Category: Industry

Press Release: NEC to Acquire CSG, Strengthening Its Position as a Global Leader in Digital Transformation

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TOKYO, Japan and DENVER, Colorado – October 29, 2025 – NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) (“NEC”) and CSG Systems International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGS) (“CSG”) today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which NEC will acquire CSG for US$80.70 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately US$2.9 billion, or JPY438.5 billion, including debt. The transaction price represents a 17.38% premium over CSG’s closing price of US$68.75 on October 28, 2025, and a 23.07% premium to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of CSG common stock for the 30 days ending October 28, 2025.

The transaction strengthens NEC’s position as a leader in next-generation digital solutions and accelerates AI and cloud-driven innovation for customers across industries. It will bring together complementary software and services across digital transformation, expanding NEC’s software- as-a-service (SaaS) portfolio, customer footprint, and global reach.

Adding CSG’s proven SaaS product portfolio and strong global customer base to NEC and its subsidiary, Netcracker, delivers meaningful value to customers through a diversified and expanded product portfolio. The transaction will enable NEC to deliver a more competitive offering in next-generation environments, such as global communication service providers, and to leading brands in high-growth sectors such as media, financial services, healthcare, retail and logistics. The transaction builds on the capabilities of NEC’s subsidiary, Netcracker, which provides a complementary global footprint and deep expertise in BSS (Business Support Systems) and OSS (Operational Support Systems), aligning naturally with CSG’s strengths.

The agreement has been unanimously approved by both companies’ Boards. The transaction is expected to close within the 2026 calendar year, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval by CSG shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Advisors

Goldman Sachs is serving as financial advisor, Freshfields is serving as legal advisor, and FGS Global is serving as strategic communications advisor to NEC. Jefferies is serving as financial advisor, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal advisor, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor to CSG.

About NEC

The NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.

NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.

About CSG

CSG empowers companies to build unforgettable experiences, making it easier for people and businesses to connect with, use and pay for the services they value most. Our customer experience, billing and payments solution help companies of any size make money and make a difference.

With our SaaS solutions, company leaders can take control of their future and tap into guidance along the way from our fiercely committed and forward-thinking CSGers around the world.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expectations, plans, intentions, strategies or prospects with respect to the proposed transaction. These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “hope,” “hopeful,” “likely,” “may,” “optimistic,” “possible,” “potential,” “preliminary,”

“project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions or variations. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current expectations and beliefs and are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others:

(i) the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction on the anticipated terms and timing, or at all; (ii) the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction, including obtaining required shareholder and regulatory approvals; (iii) the risk that the Company’s stock price may fluctuate during the pendency of the proposed transaction and may decline if the proposed transaction is not completed; (iv) potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction that could be instituted against the Company or its directors, managers or officers, including the delay, expense or other effects of any outcomes related thereto; (v) the risk that disruptions from the proposed transaction will harm the Company’s business, including current plans and operations, including during the pendency of the proposed transaction; (vi) the ability of the Company to retain, motivate and hire key personnel; (vii) the diversion of management’s time and attention from ordinary course business operations to completion of the proposed transaction and integration matters; (viii) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction; (ix) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the proposed transaction that could affect the Company’s financial performance; (xi) certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact the Company’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including but not limited to acts of terrorism, outbreaks of war or hostilities or global pandemics, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xiii) the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (xiv) unexpected costs, liabilities or delays associated with the transaction; (xv) the response of competitors to the transaction; (xvi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction, including in circumstances requiring the Company to pay a termination fee; (xvii) the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including the expected synergies and cost saving; (xviii) the possibility that competing or superior acquisition proposals for the Company will be made; and (xix) other risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as

predictions of future events. Actual results and outcomes could differ materially from the results described in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication relates to a proposed acquisition of CSG Systems International, Inc. by NEC Corporation. In connection with this proposed acquisition, CSG Systems International, Inc. plans to file one or more proxy statements or other documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other document that CSG Systems International, Inc. may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN

IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Any definitive proxy statement(s) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of CSG Systems International, Inc. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by CSG Systems International, Inc. through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by CSG Systems International, Inc. will be available free of charge on CSG Systems International, Inc.’s internet website at https://ir.csgi.com/investor-home/default.aspx or upon written request to: CSG Systems International, Inc., Investor Relations, 169 Inverness Dr W, Suite 300, Englewood, CO 80112, or by email at [email protected].

Participants in Solicitation

CSG Systems International, Inc., its directors and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of CSG Systems International, Inc. is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2025. To the extent that holdings of CSG Systems International, Inc.’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in CSG Systems International, Inc.’s proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC.

Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

CSG Systems International, Inc. Investor Relations

169 Inverness Dr W, Suite 300, Englewood, CO 80112 [email protected]

https://ir.csgi.com/investor-home/default.aspx

CONTACTS

For NEC
Media

Joseph Jasper
[email protected]

Danya Al-Qattan/Ben Spicehandler
FGS Global
(212) 687-8080

Investors

IR office
Email: [email protected]

For CSG
Media

Kristine Ostegaard
[email protected]
+44 (0)79 2047 7204

Tim Lynch/Mahmoud Siddig
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449

Investors
John Rea [email protected]
(303) 200-3161

Navigating the Forrester Merchant Payment Providers Landscape: How CSG Forte Addresses What Matters Most

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We’re excited to announce that CSG Forte has been included in the Forrester Merchant Payment Providers Landscape, Q4 2025 report—a recognition that we believe highlights our quality products and service, as well as our commitment to empowering organizations of all sizes with scalable, secure and future-ready payment solutions.

But what truly sets CSG Forte apart in a crowded field of payment providers? We believe the answer lies in our deep partnership approach and the real-world results our clients achieve.

 

How payments are evolving—and why merchants need to keep up

The payments industry continues to evolve rapidly, moving away from cash and checks and toward digital wallets and omnichannel experiences. In fact, cashless transactions are expected to triple from 2020 to 2030—a shift that no organization can afford to ignore. For enterprise organizations, this means integrated payments are no longer a “nice to have”—they’re a strategic necessity for growth, customer satisfaction and competitive differentiation.

Industry experts predict that continued cloud adoption and digital transformation across the software vendor sector will boost industry growth by nearly 24% annually through 2032. To stay ahead, businesses must develop a payment integration strategy that not only meets today’s needs but is also flexible and scalable enough to adapt to tomorrow’s innovations.

 

Why embedded payments matter

Facilitating online payments allows businesses to own the full payment flow, delivering seamless, branded experiences that reduce friction at checkout and boost conversion rates. With CSG Forte, merchants can:

  • Centralize payment data for better support and optimization.
  • Minimize latency and failed transactions.
  • Enable recurring billing and support emerging payment methods.
  • Scale efficiently with modular infrastructure and flexible monetization models.

But the benefits go beyond technology. By partnering with a payment processor like CSG Forte, organizations of any size gain access to infrastructure, compliance expertise and ongoing support—without having to divert resources from their core business.

 

Real-world results: Buildium and Rentec Direct

The impact of CSG Forte’s embedded payments strategy is best illustrated by our clients’ success stories.

Buildium, a leading property management software provider, needed a payment processing solution that could handle high transaction volumes and offer cost-effective ACH payments. By partnering with CSG Forte, Buildium was able to launch a tailored Automated Clearing House (ACH) solution quickly, driving 35% year-over-year growth in transactions and a 39% increase in dollars processed.

The partnership’s stability and personalized support were key: “Having the same person on our account from nearly the beginning of the relationship has made a huge impact,” said Buildium’s cofounder. The results speak for themselves—Buildium scaled rapidly and was ultimately acquired for $580 million.

Rentec Direct, another property management platform, faced inefficiencies with traditional rent payment methods. By integrating CSG Forte’s digital payment solutions, Rentec enabled online and recurring payments, reducing late payments from 22% to just 1% among users of the recurring system.

Over five years, Rentec saw an 112% increase in average payment volume and 98% revenue growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, landlords using CSG Forte-powered recurring payments experienced 20% less churn and fewer vacancies—a testament to the resilience and value of embedded payments.

 

The CSG Forte partnership difference

So, what makes CSG Forte the partner of choice?

  • Security & compliance: Forte is PCI-compliant, offering end-to-end encryption and tokenization to protect sensitive payment data. Achieving this level of security independently is costly and complex; with CSG Forte, it’s built in.
  • Flexibility & customization: Our APIs and developer-friendly solutions allow companies to quickly adapt to industry changes and evolving customer preferences.
  • Fast, smooth onboarding: CSG Forte’s streamlined onboarding process helps merchants get up and running quickly, making a strong first impression and accelerating time to value.
  • Scalable revenue models: Whether through referral partnerships, payment facilitation-as-a-service or full payment facilitation, CSG Forte offers multiple paths to monetization that grow with your business.

 

The Forrester landscape

Inclusion in the Forrester Merchant Payment Providers Landscape is more than a milestone—For us it’s repeated validation of CSG Forte’s ability to help merchants deliver seamless, secure and scalable payment experiences. Our embedded payments strategy empowers software providers to differentiate their platforms. This change can unlock new revenue streams and future-proof businesses in a rapidly changing industry.

Reports like the Forrester Merchant Payment Providers Landscape are invaluable tools for organizations that are seeking clarity in a rapidly evolving payments landscape. They provide unbiased, objective insights that help organizations cut through complexity, benchmark providers and make well-informed decisions to drive business growth and innovation.

Ready to learn more? Connect with our payment experts to see how CSG Forte can help you embed and monetize payments for long-term success.

Disclaimer: Forrester does not endorse any company, product, brand or service included in its research publications, and does not advise any person to select the products or services of any company or brand based on the ratings included in such publications. Information is based on the best available resources. Opinions reflect judgment at the time and are subject to change. For more information, read about Forrester’s objectivity here.

