We were looking to release in Mid to late August. However, we have been running into problems with storing OTP keys. We are currently working with 10 beaglebones that act like HSMs (They have been encased in epoxy with tamper sensors) that will sign hot wallet bitcoin transactions to a certain amount. This only happens after several security checks have been made - Including OTP verification by the use of your iBTCARD. (Those OTP keys will also be stored on separate beaglebones.) If the amount is surpassed or an abnormal amount of transactions occur using the same OTP Key; an employee will manually oversee the transaction and verify it's legitimacy. Simply put: A hacker will have to go through several layers of security to transfer bitcoins out of a hot-wallet.
To further security, we are looking into purchasing our own server equipment and renting space in a local data-center. (To prevent any sort of inside job)
In regards to FinCEN, we will file as a Money Services Business. I believe it will be in the best interest of the company to follow the laws of the land. We will have policies in place to prevent theft/money laundering, and we will report those suspected to the authorities. I don't understand why some people think that is a big problem; just don't steal or launder money.
We are looking into other options than paypal. We have contacted paypal, and they weren't too happy about it. However, we are looking into other options. Our current plan is to release our card in conjunction with several Bitcoin ATM's located around a city. Because of this, we plan to slowly release this card. I believe this will be the best route; allowing us to deploy 10-20 ATMs in a city before its release. Furthermore, we will do something similar to what Google did with Google Fiber. The city with the most preregistrations will be given highest priority.
To wrap everything up, I am counting on a future where "Bitcoin Banks" provide a higher amount of security. In my opinion, the number one thing limiting bitcoin is the fact that it's being used as a trading platform. It is essential to develop new technologies, however, it is even more important to integrate with technologies that currently exist. If you do so, more companies would be willing to accept Bitcoin in their business. To add on to that; If you truly want this currency to succeed, you need an organization that's willing to promote policies and certify companies that are implementing good security.
P.S. We are always looking for experienced investors and developers. Feel free to PM me if you have any sort of interest for the project.
Best,
Cameron Halter
http://ibtcard.com/
Tradecoinz, LLC