The global outlook series on Financial Services provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report critically examines major market trends and issues, identifies major segments, highlights the indispensable need for IT in the financial services industry, and investigates the implications of globalization. The reader also stands to gain a prelude to topics such as ATM and Debit Card, Credit Cards, Online Credit Card Payments, Master Cards, and Visa Cards, among others. Regional markets briefly abstracted and covered include US, Canada, Germany, Italy, Russia, UK, Japan, Australia, China, India, Taiwan) Brazil and Chile among several others. The report offers a compilation of recent product launches, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 289 companies worldwide.