Visa Launches Mobile Platform

Delivering on its global mobile strategy, Visa today launched a
mobile platform that lays the foundation for the commercial
availability of mobile payments and services to millions of mobile
users around the world. The new platform is designed to foster
collaboration between the financial services and mobile
telecommunications sectors for the delivery of mobile payment
applications and payment related services.

"Visa has long realized the importance of the mobile channel to
the future of payments and as a medium to deliver consumer services,"
said Patrick Gauthier, senior vice president, innovation, Visa
International. "The launch of the mobile platform is a significant
industry milestone because it will enable innovative trials and
go-to-market strategies for mobile payment services globally."

The platform is a comprehensive suite of technology tools and
applications, security standards, and business models that will enable
Visa issuers and mobile operators to engage in market trials to drive
product development and commercialization of mobile payment services.
Informed by years of experience in the mobile payments market and
developed in partnership with mobile technology companies, including
handset manufacturers, chip suppliers, mobile applications developers,
over-the-air (OTA) service providers and mobile messaging providers,
the platform is both flexible and complementary to existing
technologies so that it can seamlessly integrate with global wireless
technology and payments infrastructures.

Unlike other solutions available in the mobile application market
today, the platform is designed to make it easier for Visa issuers,
mobile operators and technology providers to deliver an intuitive and
integrated consumer experience across a range of compelling services
such as mobile contactless payments, remote payments, person-to-person
payments, and mobile coupons, as well as account management services
that enable consumers to better monitor account activity and manage
their funds.

The initial version of the platform launched today offers
solutions for contactless mobile payment, OTA personalization, coupons
and direct marketing. Subsequent versions of the platform, to be made
available later in the year, will include solutions for remote payment
and person-to-person payment. This tiered launch approach enables Visa
issuers and mobile industry partners to take advantage of near-term
opportunities in specific markets and consumer segments now, while
also building towards a complete mobile payments program that brings
long-term growth and delivers value to consumers as new technologies
and architectures are deployed.

"In its current nascent stage, the mobile payment ecosystem is
complex and presents a challenge for those considering entering this
new space," said Mary Ann O'Loughlin, senior vice president, consumer
practice, Ovum North America, an analyst and consulting company. "By
developing the mobile platform and engaging key industry stakeholders,
Visa is leading the charge to simplify and jump-start the development
of innovative mobile payment services."

Visa Mobile Market Activities

Visa's experience with numerous market trials around the world in
a variety of different payment types, including proximity, remote and
person-to-person, as well as work with a cross-section of mobile
technology providers, has influenced the development of its new mobile
payment platform. In addition, Visa has led efforts to encourage
cross-industry cooperation and standardization through leadership
roles in organizations around the world such as the Mobile Payment
Forum, the Near Field Communication (NFC) Forum, GlobalPlatform and
EMVCo. Recent Visa-led market activities leveraging NFC technology
include:

-- U.S. - The industry's first large-scale mobile payment trial
at Philips Arena in Atlanta last year. Partners included
Atlanta Spirit, Chase, Cingular, Nokia, NXP Semiconductors,
and ViVOtech.

-- Malaysia - Partnered with Maybank, Maxis Communications, Nokia
and ViVOtech to pilot a mobile payment program.

Visa knows that for the large-scale deployment of mobile payment
services to be realized, there is a continued need for cross-industry
collaboration. Some of the organizations that Visa has worked with to
deliver on its mobile payments vision include:

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-- CASSIS International -- Nokia
-- Ecrio -- NXP Semiconductors, formerly Philips
-- Giesecke & Devrient GmbH -- Venyon
(G&D)
-- IBM -- VeriSign
-- INSIDE Contactless -- ViVOtech
-- mFormation Technologies
*T

About Visa: Visa connects cardholders, merchants and financial
institutions through the world's largest electronic payments network.
Visa products allow buyers and sellers to conduct commerce with ease
and confidence in both the physical and virtual worlds. Visa is
committed to the sustained growth of electronic payment systems to
support the needs of all stakeholders and to drive economic growth.

Visa products currently generate more than $4 trillion in sales
volume worldwide. Visa has unsurpassed acceptance at more than 24
million locations worldwide including one million ATMs. For more
information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.