CIO | 5 steps for transforming a business from the inside out

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CSG Forte President Saurabh Joshi explains the 5 steps for transforming a business from the inside out.

FinTech Magazine | Saurabh Joshi: Why Stablecoins Transform Cross-Border Payments

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CSG Forte President Saurabh Joshi explains how blockchain-based currencies could revolutionize international B2B transactions while reducing costs.

PYMNTS | The ‘Sandbox’ Bill Bets on Faster AI Innovation

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A new bill from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz proposes giving artificial intelligence (AI) firms greater flexibility to test and develop new technologies by temporarily easing certain regulatory requirements.

It’s Time to Overhaul Your Government Payment System, But It’s Not as Taxing as You Think

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Does your local or state government agency offer digital payments? If not, now is the time to follow the federal government’s lead. As of September 30, 2025, all federal disbursements and receipts are slated to be transitioned to digital disbursement, which means the end of paper checks for IRS refunds, Social Security payments and payroll disbursements. It also means where legally permissible, all payments to the federal government must be processed electronically starting October 1.

Why is Uncle Sam modernizing federal payments? According to the order, “The continued use of paper-based payments by the Federal Government … imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies. Mail theft complaints have increased substantially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, Department of the Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than an electronic funds transfer (EFT).”

Digital payments have become the norm—92% of U.S. consumers used a website, app or digital wallet to make a payment in the past year. Despite the popularity of online payments, government agencies have been slow to adopt them. As of 2024, only 4.9% of local governments had implemented digital payments. When government agencies do accept online payments, they often rely on outdated, clunky payment systems that redirect users to third-party portals.

Modernizing your government payment system promotes operational efficiency, boosts convenience for payers and staff and increases collections. Flexible digital payment options make it easier for constituents to pay on time.

 

Outdated Payment Systems: Silent Saboteur of Timely Payments, Customer Trust and Back-Office Efficiency

Many government agencies still rely on checks, in-person cash payments or outdated systems, creating friction for payers and back-office staff.

The harder it is to pay a bill, the more likely people are to put it off. When the payment process takes too long, is difficult to navigate on a mobile device and/or requires too many resubmissions (due to system glitches), people may postpone paying their utilities, taxes, fees or other government bills. Millennials report they are more likely to prioritize paying bills that are easy to pay before taking care of those that are inconvenient.

Almost half (45%) of Americans have paid a bill late in the past year, according to a 2024 Lending Tree survey. Which bills were late? Utility bills (44%), cable/internet (34%) and rent/mortgage (31%) payments were most often paid late. Why? More than a quarter of the late payers (28%) mixed up the due date, and 28% forgot about the bill. Almost one third (32%) of consumers said that utilities are the most challenging type of bill to remember to pay on time (the most common response).

Clunky third-party payment portals damage customer experience and erode trust. When a portal is slow, glitchy or hard to navigate, payers may doubt the reliability of both the system and the government agency behind it. A jarring transition from your government website to the payment site—like completely different branding or layout—can seem unprofessional and raise concerns about legitimacy of the payment site. If the portal looks outdated, generates pop-ups or lacks clear security cues, users may even suspect phishing or data breaches.

Checks are costlier and labor intensive. “Checks probably have the highest labor cost associated with them,” Nacha reports. The cost of receiving paper checks ($1 – $2 per check) is higher than receiving Automated Clearing House (ACH or eCheck) payments ($.26 – $.50 per transaction). Back-office staff spend hours mailing paper bills and processing paper checks manually. It takes several steps to process paper checks, including:

  • Sort the mail
  • Match checks to accounts/invoices
  • Endorse each check
  • Complete a deposit slip
  • Take the checks to the bank

Enter the payment information into the accounting or billing software

Billing staff must also field phone calls (to explain confusing bills) and chase late payments. All of these labor-intensive tasks claim valuable staff time that could be spent on more meaningful tasks that require a human touch.

 

The Solution: Offer Flexible Payment Options Residents Will Use

Flexible digital payment options are the key to improving payment efficiency, on-time collections and payer trust and satisfaction. Many consumers prefer to pay online. A 2024 Experian survey found that 58% of respondents pay bills online, while just 17% visit a location to pay a bill and a mere 15% mail their payments.

