Ebay under RBA pressure

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RBA slams PayPal move

Fran Foo | May 09, 2008

THE Reserve Bank has joined a chorus of high-profile organisations, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) to denounce eBay's proposal to use PayPal as its main payment method.

"The Reserve Bank sees some potential issues with the proposed conduct," the RBA said in its submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission which is investigating the PayPal move.

The RBA believes the new process will stifle competition and limit the ability for alternative payments systems to compete on an even keel.

It said eBay's new method could restrict merchants' ability to negotiate lower fees and restrict choice for consumers.

"The Payments System Board of the Reserve Bank has responsibility for, among other things, promoting stability, efficiency and competition in the payments system.

"Although eBay is not a payment system, eBay's proposed action raises some issues related to competition in the Australian payments system," the RBA said.

From June 17, eBay plans to institute new payment arrangements that would do away with direct deposits, personal cheques or money orders to purchase items - all in the name of enhanced security.

Instead, members will only be allowed to use the eBay-owned PayPal transaction system, or cash on delivery.

An ACCC spokesman said eBay has until May 23 to respond to the more than 350 submissions.

Source: Australian IT

OZWorker

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