Western Union CO

Previous wording

Our ability to remain competitive depends in part on our ability to protect our trademarks, patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights and to defend ourselves against potential intellectual property infringement claims.

Current wording

Our ability to remain competitive depends in part on our ability to protect our trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights and to defend ourselves against potential intellectual property infringement claims.

Previous wording

Demand for our services could soften, including due to low consumer confidence, high unemployment, high inflation, changes in foreign exchange rates, changes in monetary policy, reduced global trade, including from trade disruptions or trade restrictions, or other events, such as civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disasters, including those related to climate change, or public health emergencies or epidemics. For example, in March 2022, we suspended our operations in Russia and Belarus, due to the Russia/Ukraine conflict (the “Conflict”), which has had an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. The Conflict has had and is expected to continue to have broader implications to our overall business, including reduced transaction activity in Ukraine. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an adverse impact on our business.

Current wording

Demand for our services could soften, including due to low consumer confidence, high unemployment, high inflation, changes in foreign exchange rates, changes in monetary policy, reduced global trade, including from trade disruptions, trade restrictions, or tariffs, or other events, such as civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disasters, including those related to climate change, public health emergencies or epidemics, and any changes arising as a result of the recent United States elections. For example, in March 2022, we suspended our operations in Russia and Belarus, due to the Russia/Ukraine conflict (the “Conflict”), which has had an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. The Conflict has had and is expected to continue to have broader implications to our overall business, including reduced transaction activity in Ukraine.

Previous wording

Our Consumer Money Transfer business relies in large part on migration, which often brings workers to countries with greater economic opportunities than those available in their native countries. A significant portion of money transfers are sent by international migrants. Migration is affected by (among other factors) overall economic conditions, the availability of job opportunities, changes in immigration laws, restrictions on immigration and travel, and political or other events (such as civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disasters, or public health emergencies or epidemics) that would make it more difficult for workers to migrate or work abroad. Changes to these factors could adversely affect our remittance volume and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Our Consumer Money Transfer business relies in large part on migration, which often brings workers to countries with greater economic opportunities than those available in their native countries. A significant portion of money transfers are sent by international migrants. Migration is affected by (among other factors) overall economic conditions, the availability of job opportunities, changes in immigration laws and their enforcement, including the potential for large scale deportations, restrictions on immigration and travel, and political or other events (such as civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disasters, or public health emergencies or epidemics) that would make it more difficult for workers to migrate or work abroad. Changes to these factors could adversely affect our remittance volume and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Many of our consumers work in industries that may be impacted by deteriorating economic conditions more quickly or significantly than other industries. The prospect of reduced job opportunities, especially in the retail, healthcare, construction, hospitality, and technology industries, or weakness in regional economies could adversely affect the number of money transfer transactions, the principal amounts transferred and correspondingly our results of operations. If general market softness in the economies of countries important to migrant workers occurs, our results of operations could be adversely impacted. Additionally, if our consumer transactions decline, if the amount of money that consumers send per transaction declines, or if migration patterns shift due to weak or deteriorating economic conditions or immigration laws, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows may be adversely affected.

Current wording

Many of our consumers work in industries that may be impacted by deteriorating economic conditions more quickly or significantly than other industries. The prospect of reduced job opportunities, especially in the retail, healthcare, construction, hospitality, agriculture, and technology industries, or weakness in regional economies could adversely affect the number of money transfer transactions, the principal amounts transferred, and correspondingly our results of operations. If general market softness in the economies of countries important to migrant workers occurs, our results of operations could be adversely impacted. Additionally, if our consumer transactions decline, if the amount of money that consumers send per transaction declines, or if migration patterns shift due to weak or deteriorating economic conditions or immigration laws and their enforcement, including the potential for large scale deportations, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our future success depends on our ability to compete effectively in money transfer and payment services. For example, if we fail to price our services appropriately, consumers may not use our services, which could adversely affect our business and financial results. In addition, we have historically implemented and will likely continue to implement price reductions from time to time, including in 2023, in response to competition and other factors. Price reductions generally reduce margins and adversely affect financial results in the short term and may also adversely affect financial results in the long term if transaction volumes do not increase sufficiently. Further, failure to compete on service differentiation and service quality could significantly affect our future growth potential and results of operations.

Current wording

Our future success depends on our ability to compete effectively in money transfer and payment services. For example, if we fail to price our services appropriately, consumers may not use our services, which could adversely affect our business and financial results. In addition, we have historically implemented and will likely continue to implement price reductions from time to time, in response to competition and other factors. Price reductions generally reduce margins and adversely affect financial results in the short term and may also adversely affect financial results in the long term if transaction volumes do not increase sufficiently. Further, failure to compete on service differentiation and service quality could significantly affect our future growth potential and results of operations.

Previous wording

changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations or regulator or judicial interpretation thereof that have the effect of making it more difficult or less desirable to transfer money using consumer money transfer and payment service providers, including additional consumer due diligence, identification, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements;

Current wording

changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations or regulator or judicial interpretation thereof that have the effect of making it more difficult or less desirable to transfer money using consumer money transfer and payment service providers, including additional consumer due diligence, identification, proof of legal residence, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements;

Previous wording

federal, state or foreign legal requirements, including those that require us to provide consumer or transaction data either pursuant to requirements under the Joint Settlement Agreements or other requirements or to a greater extent than is currently required;

Current wording

federal, state or foreign legal requirements, including those that require us to provide consumer or transaction data either pursuant to requirements under our consent agreements or other requirements or to a greater extent than is currently required;

Previous wording

Most of our Consumer Money Transfer revenue is derived through our agent network. Some of our international agents have subagent relationships in which we are not directly involved. If, due to competition or other reasons, agents or their subagents decide to leave our network, or if we are unable to sign new agents or maintain our agent network under terms acceptable to us or consistent with those currently in place, or if our agents are unable to maintain relationships with or sign new subagents, our revenue and profits may be adversely affected. Agent attrition might occur for a number of reasons, including a competitor engaging an agent, an agent’s dissatisfaction with its relationship with us or the revenue derived from that relationship, an agent’s or its subagents’ unwillingness or inability to comply with our standards or legal requirements, including those related to compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, anti-fraud measures, or agent registration and monitoring requirements or increased costs or loss of business as a result of difficulty for us, our agents, or their subagents in establishing or maintaining relationships with banks needed to conduct our services. For example, the Joint Settlement Agreements and the NYDFS Consent Order subjected us to heightened requirements relating to agent oversight, which resulted in agent attrition, and certain agents decided to leave our network due to reputational concerns related to the Joint Settlement Agreements and the NYDFS Consent Order. Recently, we have had a significant retail agent stop offering our services, and another stopped offering cash-based services at their retail locations. These changes have impacted and will continue to adversely impact our revenue. In addition, agents may generate fewer transactions or less revenue for various reasons, including increased competition, political unrest, changes in the economy, or factors impacting our agents’ ability to settle with us, and the cost of maintaining agent or subagent locations has increased and may continue to increase because of enhanced compliance efforts or changes to compliance requirements. Because an agent is a third-party that engages in a variety of activities in addition to providing our services, it may encounter business difficulties unrelated to its provision of our services, which could cause the agent to reduce its number of locations and/or hours of operation, or cease doing business altogether.

Current wording

Most of our Consumer Money Transfer revenue is derived through our agent network. Some of our international agents have subagent relationships in which we are not directly involved. If, due to competition or other reasons, agents or their subagents decide to leave our network, or if we are unable to sign new agents or maintain our agent network under terms acceptable to us or consistent with those currently in place, or if our agents are unable to maintain relationships with or sign new subagents, our revenue and profits may be adversely affected. Agent attrition might occur for a number of reasons, including a competitor engaging an agent, an agent’s dissatisfaction with its relationship with us or the revenue derived from that relationship, an agent’s or its subagents’ unwillingness or inability to comply with our standards or legal requirements, including those related to compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, anti-fraud measures, or agent registration and monitoring requirements or increased costs or loss of business as a result of difficulty for us, our agents, or their subagents in establishing or maintaining relationships with banks needed to conduct our services. In recent years, we have had a significant retail agent stop offering our services, and another stopped offering cash-based services at their retail locations. These changes have impacted and will continue to adversely impact our revenue. In addition, agents may generate fewer transactions or less revenue for various reasons, including increased competition, political unrest, changes in the economy, or factors impacting our agents’ ability to settle with us, and the cost of maintaining agent or subagent locations has increased and may continue to increase because of enhanced compliance efforts or changes to compliance requirements. Because an agent is a third-party that engages in a variety of activities in addition to providing our services, it may encounter business difficulties unrelated to its provision of our services, which could cause the agent to reduce its number of locations and/or hours of operation, or cease doing business altogether.