To satisfy diverse payer preferences, government agencies should offer a variety of flexible payment options, including:

Multiple payment methods. Government agencies should allow constituents to pay using their preferred payment method. Some of the most popular include:

  • Credit/debit cards: According to the 2025 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice report, 88% of survey respondents used a credit card within 30 days of completing the survey; 74% had paid with a debit card.
  • ACH: More than two thirds (70%) of survey respondents used this payment method. In addition to being less expensive than checks to process, ACH processing is faster. ACH payments can be settled within a few hours on the same business day, compared to paper checks that can take a week or longer to clear.
  • Digital wallets: While consumers often reach for digital wallets to make online and—to a lesser extent—in-store purchases, they also use these convenient apps for bill payment. Recent PYMNTS research found that 40% of consumers had used a digital wallet to pay bills within the past year. Digital wallet payments are processed electronically (eliminating manual labor associated with paper checks), can be reconciled quickly, and typically clear within one to three days.
  • Automatic payments (aka autopay or recurring payments): Automatic payments refer to automatically deducting payments from a specified bank account or credit/debit card on a scheduled basis. A PYMNTS survey of U.S. consumers found that 41% of consumers use automatic bill payments, with most (63%) using them for discretionary purchases. Fewer people (33%) use autopay for utilities like electricity, delinquencies, and time spent chasing late payments; and improved customer satisfaction.
  • Partial payments: A partial payment option allows constituents to pay less than the full balance for utilities, taxes or other fees. People can make an initial payment and settle the remaining balance later. A payer who’s short on funds pays what they can to demonstrate good faith, stay in good standing and avoid late fees and service disconnection.

 

Modern Government Payment Processing Systems Benefit Payers and Governments

Government agencies need an electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP) solution like CSG Forte BillPay to increase efficiency, on-time payments and payer satisfaction. EBPP lets you send invoices electronically and securely. Constituents can log in to the platform and pay using a credit/debit card, ACH transfer or digital wallet. To maximize these benefits, agencies should focus on implementing systems and features that streamline the payment process for both payers and staff, such as:

Offer seamless, unified payment experiences. Embedding the government payment processing system into your agency’s website and integrating it with your billing and accounting software can:

  • Reduce friction and confusion
  • Eliminate administrative errors
  • Build payer trust
  • Encourage on-time payments

Increase self-service capabilities. Customers can access and update their account information and make payments at their convenience—and connect with a human agent when they need more support.

Realize efficiency gains and cost savings. Automating the billing and payment processes and providing flexible payment options can:

  • Save staff time: Your back-office staff won’t have to print and mail bills, process as many checks or manually reconcile payments. Clear billing statements and flexible payment options mean fewer billing-related phone calls.
  • Reduce costs: Electronic invoices reduce printing and mailing expenses, and processing payments electronically saves money.

 

Go Digital: Do Less, Collect More with CSG Forte BillPay

Flexible digital payments are no longer a perk—they’re the expectation. Going digital leads to happier citizens, lighter staff workloads, and more on-time payments.

CSG Forte makes it easy to modernize your government payment system without starting from scratch. CSG Forte BillPay is an EBPP solution that lets you accept payments anytime, from any connected device, using flexible payment methods like credit/debit cards, ACH and digital wallets. It supports one-time, scheduled, recurring and partial payments and automatically sends custom reminders and confirmations.

BillPay delivers a transparent, mobile-friendly payment experience through a single-page checkout form that complies with all requirements for web and mobile accessibility. It plugs into your existing accounting software, so there’s no need to overhaul your current systems.

A leading utility service provider saw a 65% drop in failed payments after implementing BillPay’s recurring billing and Account Updater tool, which automatically keeps credit card data current. Intech Apex Court Solutions increased credit card collections by 230% by implementing Forte’s Text to Pay solution.

CSG Forte can help your government agency achieve similar results. See how:

From Paper Checks to Autopay: Streamlining Rent Payments for Property Management Success

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Property managers and owners count on getting on-time rent payments to maintain a healthy revenue stream. As economic pressures grow and tenant satisfaction declines, pressure on landlords is mounting to modernize rent payment processes. With inflation and higher living costs, almost 50% of U.S. renters struggle to make monthly payments. Outdated payment systems cause delays and errors, worsening the rent collection problem.

Many renters are dissatisfied with property management systems that don’t offer modern conveniences, such as digital tools for rent payments. They often want to pay rent online; 86% of renters say that online rent payments are important to them when evaluating a new rental before signing a lease. But property managers and owners are often stuck with the old-fashioned paper check method of taking rent payments.

To boost efficiency and meet tenant expectations for convenient, online payment options, property managers must streamline the payment process. Keep reading to learn how flexible, online payment solutions for renters can help companies overcome four common payment challenges:

 

1. Late and missed payments disrupt cash flow.

Late or missed rent payments are a common problem for property managers and owners, leading to cash flow disruptions and higher administrative expenses. Property owners rely on consistent rent payments to cover their own expenses such as mortgage payments, insurance, property tax, maintenance and repairs, and staff salaries.

As of November 2024, 14% percent of renters had incurred a late fee in the past 12 months. Many renters who get a single late fee struggle to recover. In fact, just under 60% of tenants who incur one late fee will end up with two, or more. More than 20% of renters with at least one late fee also have five or more additional charges in the last 12 months. And it’s not chump change: the median outstanding rental balance increased by 60% between September 2021 ($2,000) to November 2024 ($3,200).

