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Payment Ecosystem Foundation

Learning Objectives​

By the end of this module, you will:

  • Understand how money flows in a card transaction
  • Identify all entities involved in payment processing
  • Distinguish between different payment industry roles
  • Grasp the PayFac model and its unique position

Why This Matters​

Building a payment platform without understanding the ecosystem is like building a bridge without knowing what rivers are. Every architectural decision, every API design, and every compliance requirement traces back to these fundamentals.

Module Structure​

This module is organized into four major sections:

Fundamentals​

Core concepts that form the foundation of the payment industry:

  • Four-Party Model - The foundational structure of card payments
  • Card Network Role - How Visa, Mastercard, and other networks operate
  • Transaction Lifecycle - From authorization to settlement
  • Debit Networks & Routing - PIN vs signature debit processing

Industry Players​

Key entities and their roles in the payment ecosystem:

  • Payment Processors - Front-end and back-end processing
  • Payment Gateways - E-commerce transaction handling
  • Acquiring Banks - Merchant risk and underwriting
  • ISOs - Independent sales organizations
  • ISVs - Software vendors with embedded payments

PayFac Model​

The payment facilitator approach and alternatives:

  • PayFac Overview - Master merchant model explained
  • Implementation - Building a PayFac platform
  • Comparing Models - Traditional vs ISO vs PayFac
  • Alternative Payments - ACH, wallets, BNPL, RTP

Study Guide​

Learning materials and self-assessment:

  • Topics - Research areas and focus points
  • Questions - Self-assessment exercises
  • Resources - Reading materials and references

Key Concepts to Master​

The Four-Party Model​

The foundation of card payments - understanding cardholder, merchant, issuing bank, and acquiring bank relationships.

Card Networks​

How Visa, Mastercard, and other networks serve as rule-makers and routing infrastructure.

Industry Players​

Distinguishing between payment processors, gateways, acquirers, ISOs, ISVs, and payment facilitators.

The PayFac Model​

Understanding why a payment facilitator is a "master merchant" and what that means for liability and operations.

Time Allocation Suggestion​

  • Week 1: Four-party model, card networks, money flow
  • Week 2: Industry players, PayFac model, ISO/ISV dynamics

Success Criteria​

After completing this module, explaining the complete journey of a credit card transaction from tap to merchant settlement should feel natural. The distinctions between processors, gateways, and acquirers should be clear.

Progress Tracking​

Track your progress through the module using the study guide questions. Each major topic includes self-assessment exercises to validate understanding.