November 22, 2011 01:00 AM Eastern Time
Forecast of rapid growth in the contactless EMV payment market in the country
AMSTERDAM--()--Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, was chosen by Banco Santander Brasil, one of the largest financial institutions in the world, with more than 90 million customers worldwide, to deploy the first contactless EMV payment system in Brazil. Santander Universities Global Division, responsible for the project, expects to issue thousands of contactless payment cards to Brazilian university students over the next 12 months. This innovation represents the evolution of the University Smart Card, which is already widespread in 12 countries, in more than 200 universities and with 5 million users.
“Banco Santander has been taking advantage of Gemalto's ability to produce and personalize high volumes of contactless EMV cards locally, so that it can provide the contactless payment experience to a new generation of card users.”
This important breakthrough allows Santander Universities to take the lead in the market, providing the new contactless technology along with financial and academic functions. Rapid growth in the contactless EMV payment market is expected in the country. Santander is the first bank in Brazil to issue personalized contactless EMV cards, which are produced in the country. In addition, it is well positioned in the expansion of more advanced payment programs, such as through cell phones, using NFC contactless technology.
Besides the speed and convenience of contactless payments, students in Brazil will continue enjoying the features of the university smart cards they already have. These features include EMV security, digital ID, strong authentication and access to university facilities, as well as public transportation in some universities.
"The card offers unmatched technology in our market and gives us a leading edge that adds great value to our brand, positioning and activities. We want to strengthen our ties with universities offering state-of-the-art technology, which improves the operation of the institutions,” said Jamil Hannouche, Director of Santander Universities in Brasil.
"Santander Universities and Gemalto have built a strong business relationship and bringing a new payment technology to Brazilian students fosters our commitment to secure payments anywhere,” said Eric Megret-Dorne, Senior Vice-President of Secure Transactions, Gemalto Latin America. “Banco Santander has been taking advantage of Gemalto's ability to produce and personalize high volumes of contactless EMV cards locally, so that it can provide the contactless payment experience to a new generation of card users.”
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2010 annual revenues of €1.9 billion and over 10,000 employees operating out of 87 offices and 13 Research & Development centers in 45 countries.