 

2. Delinquency management is time consuming and legally complex.

Chasing late payments involves sending reminders, calling and emailing tenants and tracking communication, which consumes valuable staff time. Inefficient communication systems make these tasks harder. Navigating local, state and federal landlord-tenant laws regarding late fees, notices to pay or quit and eviction procedures is complex and time-sensitive. Errors can lead to fines, lawsuits from tenants or costly delays in gaining possession of the unit.

 

3. Some payment methods are inefficient, risky and/or difficult to reconcile.

There are various reasons for this, but the following are common:

  • Paper checks require physical handling, are slow to process and are susceptible to loss, theft and fraud. Reconciliation of paper checks is often manual.
  • Cash is difficult to track and risky due to security and fraud concerns.
  • Bank transfers (ACH/wire) sometimes lack clear identification of the payer or property, making reconciliation difficult without proper systems.

 

4. Communication gaps can lead to disputes.

If policies—rent due dates, grace periods, late fees and accepted payment methods—aren’t clearly communicated upfront (and continually repeated), tenants may challenge them.

What’s the solution? Property management payment solutions (with online payment options for renters) automate rent collection, payment processing and communication with renters.

 

How Two Companies Streamlined Payment Processing with CSG Forte

CSG Forte offers a suite of payment solutions that manage the entire payment lifecycle on a single platform, from payments and security to communications, support and self-service. Forte processes online and mobile payments, including credit/debit, ACH and digital wallet and sends automated payment reminders. Firms using CSG Forte’s property management payment solutions have experienced impressive results.

Gordon James Realty, a commercial and residential property management firm, needed a reliable and efficient system to process payments to vendors, receive payments from clients and manage returned payments. CSG Forte helped the company streamline the payment process by allowing the firm to process payments electronically, reducing manual labor and enhancing the end-user experience. Since implementing Forte payment solutions, Gordon James has experienced a:

  • 90% reduction in returned payments each month
  • 75% decrease in payment-related customer service inquiries
  • 25% reduction in accounts receivable processing costs
  • 15% reduction in time spent manually processing checks

While Gordon James Realty’s adoption of CSG Forte’s payment solutions showcases the significant benefits of streamlined, electronic payment processing—marked by dramatic reductions in manual work and customer issues—these advantages are not unique to one firm. In fact, property management businesses of all types and sizes are turning to digital innovation to solve persistent challenges. For example, Rentec Direct’s experience demonstrates the transformative impact of recurring, automated payment solutions in the property management sector.

Rentec Direct, a provider of online property management solutions to landlords and property managers, reduced late payments by using recurring digital payments powered by Forte. Rentec needed an integrated payment solution that allowed property managers to accept online payments and handle late fees and missed rent. Using Forte enabled Rentec to accept both ACH and credit card payments digitally, via one-time or recurring automatic payments.

Forte’s solutions were especially helpful for property owners utilizing Rentec’s solution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April and July 2020, renters failed to pay on time approximately 22% of the time. However, renters who used Rentec’s recurring payment system, powered by CSG Forte, only made late payments 1% of the time. During the height of the pandemic, landlords offering a recurring payment option experienced 20% less churn, resulting in 20% fewer vacancies.

 

Simplify Rent Payment and Reduce Late Payments with Forte

Flexible payment options—such as autopay, installments, and prepay—help minimize late payments, easing administrative workload and improving cash flow. Modern property management payment solutions support online payment options (satisfying tenants) and automate rent collection, increasing efficiency.

Property managers should adopt these tenant payment solutions to streamline operations and deliver a faster, more efficient experience for themselves and their renters.

Contact us to learn how Forte’s property management payment solutions streamline payment processes and reduce late payments, improving cash flow and satisfying renters.

5 Plug-and-Play Solutions to Modernize Government Payment Processing—Faster, Safer, Simpler

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Does your government agency rely on outdated payment methods like mailing a check or paying in person?

If so, it’s time to upgrade to a modern, digital payment solution that provides the convenient, flexible payment experiences that citizens now expect. Citizens want 24/7, mobile-friendly payment options for municipal services, including utilities, property taxes, car registration, parking tickets and permit fees. The three most popular payment methods are debit/credit cards (80% of survey respondents), digital wallets (60%) and cash (57%). Only 23% of respondents prefer to pay by check.

Many public sector finance leaders recognize the importance of payment modernization to boost efficiency and payer satisfaction while also controlling costs. However, outdated technology, limited budgets and technology knowledge gaps often pose significant obstacles to government payment modernization. That’s where plug-and-play payment solutions come in. They can help agencies overcome these challenges—benefitting governments and the people they serve.

 

3 Barriers to Government Payment Modernization

Local and state government agencies face several challenges to modernizing their payment solutions:

 

1. Outdated technology

Almost two thirds (62%) of public sector finance leaders surveyed agree that legacy technology is the number one barrier to payment innovation. Government agencies often use complex, outdated systems that are incompatible with modern payment technologies. Transitioning from these legacy systems can cause disruption and is often seen as too costly or risky.

