Due to launch in July, the programme will initially focus upon UK-based start-ups, providing access to contactless Visa debit and prepaid cards and current accounts complete with IBAN, Faster Payments and Direct Debit functionality. The initiative will expand across Europe soon thereafter.

This ground-breaking initiative will drive innovation and disruption by removing the barriers-to-entry faced by start-ups. The programme will enable businesses to test new concepts in a secure and fully API-configurable environment supported by Contis’ robust Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and dedicated customer service.

Commenting on the partnership, Flavia Alzetta, Chief Executive Officer of Contis said: “In a world that is being fundamentally reshaped by technology, it is crucial that key parties pull together to remove the friction that stifles disruption across the financial services sector.

“We are delighted to partner with Visa to launch an initiative that will not only foster competition but also create an environment that fuels innovation and has the potential to support the growth of the next generation of financial services providers.”

Bill Gajda, SVP Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, Europe at Visa said: “Our new FinTech fast-track programme will enable early stage start-ups to gain rapid access to the capabilities that lie within Visa’s global network to power their own ideas. We’re pleased to be partnering with Contis to launch this programme.

“At Visa we are open for all players to take advantage of the reach, capabilities and security of our network to grow their businesses. Our commitment is to be the most responsive and supportive network for both emerging payment players and our existing clients and partners.”

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Contis is the first payments provider to integrate Samsung Pay’s market-leading functionality across a Credit Union proposition delivering the service to over 150 Credit Unions across the UK and providing members with the ability to leverage technology to manage their finances more effectively, at a time of increasing budgetary pressure.

Samsung Pay will also be integrated into Contis’ Canvas proposition, a white label solution that provides companies with a powerful, configurable end-to-end platform that is supported by licences enabling deployment throughout Europe. Canvas and Samsung Pay together are creating a one stop solution for business banking by giving companies the power to enhance their business through award winning functionality supported by a world leading brand.

Following the launch to Contis’ Engage customers, further rollout across the business’ Canvas proposition will take place later this year.

Commenting on the launch Flavia Alzetta, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our partnership with one of the most innovative companies in the world is testament to the power of our platform and our commitment to developing financial solutions that meet the changing needs of our customers.

“Together, our solutions and scale will not only allow us to tackle the issue of financial exclusion, but through combining Samsung Pay’s functionality with our configurable Canvas platform, we will be able to facilitate the wider evolution of financial services.”

Commenting on the partnership, Kyle Brown Head of Technology, Services and Launch Management at Samsung Electronics, said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with Contis as part of our dedication to developing an open ecosystem of devices that enhance our customer’s experience. The partnership not only provides us with the ability to deliver our leading solutions to a new user base, but also represents an important milestone as we continue to diversify our service offering into financial services.

“In Contis, we have a found a partner that shares our thirst for innovation and we look forward to working with them closely to deliver this exciting project.”

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