Previous wording

Our industry is subject to rapid and significant technological changes, with the constant introduction of new and enhanced products and services and evolving industry and regulatory standards and consumer needs and preferences. Our ability to enhance our current products and services and introduce new products and services that address these changes has a significant impact on our ability to be successful. We actively seek to respond in a timely manner to changes in customer (both consumer and business) and agent needs and preferences, technology advances, and new and enhanced products and services such as technology-based money transfer and payment services, including internet, digital wallet, other mobile money transfer services, and digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies. Failure to respond timely and well to these challenges could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Further, even if we respond well to these challenges, the business and financial models offered by many of these alternative, more technology-reliant means of money transfer and electronic payment solutions may be less advantageous to us than our traditional cash/agent model or our current electronic money transfer model.

Current wording

Our industry is subject to rapid and significant technological changes, with the constant introduction of new and enhanced products and services and evolving industry and regulatory standards and consumer needs and preferences. Our ability to enhance our current products and services and introduce new products and services that address these changes has a significant impact on our ability to be successful. We actively seek to respond in a timely manner to changes in customer (both consumer and business) and agent needs and preferences, technology advances, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and new and enhanced products and services such as technology-based money transfer and payment services, including internet, digital wallet, other mobile money transfer services, and digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies. Failure to respond timely and well to these challenges could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Further, even if we respond well to these challenges, the business and financial models offered by many of these alternative, more technology-reliant means of money transfer and electronic payment solutions may be less advantageous to us than our traditional cash/agent model or our current electronic money transfer model.

Previous wording

We operate in almost all developing markets throughout the world. In many of these markets, our foreign currency exposure is limited because most transactions are receive transactions, and we currently reimburse the significant majority of our agents in United States dollars, Mexican pesos, or euros for the payment of these transactions. However, in certain of these developing markets we settle transactions in local currencies and generate revenue from send transactions. Our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in those markets is increased as these fluctuations impact our revenues and operating income.

Current wording

We operate in almost all developing markets throughout the world. In many of these markets, our foreign currency exposure is limited because most transactions are receive transactions, and we currently reimburse the significant majority of our agents and disbursement partners in United States dollars, Mexican pesos, or euros for the payment of these transactions. However, in certain of these developing markets we settle transactions in local currencies and generate revenue from send transactions. Our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in those markets is increased as these fluctuations impact our revenues and operating income.

Previous wording

We utilize a variety of planning and financial strategies to help ensure that our worldwide cash is available where needed, including decisions related to the amounts, timing, and manner by which cash is repatriated or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries. Changes in the amounts, timing, and manner by which cash is repatriated (or deemed repatriated) or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries, including changes arising from new legal or tax rules, disagreements with legal or tax authorities concerning existing rules that are ultimately resolved in their favor, or changes in our operations or business, could result in material adverse effects on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows including our ability to pay future dividends or make share repurchases. For further discussion regarding the risk that our future effective tax rates could be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws, both domestically and internationally, see risk factor “Changes in tax laws, or their interpretation, and unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our tax expense” below.

Current wording

We utilize a variety of planning and financial strategies to help ensure that our worldwide cash is available where needed, including decisions related to the amounts, timing, and manner by which cash is repatriated or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries. Changes in the amounts, timing, and manner by which cash is repatriated (or deemed repatriated) or otherwise made available from our international subsidiaries, including changes arising from new legal or tax rules, disagreements with legal or tax authorities concerning existing rules that are ultimately resolved in their favor, or changes in our operations or business, could result in material adverse effects on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, including our ability to pay future dividends or make share repurchases. Rules implemented by regulators may also restrict our ability to distribute excess cash balances from our subsidiaries. For further discussion regarding the risk that our future effective tax rates could be adversely impacted by changes in tax laws, both domestically and internationally, see risk factor “Changes in tax laws, or their interpretation, and unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our tax expense” below.

Previous wording

Money transfers and payments to, from, within, or between countries may be limited or prohibited by law. At times in the past, we have been required to cease operations in particular countries due to political uncertainties or government restrictions imposed by foreign governments or the United States. Government sanctions imposed with respect to Russia and Ukraine in February 2022 impacted our ability to offer services in the region, and in March 2022, we voluntarily suspended our operations in Russia and Belarus due to the Conflict. Further or prolonged instability or tension in Russia, Ukraine, and the surrounding region could also cause us to adjust our operating model, which would increase our costs of operations. Occasionally agents or their subagents have been required by their regulators to cease offering our services; see risk factor“Regulatory initiatives and changes in laws, regulations, industry practices and standards, and third-party policies affecting us, our agents or their subagents, or the banks with which we or our agents maintain bank accounts needed to provide our services could require changes in our business model and increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity”below. Additionally, economic or political instability or natural disasters may make money transfers to, from, within, or between particular countries difficult or impossible, such as when banks are closed, when currency devaluation makes exchange rates difficult to manage or when natural disasters or civil unrest makes access to agent locations unsafe. These risks could negatively impact our ability to offer our services, to make payments to or receive payments from international agents or our subsidiaries or to recoup funds that have been advanced to international agents or are held by our subsidiaries, and as a result could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, the general state of telecommunications and infrastructure in some lesser developed countries, including countries where we have a large number of transactions, creates operational risks for us and our agents that generally are not present in our operations in the United States and other more developed countries.

Current wording

Money transfers and payments to, from, within, or between particular countries may be limited or prohibited by law. At times in the past, we have been required to cease operations in particular countries due to political uncertainties or government restrictions imposed by foreign governments or the United States. Government sanctions imposed with respect to Russia and Ukraine in February 2022 impacted our ability to offer services in the region, and in March 2022, we voluntarily suspended our operations in Russia and Belarus due to the Conflict. Further or prolonged instability or tension in Russia, Ukraine, and the surrounding region could also cause us to adjust our operating model, which would increase our costs of operations. Occasionally agents or their subagents have been required by their regulators to cease offering our services; see risk factor“Regulatory initiatives and changes in laws, regulations, industry practices and standards, and third-party policies affecting us, our agents or their subagents, or the banks with which we or our agents maintain bank accounts needed to provide our services could require changes in our business model and increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity”below. Additionally, economic or political instability or natural disasters may make money transfers to, from, within, or between particular countries difficult or impossible, such as when banks are closed, when currency devaluation makes exchange rates difficult to manage or when natural disasters or civil unrest makes access to agent locations unsafe. These risks could negatively impact our ability to offer our services, to make payments to or receive payments from international agents or our subsidiaries, or to recoup funds that have been advanced to international agents or are held by our subsidiaries, and as a result could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, the general state of telecommunications and infrastructure in some lesser developed countries, including countries where we have a large number of transactions, creates operational risks for us and our agents that generally are not present in our operations in the United States and other more developed countries.