State and local agencies face mounting challenges related to outdated systems, including:

  • Core system breakdowns: When legacy core systems can’t handle modern payment technology, agencies must resort to expensive emergency fixes that don’t address the root problems.
  • Knowledge gaps: As legacy app developers and architects retire, agencies are left without staff to manage or repair aging systems.

 

2. Budget and resource constraints

With tight budgets and lean teams, many government agencies find it tough to invest in modern payment systems. Smaller municipalities often struggle with the initial cost and resource-intensive nature of upgrading legacy systems.

More than half (54%) of finance leaders cite budget as a top barrier to payment innovation. On top of that, state and local governments face:

  • Increasing uncertainty: State budgets are impacted by ongoing federal funding changes and widespread agency reductions.
  • Diminished funding: Temporary pandemic-era state aid and infrastructure funding have largely ended, forcing state and local governments to stretch limited resources further.
  • Declining revenue: Declining tax revenue, emergency infrastructure repairs and unforeseen expenses cut into funds earmarked for technology improvements.

 

3. Knowledge gaps

More than three quarters (76%) of public sector finance leaders agree that lack of internal knowledge about emerging technology is holding some departments back. Insufficient digital expertise hampers agencies’ ability to serve the public effectively. Limited in-house IT personnel forces agencies to rely on costly external contractors. Clunky or unreliable payment systems weaken public trust and hurt revenue collection.

 

How can government agencies overcome these hurdles to upgrade their payment systems? Think plug-and-play.

A “plug-and-play” payment solution refers to a payment system or gateway that is designed for easy and quick integration into a government agency’s website, application, or point-of-sale (POS) devices, with minimal technical effort or coding. Think of it like a USB device for your computer—you “plug it in,” and it just works, without requiring complex setup or configuration.

Plug-and-play payment solutions allow government agencies to implement new digital payment solutions quickly, with minimal technical expertise. These user-friendly solutions integrate seamlessly with existing accounting systems and provide modern features and functionality without extensive upfront costs.

 

CSG Forte BillPay

To meet citizen expectations for seamless, instant payment experiences, government agencies need to automate routine tasks through electronic bill presentment and payment (EBPP). CSG Forte BillPay is a simple online payment portal that allows citizens to pay bills securely and conveniently. With BillPay, you can accept payments anytime, from any connected device, using flexible payment methods. BillPay is ideal for paying taxes, utilities, fines and fees.

BillPay

  • Generates custom notifications (reminders) and payment confirmations automatically.
  • Offers transaction tools for one-time, scheduled or recurring payments (such as utilities).
  • Integrates with in-person POS devices.
  • Allows citizens to self-serve, saving time.
  • Reduces customer service calls.
  • Decreases billing costs (print and mailing).

 

IVR Payment Processing

IVR payment systems use advanced touch-tone and speech-recognition technology to guide citizens through the payment process over the phone. IVR payment solutions are a convenient way for citizens to pay utility bills, property taxes and fines. CSG’s IVR payment processing system:

  • Is available 24/7 without an internet connection.
  • Is less expensive than payment processing through a contact center agent.
  • Reduces live agent payment-related calls and overhead staffing.

 

POS Devices

Even in this digital age, some people prefer to pay in person. In-person payment processing via a POS device lets people pay in person at local government offices with a card or mobile payment.

CSG Forte offers EMV- and contactless enabled terminals that are user-friendly and secure. Modern, simple POS terminals and readers accept any card or contactless digital wallet to meet your card-present needs.

Our POS devices for government provide:

  • Payment security: PCI, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and validated point to point encryption (P2PE) keep sensitive card data safe.
  • Fraud protection: CSG Forte Protect encryption delivers an extra layer of protection against fraud.
  • Integration with billing systems: Seamlessly connects payment transactions to government billing and accounting platforms.

 

CSG Forte Dex

CSG Forte Dex is a cloud-based, unified payments platform that helps government agencies increase operational efficiency and simplify payments management, including transaction monitoring, dispute management, reporting, analytics and more.

Dex

  • Manages and monitors all payment operations in one location, saving time and money.
  • Provides complete access to payment operations.
  • Quickly address payer needs.
  • Grants refunds.
  • Cancels charges.
  • Includes automated dispute management tools and funding grids that save time by reducing the burden of manual accounting and reconciliations.
  • Gives you real-time insights into payment trends, including transaction breakdowns and payment trends, via reporting dashboards.

 

CSG Forte Checkout Saves Time and Money

Residents in Kinston, North Carolina, pay their utility bills directly to the city government. Prior to partnering with CSG Forte, Kinston residents could pay via phone or in person at a kiosk—but not online. City officials wanted to integrate payment processing into their billing software’s web interface so residents could easily pay their utility bills online.

The city used CSG Forte’s checkout solution to route payers from the city’s website to a secure third-party webpage to complete their transactions. CSG launched an online and IVR utilities billing solution for Kinston using a convenience fee model. CSG’s billing and payments experts provided comprehensive technical support following implementation.

