Cards and Cents: The Challenges of Debit Card Fees in Aruba

Cards and Cents: The Challenges of Debit Card Fees in Aruba

💳 Are rising debit card fees silently draining Aruba’s economy?

Merchants are being squeezed. Consumers are losing buying power. Banks and global card schemes are quietly profiting.

In my latest column, I dive into how Mastercard’s fee structure, silent beneficiaries, and a lack of regulatory oversight have created a perfect storm for Aruba’s economy—and what needs to be done to fix it.

It’s time to rethink the way we swipe. Every card and cent counts.

📖 Read the full article here
Let me know your thoughts! 👇

A Parting Gift: Bad Tax Policy

A Parting Gift: Bad Tax Policy

When Tax Policy Becomes a Parting Gift: How a 2025 Tax Change Undermined Its Own Goals”

What happens when political maneuvering takes precedence over fiscal responsibility? A recent tax policy shift in Aruba has wiped out a revenue stream introduced just two years ago, leaving many wondering if this was intentional sabotage or sheer shortsightedness. Dive into this week’s column to unpack the consequences and the questions left unanswered.

A Wake-Up Call for Aruba’s Telecom Market: Time for Fair Competition

A Wake-Up Call for Aruba’s Telecom Market: Time for Fair Competition

The Aruba Fair Trade Authority (AFTA) has issued a preliminary assessment that could reshape the island’s telecom landscape.  This came after the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications requested that…