Previous wording

In many countries, we offer consumers the ability to transfer money utilizing their bank account or credit or debit card via websites and mobile devices. These transactions have experienced and continue to experience a greater risk of fraud and higher fraud losses than transactions initiated at agent locations. Additionally, money transfers funded by ACH, or similar methods, are not preauthorized by the sender’s bank and carry the risk that the account may not exist or have sufficient funds to cover the transaction. We apply verification and other tools to help authenticate transactions and protect against fraud. However, these tools are not always successful in protecting us against fraud. As the merchant of these transactions, we may bear the financial risk of the full amount sent in some of the fraudulent transactions. Issuers of credit and debit cards may also incur losses due to fraudulent transactions through our distribution channels and may elect to block transactions by their cardholders in these channels with or without notice. We may be subject to additional fees or penalties if the amount of chargebacks exceeds a certain percentage of our transaction volume. Such fees and penalties increase over time if we do not take effective action to reduce chargebacks below the threshold, and if chargeback levels are not ultimately reduced to acceptable levels, our merchant accounts could be suspended or revoked, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

In many countries, we offer consumers the ability to transfer money utilizing their bank account or credit or debit card via websites and mobile devices. These transactions have experienced and continue to experience a greater risk of fraud and higher fraud losses than transactions initiated at agent locations. Additionally, money transfers funded by ACH, or similar methods, are not preauthorized by the sender’s bank and carry the risk that the account may not exist or have sufficient funds to cover the transaction. We apply verification and other tools to help authenticate transactions and protect against such fraud. However, these tools are not always successful in protecting us against fraud. As the merchant of these transactions, we may bear the financial risk of the full amount sent in some of the fraudulent transactions. Issuers of credit and debit cards may also incur losses due to fraudulent transactions through our distribution channels and may elect to block transactions by their cardholders in these channels with or without notice. We may be subject to additional fees or penalties if the amount of chargebacks exceeds a certain percentage of our transaction volume. Such fees and penalties increase over time if we do not take effective action to reduce chargebacks below the threshold, and if chargeback levels are not ultimately reduced to acceptable levels, our merchant accounts could be suspended or revoked, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

As part of our business, we collect, transfer, and retain confidential and personal information about consumers, business customer representatives, employees, applicants, agents and other individuals. With our services being offered in more than 200 countries and territories, these activities are subject to laws and regulations in the United States and many other jurisdictions; see risk factor“Current and proposed regulation addressing consumer privacy and data use and security could increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our operations, results of operations, and financial condition” below. The requirements imposed by these laws and regulations, which often differ materially among the many jurisdictions in which we operate and may impact our business operations, are designed to protect the privacy and security of personal information, to prevent that information from being inappropriately accessed, used, or disclosed, and to protect financial services providers and other regulated entities and their customers, as well as information technology systems, from cyber attacks. Although we strive to develop and maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to comply with applicable legal requirements, it is nonetheless possible that hackers, employees acting contrary to our policies, or others could circumvent these safeguards to improperly access our systems or documents, or the systems or documents of our business partners, agents, or service providers, as well as to improperly access, obtain, misuse, or disclose sensitive business information or personal information about our consumers, business customer representatives, employees, applicants, agents or others. It is also possible that any of our third-party service providers or agents could experience a cybersecurity incident or intentionally or inadvertently use, disclose, or make available sensitive business or personal information to unauthorized parties in violation of law or its contract with us. Such risk of a third-party service provider or agent’s cybersecurity or other data incident is significant as much of our data and our customers’ data is collected and stored by our agents and other third parties, including providers of cloud-based software services. Security incidents have the potential to impose material costs on the Company and, despite measures that the Company takes to prevent and mitigate such incidents, there can be no assurance that security incidents will not occur in the future. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are also constantly changing and evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or to detect for significant periods of time. Additionally, transactions undertaken through our websites or other digital channels may create risks of fraud, hacking, unauthorized access or acquisition, and other deceptive practices. Any security incident resulting in a compromise of …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

As part of our business, we collect, transfer, and retain confidential and personal information about consumers, business customer representatives, employees, applicants, agents and other individuals. With our services being offered in more than 200 countries and territories, these activities are subject to laws and regulations in the United States and many other jurisdictions; see risk factor“Current and proposed regulation addressing consumer privacy and data use and security could increase our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our operations, results of operations, and financial condition” below. The requirements imposed by these laws and regulations, which often differ materially among the many jurisdictions in which we operate and may impact our business operations, are designed to protect the privacy and security of personal information, to prevent that information from being inappropriately accessed, used, or disclosed, and to protect financial services providers and other regulated entities and their customers, as well as information technology systems, from cyber attacks. Hackers, employees acting contrary to our policies, or others could circumvent the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards we have designed to comply with applicable legal requirements and may improperly access our systems or documents, or the systems or documents of our business partners, agents, or service providers, as well as to improperly access, obtain, misuse, or disclose sensitive business information or personal information about our consumers, business customer representatives, employees, applicants, agents, or others. It is also possible that any of our third-party service providers or agents could experience a cybersecurity incident or intentionally or inadvertently use, disclose, or make available sensitive business or personal information to unauthorized parties in violation of law or their contract with us. Such risk of a third-party service provider or agent’s cybersecurity or other data incident is significant as much of our data and our customers’ data is collected and stored by our agents and other third parties, including providers of cloud-based software services. Security incidents have the potential to impose material costs on the Company and, despite measures that the Company takes to prevent and mitigate such incidents, there can be no assurance that security incidents will not occur in the future. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are also constantly changing and evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or to detect for significant periods of time. Additionally, transactions undertaken through our websites or other digital channels may create risks of fraud, hacking, unauthorized access or acquisition, and other deceptive practices. Any security incident resulting in a compromise of sensitive business information or the personal information of consumers, …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Our ability to provide reliable service depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer information systems and those of our service providers. Any significant interruptions could harm our business and reputation and result in a loss of business. These systems and operations could be exposed to damage or interruption from unauthorized entry and computer viruses, ransomware, fire, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failure, war, terrorism, vendor failure, or other causes, many of which may be beyond our control or that of our service providers. The frequency and intensity of weather events related to climate change are increasing, which could increase the likelihood and severity of natural disasters as well as related damage and business interruption. Additionally, any significant damage or interruptions in the computer information systems of our agents or other partners could result in a disruption in providing our services to consumers at their locations. Further, we and our vendors have been, and continue to be, the subject of cyber attacks, including distributed denial of service and ransomware attacks. These attackers and attacks are increasingly sophisticated and primarily aimed at either interrupting our business or exploiting information security vulnerabilities, both of which expose us to financial losses. Historically, none of these attacks or breaches has individually or in the aggregate resulted in any material liability to us or any material damage to our reputation. Disruptions related to cybersecurity have not caused any material interruption to our business, strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. There can be no assurance that such attacks will not have a material adverse impact on the Company in the future. The safeguards we have designed to help prevent future security incidents and systems disruptions and to comply with applicable legal requirements may not be successful, and we may experience material security incidents, disruptions, or other problems in the future. For more information on our policies and procedures surrounding cybersecurity, see Part I, Item 1C, Cybersecurity. We also may experience software defects, development delays, installation difficulties and other systems problems, which could harm our business and reputation and expose us to potential liability which may not be fully covered by our business interruption insurance. In addition, hardware, software, or applications that we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. These applications may not be sufficient to address technological advances, regulatory requirements, changing market conditions, or other developments. In addition, any work stoppages or other labor actions by employees, the significant majority of whom are located outside the United States, could adversely affect our business.

Current wording

Our ability to provide reliable service depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer information systems and those of our service providers. Any significant interruptions could harm our business and reputation and result in a loss of business. These systems and operations could be exposed to damage or interruption from unauthorized entry and computer viruses, ransomware, fire, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failure, war, terrorism, vendor failure, or other causes, many of which may be beyond our control or that of our service providers. The frequency and intensity of weather events related to climate change are increasing, which could increase the likelihood and severity of natural disasters as well as related damage and business interruption. In addition, any work stoppages or other labor actions by employees, the significant majority of whom are located outside the United States, could adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

We rely on our agents’ technology systems and/or processes to obtain transaction data. If an agent or its subagent experiences a breach of its systems, if there is a significant disruption to the technology systems of an agent or its subagent, if an agent or its subagent does not maintain the appropriate controls over their systems, or if we are unable to demonstrate adequate oversight of an agent’s or subagent’s handling of those matters, we may experience reputational and other harm which could result in losses to the Company.

Current wording

We rely on our agents’ technology systems and/or processes to obtain transaction data. Any significant damage or interruptions in the computer information systems of our agents or other partners could result in a disruption in providing our services to consumers at their locations. Additionally, if an agent or its subagent experiences a breach of its systems, if there is a significant disruption to the technology systems of an agent or its subagent, if an agent or its subagent does not maintain the appropriate controls over their systems, or if we are unable to demonstrate adequate oversight of an agent’s or subagent’s handling of those matters, we may experience reputational and other harm which could result in losses to the Company.

