Web Shield blog
News on regulation, fraud, and card scheme rules
We keep you updated on card scheme rules, fraud trends, underwriting best practices, and Web Shield products.
![a combination padlock](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/66a0f74536f58cbf645967f3_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%20MCC%201080x700.jpg)
Underwriting trends
Cracking the Code: Understanding Merchant Category Codes (MCCs)
Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) are four-digit codes used to categorise businesses based on their services, crucial for transaction classification and risk management.
![Bank card from Mastercard](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/655c7e72b7d23a838f2d379e_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20License.jpg)
Regulation round-up
Mastercard introduces new risk-based licence fee in Europe
Effective 2023, Mastercard changed its recurring franchise licence fee to a risk-based fee.
![A person pays with a gold visa card](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/655c7db91f7a1ecf84dce312_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20VIRP.jpg)
Regulation round-up
Visa to replace Global Brand Protection Program
Effective 1 May 2023, Visa will introduce the Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP) to replace the Global Brand Protection Program (GBPP). We examine the updated requirements for acquirers and their agents in respect of high-risk merchants.
![A Mastercard credit card closeup](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/655c7f2749efade48b13c0d3_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20MasterColab.jpg)
Chargebacks
The new Mastercard collaboration process
We explain how allowing acquirers and merchants to respond to cardholders’ enquiries outside of chargeback cycles prevents potential disputes.
![A grid over earth](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/655c820333e90d877ff07ac3_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20Trends.jpg)
Fraud focus
Merchant threats and fraud trends 2022/23
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to digital commerce and payment, but also the card-not-present and friendly fraud that comes with it.
![Someone uses their laptop and bank card](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/655c836c8e0dd4f2e1a75ea9_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20Friendly.jpg)
Chargebacks
How to fight back against friendly fraud
Friendly fraud is when a cardholder disputes a legitimate purchase with their issuer to get free goods.
![A person sits at a laptop with bank card in hand](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/655c8493da7780a871d08714_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20Chargeback.jpg)
Chargebacks
How to take advantage of the changes to chargeback rules
Card schemes are getting tough on chargeback fraud. We look at how changes to dispute resolution rules reflect changes in trading patterns, payment trends and technology.
![Lady justice with cannabis leaves](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/655c8717f99bf138d441ae64_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20CBD.jpg)
Underwriting trends
Cross-border CBD compliance in a broken regulatory landscape
Cannabidiol (or CBD for short) is an interesting case study for payment professionals.
![High-rise office buildings seen from the perspective of a pedestrian looking up](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/66717beae0011b10c7ab86f8_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%20aml.jpg)
Fraud focus
How to optimise your anti-money laundering approach
The conflict in the Ukraine has emphasised how financial institutions and gatekeepers can be used to launder dirty money. We look at how to devise a robust anti-money laundering approach in response.
![A large Euro sign surrounded by European stars](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/62d159f66b79874e63b1c080/66718dc88a115d2b840337bd_Featured%20Image%20(must%20be%20greyscale)%201080x700%206AMLD%20blog.jpg)
Regulation round-up
What 6AMLD means for your acquiring business
Regulators are stepping up the fight against dirty money. Firms must not only contend with regulatory fines and the impact of these on their operations, reputation and bottom line, there is also the constantly changing nature of the regulation itself.
Get deeper insights into card scheme compliance
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost - take advantage of Web Shield's online and offline training offerings.