After integrating more electronic payment processing options, Kinston saw 41% year-over-year growth in the number of transactions processed electronically. As a result, Kinston staff now handle less cash and fewer checks, saving time and reducing bank fees. Kinston residents appreciated the ease of making payments through the new system.

 

Modernize and Simplify Government Payment Processing with CSG Forte

Modernizing payment processing to accept digital payment methods increases security, efficiency, cost savings and citizen satisfaction. Implementing CSG Forte’s plug-and-play payment solutions is an effective, affordable way to adopt digital payment solutions to keep up with consumer preferences.

Forte’s government payments platform streamlines payment processing, meeting the needs of today’s citizens by offering a variety of payment options across channels. Government agencies benefit from dedicated support from CSG’s payment experts and their combined decades of industry experience.

Contact us to learn how CSG can help you modernize your government payment solution and simplify payment processing.

Why Now Is the Time to Modernize Government Payments

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“Companies succeed or fail according to whether they can keep up with customer preferences, and payments are no exception.” – USBank.

Want to improve the payment experience at your government agency?

Meet citizen expectations—go digital. People expect their local, county and state governments to offer the same payment convenience and flexibility retailers and other service providers offer. Although an increasing percentage of people prefer digital payments, many government agencies don’t offer them, instead relying on outdated methods like mailing paper checks or paying in person. These traditional approaches are inefficient, prone to errors, vulnerable to check fraud and often frustrate constituents.

To improve efficiency, security and service—and reduce costs—government entities must modernize their payment systems. Keep reading to discover three essential capabilities for government payment processing systems and eight benefits of modernizing your payment system.

 

3 Requirements for Government Payment Processing

Government online payment solutions must be able to:

 

1. Protect constituents from fraud.

Government organizations that collect payments face two major security-related concerns: losing funds and losing public trust. The Association for Financial Professionals reports that 79% of organizations were victims of payments fraud attacks or attempts in 2024. Paper check remains the most fraud-vulnerable payment method, with 63% of organizations reporting check fraud in 2024. Only about one-fifth (22%) of organizations were able to recover 75% or more of the funds lost due to payments fraud in the same year.

Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by data compromises each year—including data breaches, leakage and exposure—resulting in unauthorized threat actors accessing sensitive personal information. One survey found that 58% of consumers believe that brands that get hit with a data breach are not trustworthy, and 70% would stop shopping with a brand that suffered a security incident.

To help constituents feel comfortable paying taxes, penalties or other fees online, you must prioritize cybersecurity and provide secure payment solutions. Government agencies must comply with strict regulations like Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), but legacy payment systems often fall short in protecting sensitive payment data and lack up-to-date security measures, exposing payment data to fraud and cyberattacks.

 

2. Accept multiple types of payments.

Your constituents now expect 24/7, mobile-friendly payment options for municipal services, including utilities, property taxes, car registration, parking tickets and permit fees.

Consumer payment preferences shift rapidly. According to a USBank survey, digital wallets—the fourth most popular payment method in 2023—moved up to second place (preferred by 60% of respondents) in 2024, behind debit/credit (80%). Cash (57%) rounded out the top three. More than half (54%) of public sector finance leaders say payment acceptance technologies and consumer preferences change so fast it’s hard to prioritize and keep up with trends.

Your payments platform should allow you to accept multiple types of online payments, including:

 

3. Scale to meet future needs.

The ideal payment processing solution for governments is capable of processing large transactions volumes quickly and smoothly, without delays or disruptions. For example, local governments experience a spike in payments during tax season, and their secure payment solution must be able to accommodate these higher annual demands. Additionally, fast-growing municipalities should be able to meet their new residents’ needs.

Can your legacy payment processing system do all this? If it falls short, it’s time to upgrade to a modern digital solution that delivers what today’s constituents expect.

 

8 Benefits of Modernizing Your Government Payment System

Reliable digital solutions—such as ACH and credit card processing for government agencies—streamline payment operations, keep constituent data secure and scale according to your future needs. Here are eight ways your department could benefit from modernizing payments:

  1. Stronger security and compliance: Modern payment solutions include state-of-the-art encryption and fraud prevention tools and comply with the highest security standards, such as PCI DSS, reducing the risk of data breaches.
  2. Enhanced payer experience, satisfaction and trust: Citizens appreciate the flexibility and convenience of multiple digital payment options, allowing them to choose how and when to pay. People can easily view payment history and receive reminders, supporting financial management. A convenient, secure and frictionless payment experience boosts constituent satisfaction and builds trust in your agency.
  3. Increased efficiency: Streamlined operations allow your personnel to focus on high-value government initiatives instead of spending time processing payments and doing manual accounting and reconciliations.
  4. Reduced errors and administrative burden: Automation eliminates the manual reconciliation processes (associated with outdated accounting systems) that increase errors, fraud risk and operational costs.
  5. Decreased operational costs: Modern payment solutions reduce the need for physical infrastructure, paper billing and manual processing, saving money. Plug-and-play solutions offer a cost-effective, scalable approach that supports sustained cost savings over time.
  6. Expanded revenue streams: Online, interactive voice response (IVR) and kiosk payment systems allow people to pay via credit card, accommodating those who don’t have immediate access to funds. Improved revenue collection and service-fee models help recoup the cost of updating your payment system.
  7. Improved cash flow through: With a faster and simpler payment processing solution, you receive payments quicker.
  8. Increased likelihood of on-time payments: Giving constituents more ways to pay may decrease the likelihood of late payments. Millennials report they are more likely to prioritize paying bills that are easy to pay before taking care of those that are more inconvenient.