Previous wording

Some services relating to our business, such as cloud-based software service providers, software application support, the development, hosting, and maintenance of our operating systems, merchant acquiring services, call center services, check clearing, processing of returned checks, and other operating activities are outsourced to third-party vendors, which would be difficult to replace quickly. If our third-party vendors were unwilling or unable to provide us with these services in the future, due to system outages, labor shortages, or otherwise, our business and operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Some services relating to our business, such as cloud-based software service providers, software application support, the development, hosting, monitoring, and maintenance of our operating systems, merchant acquiring services, call center services, check clearing, processing of returned checks, and other operating activities are outsourced to third-party vendors, which would be difficult to replace quickly. If our third-party vendors were unwilling or unable to provide us with these services in the future, due to system outages, labor shortages, price or other contract disputes, or otherwise, our business and operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We continually evaluate the performance and strategic fit of all of our businesses and may sell businesses or product lines. For example, on July 1, 2023, we completed the sale of our Business Solutions business, as previously discussed. Divestitures involve risks, including difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products and personnel, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the disruption of our business, the potential loss of key employees and the retention of uncertain contingent liabilities related to the divested business. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the achievement of our strategic objectives. We may also dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less desirable than we had anticipated, which could result in significant asset impairment charges, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may experience greater dis-synergies than expected, the impact of the divestiture on our revenue growth may be larger than projected, and some divestitures may be dilutive to earnings, including the sale of our Business Solutions business. There can be no assurance whether the strategic benefits and expected financial impact of the divestiture will be achieved. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in managing these or any other significant risks that we encounter in divesting a business or product line, and any divestiture we undertake could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

We continually evaluate the performance and strategic fit of all of our businesses and may sell businesses or product lines. For example, on July 1, 2023, we completed the sale of our Business Solutions business. Divestitures involve risks, including difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products, and personnel, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the disruption of our business, the potential loss of key employees, and the retention of uncertain contingent liabilities related to the divested business. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the achievement of our strategic objectives. We may also dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less desirable than we had anticipated, which could result in significant asset impairment charges, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may experience greater dis-synergies than expected, the impact of the divestiture on our revenue growth may be larger than projected, and some divestitures may be dilutive to earnings. There can be no assurance whether the strategic benefits and expected financial impact of the divestiture will be achieved. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in managing these or any other significant risks that we encounter in divesting a business or product line, and any divestiture we undertake could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Over the past few years, we have been engaged in restructuring actions and activities associated with business transformation, productivity improvement initiatives, and expense reduction measures. For example, in October 2022, we announced an operating expense redeployment program which aims to redeploy approximately $150 million in expenses in our cost base through 2027, accomplished through optimizations in vendor management, our real estate footprint, marketing, and people costs. We may implement additional initiatives in future periods. While these initiatives are designed to increase operational effectiveness and productivity and allow us to invest in strategic initiatives, there can be no assurance that the anticipated benefits will be realized, and the costs to implement such initiatives may be greater than expected. In addition, these initiatives have resulted and will likely result in the loss of personnel, some of whom may support significant systems or operations, and may make it more difficult to attract and retain key personnel, any of which could negatively impact our results of operations. Consequently, these initiatives could result in a disruption to our workforce. If we do not realize the anticipated benefits from these or similar initiatives, the costs to implement future initiatives are greater than expected, or if the actions result in a disruption to our workforce greater than anticipated, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Over the past few years, we have been engaged in restructuring actions and activities associated with business transformation, productivity improvement initiatives, and expense reduction measures. For example, in October 2022, we announced an operating expense redeployment program which aims to redeploy investment and expenses in our cost base, accomplished through optimizations in vendor management, our real estate footprint, marketing, and people costs. We may implement additional initiatives in future periods. There can be no assurance that the increased operational effectiveness, productivity, and other anticipated benefits will be realized, and the investment and costs to implement such strategic initiatives may be greater than expected. In addition, these initiatives have resulted and will likely result in the loss of personnel, some of whom may support significant systems or operations, and may make it more difficult to attract and retain key personnel, any of which could negatively impact our results of operations. Consequently, these initiatives could result in a disruption to our workforce. If we do not realize the anticipated benefits from these or similar initiatives, the costs to implement future initiatives are greater than expected, or if the actions result in a disruption to our workforce greater than anticipated, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our future effective tax rates and corresponding effects on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws or their interpretation, both domestically and internationally. For example, in December 2017, the Tax Act was enacted into United States law. Among other things, the Tax Act imposes a tax on certain previously undistributed foreign earnings, establishes minimum taxes related to certain payments deemed to erode the United States tax base, and retains and expands United States taxation on a broad range of foreign earnings (whether or not the earnings have been repatriated) while effectively exempting certain types of foreign earnings from United States tax. In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) which, among other provisions, implemented a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations. Based on our evaluation of the IRA, we do not believe we will be subject to the 15% book minimum tax in the near term. However, we will continue to monitor the application of the minimum tax in future periods.

Current wording

Our future effective tax rates and corresponding effects on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws or their interpretation, both domestically and internationally. For example, in August 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) which, among other provisions, implemented a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations. Based on our evaluation of the IRA, we do not believe we will be subject to the 15% book minimum tax in the near term. However, we will continue to monitor the application of the minimum tax in future periods.

Previous wording

Our tax returns and positions (including positions regarding jurisdictional authority of foreign governments to impose tax) are subject to review and audit by federal, state, local and foreign taxing authorities. An unfavorable outcome to a tax audit could result in higher tax expense, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations. We have established contingency reserves for a variety of material, known tax exposures. As of December 31, 2023, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was a liability of $244.8 million, including accrued interest and penalties, net of related items. Our reserves reflect our judgment as to the resolution of the issues involved if subject to judicial review. While we believe that our reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there can be no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a tax authority will be resolved at a financial cost that does not exceed our related reserve, and such resolution could have a material effect on our effective tax rate, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in the current period and/or future periods. With respect to these reserves, our income tax expense would include: (i) any changes in tax reserves arising from material changes in the facts and circumstances (i.e., new information) surrounding a tax issue during the period and (ii) any difference from our tax position as recorded in the financial statements and the final resolution of a tax issue during the period. Such resolution could increase or decrease income tax expense in our consolidated financial statements in future periods and could impact our operating cash flows.

Current wording

Our tax returns and positions (including positions regarding jurisdictional authority of foreign governments to impose tax) are subject to review and audit by federal, state, local and foreign taxing authorities. An unfavorable outcome to a tax audit could result in higher tax expense, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations. We have established contingency reserves for a variety of tax exposures. As of December 31, 2024, the total amount of tax contingency reserves was a liability of $17.9 million, including accrued interest and penalties, net of related items. Our reserves reflect our judgment as to the resolution of the issues involved if subject to judicial review. While we believe that our reserves are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there can be no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a tax authority will be resolved at a financial cost that does not exceed our related reserve, and such resolution could have a material effect on our effective tax rate, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in the current period and/or future periods. With respect to these reserves, our income tax expense would include: (i) any changes in tax reserves arising from material changes in the facts and circumstances (i.e., new information) surrounding a tax issue during the period and (ii) any difference from our tax position as recorded in the financial statements and the final resolution of a tax issue during the period. Such resolution could increase or decrease income tax expense in our consolidated financial statements in future periods and could impact our operating cash flows.

Previous wording

Downgrades in our credit ratings, or their review or revision to a negative outlook, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, and could damage perceptions of our financial strength, which could adversely affect our relationships with our agents, particularly those agents that are financial institutions or post offices, and our banking and other business relationships. In addition, adverse ratings actions could result in regulators imposing additional capital and other requirements on us, including imposing restrictions on the ability of our regulated subsidiaries to pay dividends. Also, a downgrade below investment grade will increase our interest expense under certain of our notes and our revolving credit facility, and any significant downgrade could increase our costs of borrowing money more generally or adversely impact or eliminate our access to the commercial paper market, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Downgrades in our credit ratings, or their review or revision to a negative outlook, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, and could damage perceptions of our financial strength, which could adversely affect our relationships with our agents, particularly those agents that are financial institutions or post offices, and our banking and other business relationships. In addition, adverse ratings actions could result in regulators imposing additional capital and other requirements on us, including imposing restrictions on the ability of our regulated subsidiaries to pay dividends. Also, any downgrade will increase our interest expense under our term loan facility, a downgrade below investment grade will increase our interest expense under certain of our notes and our revolving credit facility, and any significant downgrade could increase our costs of borrowing money more generally or adversely impact or eliminate our access to the commercial paper market, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our ability to remain competitive depends in part on our ability to protect our trademarks, patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights and to defend ourselves against potential intellectual property infringement claims.

