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Resources & Reading Materials

Last Updated: 2025-02-17 Status: Complete

Curated resources for deepening your understanding of risk and compliance in payment systems.

Card Network Documentation​

Visa​

ResourceFocus Area
Visa Core Rules and Product Program GuideDispute timeframes, reason codes, evidence requirements
Visa VAMP Program GuideThresholds, remediation, fine schedules
Visa Secure Documentation3D Secure implementation

Access: Visa Core Rules PDF

Mastercard​

ResourceFocus Area
Mastercard Chargeback GuideReason codes, compelling evidence
Mastercard ECP/EFM ProgramsThresholds, requirements
Mastercard Identity Check3D Secure implementation

Access: Mastercard Rules PDF

PCI Security Standards​

PCI Security Standards Council​

Website: pcisecuritystandards.org

DocumentPurpose
PCI DSS v4.0.1 StandardFull standard document
PCI DSS Quick Reference GuideSimplified requirements overview
SAQ DocumentsSelf-assessment questionnaires
Tokenization GuidelinesScope reduction, implementation
P2PE StandardPoint-to-point encryption requirements
MFA Information SupplementMulti-factor authentication guidance

PCI Guidance Documents​

DocumentFocus
Scoping and Network Segmentation GuideDefining PCI scope
Cloud Computing GuidelinesCloud-specific requirements
Information Supplement: Penetration TestingTesting requirements
Incident Response GuidelinesBreach handling

AML/BSA Resources​

FinCEN​

Website: fincen.gov

ResourcePurpose
BSA/AML Examination ManualMSB requirements
SAR Filing InstructionsFiling thresholds, narrative requirements
AML Program RequirementsFive pillars of compliance
FinCEN AdvisoriesCurrent threats and typologies

FFIEC​

Website: ffiec.gov

ResourcePurpose
BSA/AML Examination ManualComprehensive compliance guide
Transaction Monitoring GuidanceDetection expectations
Suspicious Activity DetectionIdentifying red flags

Industry Resources​

Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)​

Website: electran.org

ResourceFocus
Risk Management GuidelinesIndustry best practices
Chargeback Best PracticesDispute handling
Payment Facilitator GuidelinesPayFac-specific guidance

Merchant Risk Council​

Website: merchantriskcouncil.org

ResourceFocus
Fraud Prevention Best PracticesIndustry benchmarks
Chargeback Management ResourcesRepresentment guidance
Member ResourcesTemplates, guides

3D Secure Resources​

EMVCo​

Website: emvco.com

ResourcePurpose
3DS SpecificationProtocol and data elements
3DS SDK SpecificationMobile implementation
Testing GuidelinesCertification requirements

Network-Specific Documentation​

NetworkDocumentation
Visa SecureImplementation guide, test cards
Mastercard Identity CheckTechnical specifications
American Express SafeKeyIntegration guide

Fraud Prevention Vendor Documentation​

Study these to understand industry approaches:

VendorFocus
KountML-based fraud scoring
SiftDigital trust and safety
SignifydGuaranteed fraud protection
Stripe RadarBuilt-in fraud prevention
MaxMindIP geolocation and risk
ThreatMetrixDevice fingerprinting
BookFocus
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard HandbookPractical PCI implementation
Payments Systems in the U.S. (Carol Coye Benson)Industry overview

Case Studies to Research​

Data Breaches​

CaseLessons
Target (2013)Third-party vendor risk, network segmentation
Home Depot (2014)POS malware, P2PE benefits
Heartland (2008)Network security, encryption importance
Equifax (2017)Patch management, incident response

Regulatory Enforcement​

AreaResearch
AML failuresMajor bank enforcement actions
Network finesCard network violation penalties
State AG actionsBreach notification failures

Research Keywords​

When searching for current information:

Chargebacks​

  • "Chargeback reason code [specific code]"
  • "Visa VAMP threshold 2026"
  • "Mastercard ECP fine schedule"
  • "Chargeback representment evidence"

Fraud​

  • "3D Secure liability shift"
  • "Card testing fraud detection"
  • "Friendly fraud prevention"
  • "CNP fraud trends 2026"

PCI​

  • "PCI DSS v4.0 scope reduction"
  • "Tokenization PCI compliance"
  • "P2PE validation requirements"
  • "PCI DSS future-dated requirements"

AML​

  • "Payment processor AML requirements"
  • "SAR filing payment facilitator"
  • "Money laundering typologies payments"
  • "FinCEN MSB requirements"

Tools to Explore​

Chargeback Management​

ToolFunction
Chargebacks911Prevention and representment
Verifi (Visa)Alert and deflection
Ethoca (Mastercard)Real-time alerts

Fraud Prevention​

ToolFunction
MaxMindIP geolocation and risk
ThreatMetrixDevice fingerprinting
BioCatchBehavioral biometrics

Compliance​

ToolFunction
ComplyAdvantageAML screening
LogicGateCompliance workflow
OneTrustPrivacy and compliance

Monitoring Sources​

Check Quarterly​

SourceFor
Visa Developer CenterAPI and rule updates
Mastercard Developer ZoneProgram changes
PCI SSC BlogStandard updates
FinCEN NewsRegulatory changes

Check Annually​

SourceFor
Nilson ReportIndustry statistics
Javelin StrategyFraud research
Federal ReservePayment statistics
FATFAML typologies
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