Finablr and UnionPay International sign MOU for global payments technology partnership

• By leveraging Finablr’s technology platform, the collaboration will enable foreign visitors to China to make cashless payments using UnionPay network.

London: — Finablr, a global platform for payments and foreign exchange solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UnionPay International, a subsidiary of China UnionPay, for a potential cooperation to provide a range of global payments solutions to customers by combining the strengths of their networks.

UnionPay International, the largest payment scheme in the world by volume of transactions in 2018¹, has issued close to 8 billion cards worldwide¹. In 2018, Finablr processed over 150 million transactions, managing nearly US$115 billion in volume for its customers.

As a part of the arrangement, UnionPay cardholders will be able to access a range of services offered by Finablr’s global network of trusted brands across various markets. For UnionPay International, the partnership will accelerate its international network expansion by leveraging Finablr’s omnichannel capabilities and global reach. Additionally, UnionPay International will integrate its network with Finablr's payments technology platform to offer visitors to China secure and reliable cashless payments.

Under the MOU, Finablr and UnionPay International will collaborate in the following areas of mutual interest:

• Cross-border Payments: Interconnectivity between MoneyExpress, the UnionPay remittance platform, and Finablr’s payments engine to facilitate cross-border payments into mainland China from international markets.
• Digital Wallets: Interconnectivity between digital wallets operated by UnionPay or its partner banks with Finablr’s payments technology solutions to facilitate cashless spending by foreign visitors in mainland China.
• VAT Refund: Shopping and digital VAT refund solutions for Chinese tourists visiting some of the major international destinations.
• Digital Shopping and Gifting: Facilitating cashless payments for overseas spending by Chinese travellers via digital gifting solutions offered by Finablr company Swych, within the UnionPay app, to make purchases across a global network of retailers.
• ATM Networks: Acceptance of UnionPay cards at ATM networks owned and managed by Finablr.

Commenting on the proposed partnership, Mehul Desai, Group Chief Technology Officer at Finablr, said, “Our goal is to facilitate seamless access for consumers and businesses to the new economy. Through our collaboration with UnionPay International, we will bring to market innovative solutions that benefit billions of UnionPay cardholders as well as hundreds of millions of international consumers spending in or sending money into China.”

Larry Wang, Vice President of UnionPay International, said, “As the bankcard scheme that serves the world’s largest cardholder base, UnionPay is committed to providing safer and easier payment services to our growing global cardholders and merchants. We are excited to leverage Finablr’s global presence and their portfolio of payments technology solutions to realise our vision of further expanding the reach of our network to international markets and consumers.”

-Ends-

For enquiries, please contact
Finablr:
Faiz Habib
+971.52.623.1113
faiz.habib@finablr.com 

UnionPay International:
Hou Lingwei
+86.21.2026.5843
houlingwei@unionpayintl.com 

About Finablr

Finablr (LSE: FIN) is a global platform for Payments and Foreign Exchange solutions underpinned by modern proprietary technology. With deep regulatory know-how, a relentless focus on innovation and leading industry partnerships, Finablr’s group companies provide a broad array of tailored and trusted financial solutions for consumers and businesses across a wide network of digital channels, payments platforms and retail stores.

Finablr is present across the entire payments and foreign exchange value chain, from origination to processing to last-mile distribution. An integrated platform is at the heart of group’s proposition, supporting an omni-channel strategy underpinned by best-in-class operating capabilities and connectivity to global payment networks. Driven by technology, the platform combines flexibility with significant economies of scale, making Finablr a partner of choice for leading global banks, financial institutions, retailers, mobile wallet providers and payment & technology companies.

Through its category renowned brands, including UAE Exchange, Travelex, Xpress Money, Unimoni, Remit2India, Ditto and Swych, Finablr processed over 150 million transactions in 2018, managing nearly USD 115 billion in volume for its customers. The groups global reach spans over 170 countries with relationships with more than 100 regulators.

For more information, visit the Finablr website: www.finablr.com 

About UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay focused on the growth and support of UnionPay’s global business. In partnership with more than 2000 institutions worldwide, UnionPay International has enabled card acceptance in 177 countries and regions with issuance in 58 countries and regions. UnionPay International provides high quality, cost effective and secure cross-border payment services to the world’s largest cardholder base and ensures convenient local services to a growing number of global UnionPay cardholders and merchants.

For more information, go to www.unionpayintl.com/en 

© Press Release 2019