry.
This course follows our new blended learning model, which includes a mix of self-study and live instructor-led sessions. Learn more about blended learning.
The course begins with two weeks of self-paced learning. Start by tracing the historical and technological evolution of payments, from barter to digital assets, and learn how each innovation has reduced transaction friction. Explore the role of financial institutions, the structure of retail banking and the transformation of Visa from a local credit product to a global payments leader. Understand the move from physical cards to digital credentials and the impact of technologies like tokenization, contactless payments and blockchain on transaction security and efficiency.
Next, uncover the value that electronic payments bring to stakeholders including issuers, acquirers, merchants and cardholders through the four-party model. Analyze how digital payments enhance efficiency, transparency and financial inclusion compared to cash and examine the economic impact of the global shift toward digital transactions.
Dive into the mechanics of how payments work, including the four-party model, transaction lifecycles and the difference between open-loop and closed-loop systems. Study real-world scenarios that illustrate the complexity of payment authorization, clearing and settlement and learn about the growing influence of fintechs and payment service providers.
Continue by exploring the foundational roles and strategies of issuers and acquirers. Learn about issuer responsibilities, product mix strategies and how consumer behavior and technology shape portfolio management and profitability. Discover how acquirers enable merchant acceptance, manage operational challenges and deliver value-added services in an evolving landscape featuring Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), Payment Service Providers (PSPs) payment facilitators and emerging merchant categories.
Conclude the self-paced learning section of this course by examining new models transforming the payments landscape, including Visa’s network of networks strategy, real-time payments and innovations such as mobile money, buy now pay later (BNPL), crypto and artificial intelligence (AI). Understand how these trends are reshaping consumer expectations, reducing friction and expanding the global opportunity for digital payments.
During the live sessions with a Visa University trainer, you will be guided through hands-on case studies to deepen the foundational knowledge gained during the self-paced learning section of the course. These live sessions include activities, reflection, regional considerations and action planning, helping you apply what you have learned to your real-life work.
Upon completion of the course, you will return to your role with a comprehensive understanding of the payments landscape, ready to contribute to your organization’s success and adapt to ongoing industry evolution.
Key topics:
- Evolution of payments
- History of payment systems
- Digital transformation and card network evolution
- Tokenization, contactless payments, and blockchain
- Value of payments
- Four-party model and stakeholder roles
- Economic impact and financial inclusion
- Digital payments versus cash
- Evolving consumer trends
- How payments work
- Transaction lifecycle (authorization, clearing, settlement)
- Open-loop vs. closed-loop systems
- Real-world payment scenarios
- Role of fintechs and payment service providers
- Issuer foundations
- Issuer roles and responsibilities
- Risk management and product strategies
- Consumer behavior and mobile banking
- Acquirer foundations
- Acquirer responsibilities and merchant onboarding
- ISOs, PSPs and pricing models
- Value-added services and operational challenges
- Emerging models
- Network of networks strategy
- New payment flows
- Visa Direct and real-time payments
- Mobile money, BNPL, crypto and AI
Who should attend:
- Individuals who are new to the payments industry or are looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge in this area.
- Teams positioning their business in a fast-moving, evolving payments industry
Important notes:
- Access to self-paced learning materials begins two weeks prior to the live sessions. You are responsible for completing the self-paced learning prior to the live sessions.
- Enrollment for blended learning courses closes three business days before access to self-paced learning materials begins.
- This course is eligible for a digital badge.
- Special offers: Save 15 percent when you register more than six weeks in advance with promo code Save15 or register four individuals from your organization and receive an additional registration at no additional cost. Offers cannot be combined.
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