What is the primary role of a Token Service Provider (TSP)?

A Token Service Provider (TSP) plays a crucial role in payment security by generating and issuing EMV payment tokens. These tokens serve as a substitute for sensitive payment data, such as credit card numbers, during transactions. The primary function of a TSP is to ensure that the original financial information is not exposed or transmitted during the payment process, thereby protecting cardholder data from potential breaches. By issuing these tokens, which are unique and time-sensitive, a TSP helps minimize the risk associated with storing and transmitting real payment data.

The other choices, while relevant to security and payments, do not accurately capture the primary function of a TSP. Creating security protocols, securely storing financial account information, and managing user authentication processes are essential aspects of broader security practices but do not specifically relate to the issuance of EMV tokens, which is the core responsibility of a TSP.