Current wording

Our ability to remain competitive depends in part on our ability to protect our trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights and to defend ourselves against potential intellectual property infringement claims.

Previous wording

The Western Union brands, which are protected by trademark registrations in many countries, are material to our Company. The loss of the Western Union® trademark or a diminution in the perceived quality of products or services associated with the names would harm our business. Similar to the Western Union® trademarks, the Vigo®, Orlandi Valuta®, Pago Fácil®, Quick Collect®, Quick Pay SM, Quick Cash®, Western Union Convenience Pay®, and other trademarks and service marks are also important to our Company, and a loss of the service mark or trademarks or a diminution in the perceived quality associated with these names could harm our business.

Current wording

The Western Union brands, which are protected by trademark registrations in many countries, are material to our Company. The loss of the Western Union® trademark or a diminution in the perceived quality of products or services associated with the names would harm our business. Similar to the Western Union® trademarks, the Vigo®, Orlandi Valuta®, Pago Fácil®, Quick Collect®, Quick Pay SM, Quick Cash®, and other trademarks and service marks are also important to our Company, and a loss of the service mark or trademarks or a diminution in the perceived quality associated with these names could harm our business.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we held $1.5 billion in investment securities, the majority of which are state and municipal debt securities. The majority of this money represents the principal of money orders issued by us to consumers primarily in the United States and money transfers sent by consumers. We regularly monitor our credit risk and attempt to mitigate our exposure by investing in highly-rated securities and by diversifying our investments. Despite those measures, it is possible that the value of our portfolio may decline in the future due to any number of factors, including general market conditions, credit issues, the viability of the issuer of the security, failure by an investment manager to manage the investment portfolio consistently with investment mandates, or increases in interest rates. Any such decline in value may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we held $1.3 billion in investment securities, the majority of which are state and municipal debt securities. The majority of this money represents the principal of money orders issued by us to consumers primarily in the United States and money transfers sent by consumers. We regularly monitor our credit risk and attempt to mitigate our exposure by investing in highly-rated securities and by diversifying our investments. Despite those measures, it is possible that the value of our portfolio may decline in the future due to any number of factors, including general market conditions, credit issues, the viability of the issuer of the security, failure by one of our investment managers to effectively manage our investment portfolio consistently with investment mandates, or increases in interest rates. Any such decline in value may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $2.5 billion in consolidated indebtedness, and we may also incur additional indebtedness in the future. Furthermore, the Tax Act imposes a tax on certain of our previously undistributed foreign earnings, which we have elected to pay in periodic installments through 2025.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $2.9 billion in consolidated indebtedness, and we may also incur additional indebtedness in the future. Furthermore, the Tax Act imposes a tax on certain of our previously undistributed foreign earnings, and we are required to pay the final installment in 2025.

Previous wording

Our United States business is subject to reporting, recordkeeping and anti-money laundering provisions of the BSA and to regulatory oversight and enforcement by FinCEN. We have subsidiaries in Brazil and Austria that are subject to banking regulations. Our Austrian banking subsidiary is also subject to regulation, examination, and supervision by the NYDFS. We also operate through a small number of licensed payment institutions in the EU. Under the EU Payment Services Directives, as amended (together “PSD”), and the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives as amended, our operating companies that are licensed in the EU have increasingly become directly subject to reporting, recordkeeping, and anti-money laundering regulations, and agent oversight and monitoring requirements, as well as broader supervision by EU member states. Our Canadian business is subject to the recently issued Retail Payment Activities Act, which will require registration of our operations and our ongoing compliance with risk management, funds safeguarding, recordkeeping, and reporting regulations. Additionally, the financial penalties associated with the failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws have increased in recent regulation, including the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives. These laws and proposed new related financial services laws have increased and will continue to increase our costs and competition in some or all of our areas of service. Legislation that has been enacted or proposed in other jurisdictions could have similar effects.

Current wording

Our United States business is subject to reporting, recordkeeping, and anti-money laundering provisions of the BSA and to regulatory oversight and enforcement by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) of the United States Department of Treasury. We have subsidiaries in Brazil and Austria that are subject to banking regulations. Under PSD2, the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives as amended, and equivalent UK legislation, our operating companies that are licensed in the EU and UK have increasingly become directly subject to reporting, recordkeeping, and anti-money laundering regulations, and agent oversight and monitoring requirements, as well as broader supervision by EU member states. Our Canadian business is subject to the Retail Payment Activities Act, which will require registration of our operations and our ongoing compliance with risk management, funds safeguarding, recordkeeping, and reporting regulations. Additionally, the financial penalties associated with the failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws have increased, including in the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives as amended. These laws and proposed new related financial services laws, including PSD3 and the EU AML Package (comprising the Sixth AML Directive, the AML Regulation, and the AML Authority Regulation), all of which will be supplemented by various regulatory guidelines and technical standards, have increased and will continue to increase our costs and competition in some or all of our areas of service. Legislation that has been enacted or proposed in other jurisdictions could have similar effects.

Previous wording

The remittance industry, including Western Union, remains under scrutiny from government regulators and others in connection with its ability to prevent its services from being abused by people seeking to defraud others. For example, in early 2017, we entered into the Joint Settlement Agreements with the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”), certain United States Attorney’s Offices, the FTC, FinCEN, and various state attorneys general to resolve the respective investigations of those agencies, and in early 2018, we agreed to the NYDFS Consent Order. The ingenuity of criminal fraudsters, combined with the potential susceptibility to fraud by consumers, make the prevention of consumer fraud a significant and challenging problem. Our failure to continue to help prevent such frauds and increased costs related to the implementation of enhanced anti-fraud measures, or a change in fraud prevention laws or their interpretation or the manner in which they are enforced has had, and could in the future have, an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Participants in the remittance industry, including Western Union, remain under scrutiny from government regulators and others in connection with the industry's ability to prevent its services from being abused by people seeking to defraud others. The ingenuity of criminal fraudsters, combined with the potential susceptibility to fraud by consumers, make the prevention of consumer fraud a significant and challenging problem. Our failure to continue to help prevent such frauds and increased costs related to the implementation of enhanced anti-fraud measures, or a change in fraud prevention laws or their interpretation or the manner in which they are enforced has had, and could in the future have, an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

The requirements under PSD, the Dodd-Frank Act, and similar legislation enacted or proposed in other countries have resulted and will likely continue to result in increased compliance costs, and in the event we or our agents or their subagents are unable to comply, could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Additional countries may adopt similar legislation.

Current wording

The requirements under PSD2, the Dodd-Frank Act, and similar legislation enacted or proposed in other countries have resulted and will likely continue to result in increased compliance costs, and in the event we or our agents or their subagents are unable to comply, could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Additional countries may adopt similar legislation.

Previous wording

We also have a payment institution to conduct money remittance in the United Kingdom (“UK”), which was authorized by the FCA in April 2019 and presently offers retail money transfer services via UK agents and our UK Branded Digital services. As a result of Brexit, including under the terms of any new regulatory authorizations we have and may obtain, we could be required to comply with differing regulatory requirements in the UK as a result of divergence from established EU regulation. This could make it more costly for us to provide our services. We continue to monitor developments in this area, particularly for instance those forthcoming under the recently enacted Financial Services and Markets Bill Act 2022-23, which is going through UK Parliamentary scrutiny, and is expected to be passed in 2023. The Bill aims to recast the UK regulatory framework post-Brexit and will give the UK Government the power to repeal retained EU financial services legislation and create new regulator rule-making powers in areas currently covered by retained EU law, with the objective of promoting the growth and international competitiveness of the UK economy.