Outdated technology and limited budgets often make it challenging for government agencies to modernize their payment systems. Are you ready to find out how modernizing your system can help you, your employees and your constituents.

Contact us to learn how CSG Forte’s government payments platform can help you modernize your government payment solution and simplify payment processing.

Modernizing Municipal Billing: How Unified Digital Platforms Cut Costs & Build Trust

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Outdated Billing Hurts Everyone

Government agencies, especially at the municipal and county levels, often find themselves stuck working with outdated billing systems that hinder efficiency and diminish public trust. These systems—built on decades-old infrastructure—require manual processing, result in higher labor costs and frustrate both staff and residents. For citizens, late notices, confusing bills and limited payment options breed dissatisfaction. For governments, these legacy processes mean wasted staff hours, delayed reconciliations and rising costs.

The solution? A government-specific, unified digital bill payment platform that modernizes workflows across departments while enhancing transparency and customer satisfaction. With tools like mobile-friendly portals, automated reconciliation and secure payment processing, modern platforms not only improve operations—they help build trust with constituents. Municipalities can do more with fewer resources, while giving residents the seamless digital experiences they’ve come to expect.

 

Pain Point: Staff Shortages & Rising Costs

Small and mid-sized governments are under increasing pressure to deliver more with less. The Great Resignation, retirements and public sector hiring challenges have all contributed to workforce shortages that make it difficult to keep up with daily payment processing, reconciliation and reporting.

Manual workflows compound the problem. When payments must be logged by hand, spreadsheets updated manually or paper checks deposited at a bank, staff are bogged down by tasks that could easily be automated. Worse, the risk of error increases with every manual step.

A more-in-one solution like Forte’s BillPay simplifies this burden by automating routine tasks—such as sending eBills, applying payments to the correct account and reconciling end-of-day reports. The platform integrates across departments so that finance, permitting, courts and utilities are no longer working in silos. This not only saves time but also minimizes the need for staff to learn multiple systems or enter data multiple times.

 

What a “More-in-One” BillPay Platform Looks Like

A lot of governments accept online payments, but the systems are often piecemeal. One tool for water bills. Another for court fines. A third for permitting. The result? Confusion, data silos and extra costs.

Forte’s BillPay solution consolidates those fragmented systems into a single platform. Whether it’s utility billing, taxes, licensing or court payments, all payments flow through a unified interface with configurable workflows and real-time reporting.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • One resident login to pay multiple bill types
  • Mobile-first interfaces that support multiple languages
  • Automated payment reminders, late fee notifications and follow-ups
  • Built-in convenience fee support, helping cities recoup costs
  • Text-to-pay and email link features for on-the-go convenience
  • Integration with ERP/accounting tools to reduce reconciliation workload

For example, Dimmit County, Texas, implemented Forte’s Text to Pay feature and saw a 3x increase in weekly payments in just the first week. Call volumes dropped, errors decreased and customers reported faster, easier payments—even from their phones.

And because Forte is PCI Level 1 compliant, all transactions meet the highest standards of data security.

 

How to Get Started: Quick Wins and Long-Term Payoffs

Digital transformation might sound expensive, but it often starts with a few simple changes—like switching to emailed bills or offering multiple payment methods. From there, you can scale up to fully integrated portals and automation.

Forte works with your existing systems or helps migrate you to more modern tools. And with hands-on support, development flexibility and years of experience in government payments, our team becomes an extension of yours.

Here are some quick wins to look for:

  • Offer online and mobile payments with email/text notifications.
  • Reduce staff time with auto-posting and real-time updates.
  • Use dashboards to flag payment patterns and missed deadlines.
  • Pilot text-to-pay in one department (like courts or utilities).
  • Train staff in reconciliation and reporting automation.

The payoff? Reduced calls, faster collections, less manual work—and a noticeable boost in public satisfaction.

 

It’s Time to Modernize the Way You Collect

Modern billing isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic move that helps local governments do more with less. With Forte’s unified digital platform, you’re not just collecting payments. You’re saving staff time, improving public trust and aligning departments under one enterprise-ready system.

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. But you do need a partner who understands the complexity—and can make it simple. Start where you are and scale when you’re ready.

Ready to explore how Forte BillPay can work for your city or county? Talk to a Forte expert today.