First Data Corporation, the global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, today announced that leading European commercial bank UniCredit has selected it to assist in the execution of its mobile payments strategy.
UniCredit’s agreement with First Data will see the bank bring to market a number of products and solutions which will broaden the range of its payments services and help build an integrated payments experience for its customers.
Consumers now expect a seamless retail experience, regardless of whether they purchase in-store, online or over a mobile device. This has given rise to the concept of Universal Commerce, where the entire shopping process – from marketing to payment – is integrated into one experience, and where transactions can take place anywhere, any time and on any type of device.
In the first instance UniCredit has deployed First Data’s Mobile Gateway to develop and pilot 2D Barcodes, also referred to as Quick Response or QR Codes, for mobile and eCommerce payments. The pilot, currently underway in Italy, enables the generation and exchange of QR Codes between merchants and consumers to process payments in a secure and PCI compliant environment.
In addition to eliminating the risks associated with entering credit or debit card details for every transaction, First Data’s QR Code solution can also include value-added service applications such as couponing, offers, ticketing or bill payments to enhance customer experience and encourage loyalty.
Paolo Cederle, CEO of UniCredit Business Integrated Solutions, the global Company of UniCredit, commented: “First Data has proven itself to be a trusted partner for supporting our mobile payments plans internationally. In addition to developing and piloting QR Codeswe are looking forward to working with First Data’s experienced team in developing new solutions for our clients.”
John Elkins, President, International Regions, First Data, added: “The age of Universal Commerce is truly upon us and as a result First Data is enhancing its payments capabilities internationally to empower its financial institution clients. UniCredit has recognised the opportunities that Universal Commerce offers and we are delighted to be working with it to make this a reality for its international customer base.”
About UniCredit
UniCredit is a major international financial institution with strong roots in 22 European countries and an overall international network present in approximately 50 markets, over 9,500 branches and 160,000 employees as of 30 September 2011.
The Group operates in the following countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and Ukraine.
About First Data
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction. More information about the company is available on FirstData.com as well as on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