Current wording

As a result of Brexit, we also have a payment institution to conduct money remittance in the United Kingdom (“UK”), which is authorized by the FCA and offers retail money transfer services via UK agents and our UK Branded Digital services. As a result, we are required to comply with differing regulatory requirements in the UK as a result of divergence from established EU regulation, making it more costly for us to provide our services. We continue to monitor developments in this area, such as the Financial Services and Markets Act that recasts the UK regulatory framework and gives the UK Government the power to repeal retained EU financial services legislation and create new regulator rule-making powers.

Previous wording

The evolving regulatory environment, including increased fees or taxes, regulatory initiatives (and increases in regulatory authority, oversight, and enforcement), changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation, industry practices and standards imposed by state, federal, or foreign governments, and expectations regarding our compliance efforts, is impacting the manner in which we operate our business, may change the competitive landscape, and is expected to continue to adversely affect our financial results. Existing, new, and proposed legislation relating to financial services providers and consumer protection in various jurisdictions around the world has affected and may continue to affect the manner in which we provide our services; see risk factor “The Dodd-Frank Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, as well as the regulations required by these Acts and the actions of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and similar legislation and regulations enacted by other government authorities, could adversely affect us and the scope of our activities and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.” Recently proposed and enacted legislation related to financial services providers and consumer protection in various jurisdictions around the world and at the federal and state level in the United States has subjected and may continue to subject us to additional regulatory oversight, mandate additional consumer disclosures and remedies, including refunds to consumers, or otherwise impact the manner in which we provide our services. If governments implement new laws or regulations that limit our right to set fees and/or foreign exchange spreads, then our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in regulatory expectations, interpretations, or practices could increase the risk of regulatory enforcement actions, fines, and penalties. For example, in early 2017, we entered into the Joint Settlement Agreements, and in early 2018, we agreed to the NYDFS Consent Order.

Current wording

The evolving regulatory environment, including increased fees or taxes, regulatory initiatives (and increases in regulatory authority, oversight, and enforcement), changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation, industry practices and standards imposed by state, federal, or foreign governments, and expectations regarding our compliance efforts, is impacting the manner in which we operate our business, may change the competitive landscape, and is expected to continue to adversely affect our financial results. Existing, new, and proposed legislation relating to financial services providers and consumer protection in various jurisdictions around the world has affected and may continue to affect the manner in which we provide our services; see risk factor “The Dodd-Frank Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, as well as the regulations required by these Acts and the actions of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and similar legislation and regulations enacted by other government authorities, could adversely affect us and the scope of our activities and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.” Recently proposed and enacted legislation related to financial services providers and consumer protection in various jurisdictions around the world and at the federal and state level in the United States has subjected and may continue to subject us to additional regulatory oversight, mandate additional consumer disclosures and remedies, including refunds to consumers, or otherwise impact the manner in which we provide our services. If governments implement new laws or regulations that limit our right to set fees and/or foreign exchange spreads, then our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in regulatory expectations, interpretations, or practices could increase the risk of regulatory enforcement actions, fines, and penalties.

Previous wording

In addition, U.S. policy makers have sought and may continue to seek heightened customer due diligence requirements on, or restrict, remittances from the United States to Mexico or other jurisdictions. For example, government sanctions imposed in February 2022 with respect to Russia and Ukraine impacted our ability to offer services in the region and we voluntarily suspended our operations in Russia and Belarus in March 2022. Policy makers have also discussed potential legislation to add taxes to remittances from the United States to Mexico and/or other countries. Further, one state has passed a law imposing a fee on certain money transfer transactions, and certain other states have proposed similar legislation. Several foreign countries have enacted or proposed rules imposing taxes or fees on certain money transfer transactions, as well. The approach of policy makers and the ongoing budget shortfalls in many jurisdictions, combined with future federal action or inaction on immigration reform, may lead other states or localities to impose similar taxes or fees or other requirements or restrictions. Foreign countries in similar circumstances have invoked and could continue to invoke the imposition of sales, service, or similar taxes, or other requirements or restrictions, on money transfer services. A tax, fee, or other requirement or restriction exclusively on money transfer service providers like Western Union could put us at a competitive disadvantage to other means of remittance which are not subject to the same taxes, fees, requirements, or restrictions. Other examples of changes to our financial environment include the possibility of regulatory initiatives that focus on lowering international remittance costs. Such initiatives may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

In addition, U.S. policy makers have sought and may continue to seek heightened customer due diligence requirements on, or restrict, remittances from the United States to Mexico or other jurisdictions. For example, in 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York announced actions that banned several Iraqi banks, some of whom were our agents, from conducting U.S. dollar transactions. Members of the new administration in the United States and other policy makers have also discussed potential legislation to add taxes to remittances from the United States to Mexico and/or other countries. Further, one state and one U.S. territory have passed laws imposing a fee on certain money transfer transactions, and certain other states have proposed similar legislation. Several foreign countries have enacted or proposed rules imposing taxes or fees on certain money transfer transactions, as well. The approach of policy makers and the ongoing budget shortfalls in many jurisdictions, combined with future federal action or inaction on immigration reform, may lead other states or localities to impose similar taxes or fees or other requirements or restrictions. Foreign countries in similar circumstances have invoked and could continue to invoke the imposition of sales, service, or similar taxes, or other requirements or restrictions, on money transfer services. A tax, fee, or other requirement or restriction exclusively on money transfer service providers like Western Union could put us at a competitive disadvantage to other means of remittance which are not subject to the same taxes, fees, requirements, or restrictions. Other examples of changes to our financial environment include the possibility of regulatory initiatives that focus on lowering international remittance costs. Such initiatives may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Regulators around the world look at each other’s approaches to the regulation of the payments and other industries. Consequently, a development in any one country, state, or region may influence regulatory approaches in other countries, states, or regions. Similarly, new laws and regulations in a country, state, or region involving one service may cause lawmakers there to extend the regulations to another service. As a result, the risks created by any one new law or regulation are magnified by the potential they may be replicated, affecting our business in another place or involving another service. Conversely, if widely varying regulations come into existence worldwide, we may have difficulty adjusting our services, fees, foreign exchange spreads and other important aspects of our business, with the same effect. Further, political changes and trends such as populism, economic nationalism, protectionism, and negative sentiment towards multinational companies could result in laws or regulations that adversely impact our ability to conduct business in certain jurisdictions.

Current wording

Regulators around the world look at each other’s approaches to the regulation of the payments and other industries. Consequently, a development in any one country, state, or region may influence regulatory approaches in other countries, states, or regions. Similarly, new laws and regulations in a country, state, or region involving one service may cause lawmakers there to extend the regulations to another service. As a result, the risks created by any one new law or regulation are magnified by the potential they may be replicated, affecting our business in another place or involving another service. Conversely, if widely varying regulations come into existence worldwide, we may have difficulty adjusting our services, fees, foreign exchange spreads and other important aspects of our business, with the same effect. Further, political changes and trends such as populism, economic nationalism, protectionism, and negative sentiment towards multinational companies could result in laws or regulations that adversely impact our ability to conduct business in certain jurisdictions. Any of these eventualities could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our agents and their subagents are subject to a variety of regulatory requirements, which differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, are subject to change, and continue to increase. Material changes in the regulatory requirements for offering money transfer services, including with respect to anti-money laundering requirements, sanctions, fraud prevention, licensing requirements, consumer protection, customer due diligence, agent registration, or increased requirements to monitor our agents or their subagents in a jurisdiction important to our business have meant and could continue to mean increased costs and/or operational demands on our agents and their subagents, which have resulted and could continue to result in their attrition, a decrease in the number of locations at which money transfer services are offered, an increase in the commissions paid to agents and their subagents to compensate for their increased costs, and other negative consequences. For example, in recent months, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has announced actions that banned several Iraqi banks, some of whom were our agents, from conducting U.S. dollar transactions. As a result, since those actions, our business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted.

