27 banks in Taiwan launch NFC services with Gemalto TSM Hub

Gemalto, the global provider of digital security, has provided its Allynis Trusted Services Hub (TSH) to secure NFC payment services launched by Taiwan Mobile Payment Co (TWMP).

TWMP is a mobile-payments joint venture formed by three prominent Taiwanese banking groups, covering all of Taiwan's ATM, check, and credit card transactions. Gemalto's TSH will provide an aggregation service for banks, and perform secure provisioning of payment credentials to the users' devices. 27 Taiwanese banks have already signed up to the TSH to launch their NFC payment services, with more expected to join in soon.

Gemalto and major operators in the region are working towards extending the existing NFC services across the entire Asia-Pacific region. This TSH will enable TWMP to accelerate the deployment of mobile contactless services in Taiwan by providing a single connection for secure distribution and management of diverse applications.

End-users will be able to use their phones to make contactless payments for goods and services at 30,000 terminals such as convenience stores, retailers, and taxis. They will also be able to use their mobile wallet for mobile banking through traditional data services.

"Taiwan is rapidly moving towards becoming a cashless society," said Mr. Pan Wei-Jong, President, TWMP. "TWMP's TSH is a one-stop solution that reduces deployment complexities and upfront costs by allowing banks to avoid multiple individual arrangements. This enables our participating banks to easily plug in to the infrastructure and offer secure NFC services for a wide range of customers."

"With major banks and operators launching mobile NFC services in Taiwan, the country is all set for mass adoption, " said Suzanne Tong-Li, President for Greater China and Korea at Gemalto. "Our open access, future-proof TSH will enable TWMP to play the role of a trusted third party, bridging different kinds of services on a common platform for maximum market reach."