Current wording

Our agents and their subagents are subject to a variety of regulatory requirements, which differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are subject to change. Material changes in the regulatory requirements for offering money transfer services, including with respect to anti-money laundering requirements, sanctions, fraud prevention, licensing requirements, consumer protection, customer due diligence, agent registration, or increased requirements to monitor our agents or their subagents in a jurisdiction important to our business have meant and could continue to mean increased costs and/or operational demands on our agents and their subagents, which have resulted and could continue to result in their attrition, a decrease in the number of locations at which money transfer services are offered, an increase in the commissions paid to agents and their subagents to compensate for their increased costs, and other negative consequences. For example, in 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York announced actions that banned several Iraqi banks, some of whom were our agents, from conducting U.S. dollar transactions. As a result of those actions and any other actions that may be taken by the U.S. government related to Iraq, our business has been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted.

Previous wording

The types of enterprises that are legally authorized to act as our agents and their subagents vary significantly from one country to another. Changes in the laws affecting the kinds of entities that are permitted to act as money transfer agents or their subagents (such as changes in requirements for capitalization or ownership) could adversely affect our ability to distribute our services and the cost of providing such services, both by us and our agents and their subagents. For example, a requirement that a money transfer provider be a bank or other highly regulated financial entity could increase significantly the cost of providing our services in many countries where that requirement does not exist today or could prevent us from offering our services in an affected country. Further, any changes in law that would require us to provide money transfer services directly to consumers as opposed to through an agent network (which would effectively change our business model) or that would prohibit or impede the use of subagents could significantly adversely impact our ability to provide our services, and/or the cost of our services, in the relevant jurisdiction. Changes mandated by laws which make Western Union responsible for acts of its agents and their subagents while they are providing the Western Union money transfer service increase our risk of regulatory liability and our costs to monitor our agents’ or their subagents’ performance.

Current wording

The types of enterprises that are legally authorized to act as our agents and their subagents vary significantly from one country to another. Changes in the laws affecting the kinds of entities that are permitted to act as money transfer agents or their subagents (such as changes in requirements for capitalization or ownership) could adversely affect our ability to distribute our services and the cost of providing such services, both by us and our agents and their subagents. For example, a requirement that a money transfer provider be a bank or other highly regulated financial entity could increase significantly the cost of providing our services in many countries where that requirement does not exist today or could prevent us from offering our services in an affected country. Further, any changes in law that would require us to provide money transfer services directly to consumers as opposed to through an agent network (which would effectively change our business model) or that would prohibit or impede the use of subagents could significantly and adversely impact our ability to provide our services, and/or the cost of our services, in the relevant jurisdiction. Changes mandated by laws which make Western Union responsible for acts of its agents and their subagents while they are providing the Western Union money transfer service increase our risk of regulatory liability and our costs to monitor our agents’ or their subagents’ performance.

Previous wording

Although most of our Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded agents also offer money transfer services of our competitors, many of our Western Union branded agents have agreed to offer only our money transfer services. While we expect to continue signing certain agents under exclusive arrangements and believe that these agreements are valid and enforceable, changes in laws regulating competition or in the interpretation of those laws could undermine our ability to enforce them in the future. Various jurisdictions continue to increase their focus on the potential impact of agent agreements on competition. In addition, over the past several years, several countries in Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa, and Asia have promulgated laws or regulations, or authorities in these countries have issued orders, which effectively prohibit payment service providers, such as money transfer companies, from agreeing to exclusive arrangements with agents in those countries. Certain institutions, non-governmental organizations and others are actively advocating against exclusive arrangements in money transfer agent agreements. Advocates for laws prohibiting or limiting exclusive agreements continue to push for enactment of similar laws in other jurisdictions.

Current wording

Although most of our Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded agents also offer money transfer services of our competitors, many of our Western Union branded agents have agreed to offer only our money transfer services. While we expect to continue signing certain agents under exclusive arrangements where permitted and believe that these agreements are valid and enforceable, changes in laws regulating competition or in the interpretation of those laws could undermine our ability to enforce them in the future. Various jurisdictions continue to increase their focus on the potential impact of agent agreements on competition and could further restrict our ability to enter into exclusive arrangements. Already, several countries in Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa, and Asia have promulgated laws or regulations, or authorities in these countries have issued orders, which effectively prohibit payment service providers, such as money transfer companies, from agreeing to exclusive arrangements with agents in those countries. Certain institutions, non-governmental organizations and others are actively advocating against exclusive arrangements in money transfer agent agreements. Advocates for laws prohibiting or limiting exclusive agreements continue to push for enactment of similar laws in other jurisdictions.

Previous wording

Rules and regulations implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act have made and continue to make significant structural reforms and new substantive regulation across the financial services industry. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, which implements, examines compliance with, and enforces federal consumer protection laws governing financial products and services, including money transfer services. The CFPB has created additional regulatory obligations for us and has the authority to further define participants in markets for consumer financial products and services and examine and supervise us and our larger competitors, including for matters related to unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices (“UDAAP”), the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (“EFTA”), and Regulation E. The CFPB’s regulations implementing the remittance provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have affected our business in a variety of areas. These include: (i) a requirement to provide consumers sending funds internationally from the United States enhanced, written, pre-transaction disclosures and transaction receipts, including the disclosure of fees, foreign exchange rates and taxes, (ii) an obligation to resolve various errors, including certain errors that may be outside our control, and (iii) an obligation at a consumer’s request to cancel transactions that have not been completed. These requirements have changed the way we operate our business and along with other potential changes under CFPB regulations could adversely affect our operations and financial results. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act and interpretations and actions by the CFPB have had, and could continue to have a significant impact on us by, for example, requiring us to limit or change our business practices, limiting our ability to pursue business opportunities, requiring us to invest valuable management time and resources in compliance efforts, imposing additional costs on us, delaying our ability to respond to marketplace changes, requiring us to alter our products and services in a manner that would make them less attractive to consumers and impair our ability to offer them profitably, or requiring us to make other changes that could adversely affect our business. In addition, these regulations impose responsibility on us for any related compliance failures of our agents.

Current wording

Rules and regulations implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act have made and continue to make significant structural reforms and new substantive regulation across the financial services industry. The CFPB’s regulations, including for matters related to UDAAP, EFTA, and Regulation E, have changed the way we operate our business and along with other potential changes under CFPB regulations could adversely affect our operations and financial results. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act and interpretations and actions by the CFPB have had, and could continue to have a significant impact on us by, for example, requiring us to limit or change our business practices, limiting our ability to pursue business opportunities, requiring us to invest valuable management time and resources in compliance efforts, imposing additional costs on us, delaying our ability to respond to marketplace changes, requiring us to alter our products and services in a manner that would make them less attractive to consumers and impair our ability to offer them profitably, or requiring us to make other changes that could adversely affect our business. In addition, these regulations impose responsibility on us for any related compliance failures of our agents.

Previous wording

We are subject to extensive requirements relating to data privacy and security under federal, state, and foreign laws. These laws and requirements continue to evolve and may become increasingly difficult to comply with. For example, the FTC continues to investigate the privacy practices of many companies and has brought numerous enforcement actions, resulting in significant fines and multi-year agreements governing the settling companies’ privacy practices. In addition, the SEC and the NYDFS have enacted new rules or amendments to existing rules that have modified reporting requirements and added new prescriptive requirements relating to cybersecurity programs or expanded existing requirements. Furthermore, certain industry groups require us to adhere to privacy requirements in addition to federal, state, and foreign laws, and certain of our business relationships depend upon our compliance with these requirements. As the number of countries enacting privacy and related laws increases and the scope of these laws and enforcement efforts expand, we will increasingly become subject to new and varying requirements. For example, in 2018, the EU implemented the GDPR, and other countries have enacted similar legislation, such as Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (“LGPD”), which became effective in 2020, China’s Personal Information Protection Law (“PIPL”), which became effective in November 2021, and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) passed in August of 2023. The GDPR, LGPD, PIPL, and DPDPA impose obligations and present the risk of substantially increased penalties for non-compliance, including the possibility of not only fines but also enforcement action that may require an organization to cease certain of its data processing activities. Such penalties could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, in 2020 the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) invalidated the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework, which provided a mechanism for companies transferring personal data from the EU to the U.S., and imposed additional obligations on companies such as Western Union when transferring personal data from the EU to the U.S. and other jurisdictions. We have incurred, and we expect to continue to incur, expenses to meet the obligations of the GDPR and other similar legislation and new interpretations of their requirements. We are also subject to data privacy and security laws in various states, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act and the Colorado Privacy Act, that impose heightened data privacy requirements on companies that collect information from state residents and create a broad set of privacy rights and remedies modeled in part on the GDPR. Failure to comply with existing or future data privacy and security laws, regulations, and requirements to which we are subject or could become subject, including by reason of inadvertent disclosure of confidential …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

FTC continues to investigate the privacy practices of many companies and has brought numerous enforcement actions, resulting in significant fines and multi-year agreements governing the settling companies’ privacy practices. In addition, the SEC and the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”) have enacted new rules or amendments to existing rules that have modified reporting requirements and added new prescriptive requirements relating to cybersecurity programs or expanded existing requirements. Furthermore, certain industry groups require us to adhere to privacy requirements in addition to federal, state, and foreign laws, and certain of our business relationships depend upon our compliance with these requirements. As the number of countries enacting privacy and related laws increases and the scope of these laws and enforcement efforts expand, we will increasingly become subject to new and varying requirements. For example, in 2018, the EU implemented the GDPR, and other countries have enacted similar legislation, such as Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (“LGPD”), which became effective in 2020, China’s Personal Information Protection Law (“PIPL”), which became effective in November 2021, and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (“DPDPA”) passed in August of 2023. The GDPR, LGPD, PIPL, and DPDPA impose obligations and present the risk of substantially increased penalties for non-compliance, including the possibility of not only fines but also enforcement action that may require an organization to cease certain of its data processing activities. Such penalties could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, in 2020 the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) invalidated the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework, which provided a mechanism for companies transferring personal data from the EU to the U.S., and imposed additional obligations on companies such as Western Union when transferring personal data from the EU to the U.S. and other jurisdictions. We have incurred, and we expect to continue to incur, expenses to meet the obligations of the GDPR and other similar legislation and new interpretations of their requirements. We are also subject to data privacy and security laws in various states, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act and the Colorado Privacy Act, that impose heightened data privacy requirements on companies that collect information from state residents and create a broad set of privacy rights and remedies modeled in part on the GDPR. Failure to comply with existing or future data privacy and security laws, regulations, and requirements to which we are subject or could become subject, including by reason of inadvertent disclosure of confidential information, could result in fines, sanctions, penalties, or other adverse consequences and loss of consumer confidence, which could materially adversely affect our results of operati…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

We are subject to unclaimed property laws in the United States and abroad, and some of our agents are subject to unclaimed property laws in their respective jurisdictions which require us, or our agents, to turn over to certain government authorities the property of others held by us that has been unclaimed for a specified period of time, such as unpaid money transfers and money orders. We have an ongoing program designed to help us comply with those laws. These laws are evolving and are frequently unclear, subject to interpretation, and inconsistent among various jurisdictions, making compliance challenging. In addition, we are subject to audits with regard to our escheatment practices. Recently in the United States, approximately 30 states conducted a multi-year audit of our escheatment practices through a contracted third-party auditor. We have also commenced a contemporaneous internal review as part of our participation in Delaware’s voluntary disclosure program. Any difference between the amounts we have accrued for unclaimed property and amounts that are claimed by a state, foreign jurisdiction, or representative thereof could have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

We are subject to unclaimed property laws in the United States and abroad, and some of our agents are subject to unclaimed property laws in their respective jurisdictions which require us, or our agents, to turn over to certain government authorities the property of others held by us that has been unclaimed for a specified period of time, such as unpaid money transfers and money orders. We have an ongoing program designed to help us comply with those laws. These laws are evolving and are frequently unclear, subject to interpretation, and inconsistent among various jurisdictions, making compliance challenging. In addition, we are subject to audits with regard to our escheatment practices. Any difference between the amounts we have accrued for unclaimed property and amounts that are claimed by a state, foreign jurisdiction, or representative thereof could have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

In early 2017, the Company entered into Joint Settlement Agreements with the DOJ, certain United States Attorney’s Offices, the FTC, FinCEN, and various state attorneys general to resolve the respective investigations of those agencies. Under the Joint Settlement Agreements, the Company was required, among other things, to pay an aggregate amount of $586 million to the DOJ to be used to reimburse consumers who were the victims of third-party fraud conducted through the Company’s money transfer services, and retain an independent compliance auditor for three years to review and assess actions taken by the Company to further enhance its oversight of agents and protection of consumers, both of which were performed by the Company during 2017. The Joint Settlement Agreements also required the Company to adopt certain new or enhanced practices with respect to its compliance program, relating to, among other things, consumer reimbursement, agent due diligence, agent training, monitoring, reporting, and record-keeping by the Company and its agents, consumer fraud disclosures, and agent suspensions and terminations. Western Union has continuing obligations under the FTC Consent Order, which is a permanent injunction, as well as the requirement to submit annual reports to the FTC through January 2028. The ongoing obligations under the Joint Settlement Agreements have had and could have adverse effects on the Company’s business, including additional costs and potential loss of business. The Company has also faced actions from other regulators as a result of the Joint Settlement Agreements. For example, on July 28, 2017, the NYDFS informed the Company that the facts set forth in the DPA with the DOJ and with certain other United States Attorney’s Offices regarding the Company’s anti-money laundering programs over the 2004 through 2012 period gave the NYDFS a basis to take additional enforcement action. In January 2018, the Company agreed to the NYDFS Consent Order with the NYDFS, which required the Company to pay a civil monetary penalty of $60 million to the NYDFS and resolved its investigation into these matters. The term of the DPA expired in January 2020, and it was dismissed in March 2020, and the term of the Independent Compliance Auditor under the FTC Consent Order ended in May 2020. Notwithstanding, if the Company fails to comply with its continuing obligations under the Joint Settlement Agreements, it could face criminal prosecution, civil litigation, significant fines, damage awards, or other regulatory consequences. Any or all of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

In early 2017, the Company entered intoa Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the United States Department of Justice and certain United States Attorney’s Offices (the “DPA”), a Stipulated Order for Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment (the “FTC Consent Order”) with the United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), a Consent to the Assessment of Civil Money Penalty with FinCEN, and settlement agreements with various state attorneys general (collectively, the “Joint Settlement Agreements”) to resolve the respective investigations of those agencies. Under the Joint Settlement Agreements, the Company was required, among other things, to pay an aggregate amount of $586 million to the DOJ to be used to reimburse consumers who were the victims of third-party fraud conducted through the Company’s money transfer services, and retain an independent compliance auditor for three years to review and assess actions taken by the Company to further enhance its oversight of agents and protection of consumers, both of which were performed by the Company during 2017. The Joint Settlement Agreements also required the Company to adopt certain new or enhanced practices with respect to its compliance program, relating to, among other things, consumer reimbursement, agent due diligence, agent training, monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping by the Company and its agents, consumer fraud disclosures, and agent suspensions and terminations. Western Union has continuing obligations under the FTC Consent Order, which is a permanent injunction, as well as the requirement to submit annual reports to the FTC through January 2028. The ongoing obligations under the Joint Settlement Agreements have had and could have adverse effects on the Company’s business, including additional costs and potential loss of business. The Company has also faced actions from other regulators as a result of the Joint Settlement Agreements. For example, on July 28, 2017, the NYDFS informed the Company that the facts set forth in the DPA with the DOJ and with certain other United States Attorney’s Offices regarding the Company’s anti-money laundering programs over the 2004 through 2012 period gave the NYDFS a basis to take additional enforcement action. In January 2018, the Company agreed to a consent order with the NYDFS, which required the Company to pay a civil monetary penalty of $60 million to the NYDFS and resolved its investigation into these matters. The term of the DPA expired in January 2020, and it was dismissed in March 2020, and the term of the Independent Compliance Auditor under the FTC Consent Order ended in May 2020. Notwithstanding, if the Company fails to comply with its continuing obligations under the Joint Settlement Agreements, it could face criminal prosecution, civil litigation, significant fines, damage awards, or other regulatory consequences. Any or all of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of op…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.