Barclaycard, the largest issuer of credit cards in the UK has awarded
Oberthur Card Systems, the number one global supplier of Visa and
MasterCard, a contract to supply its EMV (Europay, MasterCard and Visa)
microprocessor cards for the next three years.
“This is a strategically important contract for Barclaycard” commented
Andrea Wood, Head of Card Operations at Barclaycard. “It underlines our
long-term commitment to partner with committed industry leaders in
supporting the roll-out of chip cards and migration to [email protected], and in
addressing the increasing cost of card fraud.”
With 40 million cardholders and 100 million payment cards in circulation,
the United Kingdom is not only the biggest market in Western Europe but
also the pioneer in the migration to microprocessor cards with the first
cards issued back in 1996. Migration is now reaching a new critical step
with the introduction of [email protected] technology (Personal Identification Number
at Point of Sale), which consists in equipping retailers with a point of
sale terminal that will authenticate the cardholder through a personal
identification number -PIN to be entered when completing a transaction.
The introduction of the PIN system, to be used with secure chip cards, is a
revolutionary change in the UK card payment system and the best answer to
addressing banking fraud, which cost the UK banking and retail industries
over ã400 million in 2001.
Oberthur Card Systems has been a long time partner of Barclaycard for
the migration to UKIS (UK IC Card Specification) and has supplied the bank
with over 10 million such cards so far. This new contract is the result of
not only a strong relationship but also a technological partnership, which
lead to the development of [email protected] technology a core application on the
new cards.
“Our continued relationship with Barclaycard spells trouble for card fraud
instigators across the UK. With increased security and authentication
applications installed on these cards, the UK can look forward to reduced
card fraud”, said Ian Robson, Managing Director for Oberthur Card Systems’
Northern Region. “From our high-tech production facilities based here in
Tewkesbury, Barclaycard’s customers will be equipped with the tool they
need to make their purchases securely and with confidence.”
About Oberthur Card Systems
Oberthur Card Systems, listed on the Euronext Stock Exchange (Euroclear
code 12413) since July 2000 is one of the worldâÂÂs leading providers of
card-based solutions, software and applications including SIM and
multi-application smart cards and services ranging from consulting to
personalization.
Innovative products and high quality services ensure OberthurâÂÂs strong
positioning in its three main target markets.
* Payment: 52% of 2001 revenues. The company is the world leader and
number one supplier for Visa and MasterCard.
* Mobile Communications: 31% of 2001 revenues, with open and
interoperable solutions based on Java technology.
* Authentication and Network Security: emerging markets in which the
company plays a pioneering role, with strong expertise in security and a
dominant position in e-commerce and Pay-TV.
Close to its customers, Oberthur Card Systems benefits from an industrial
and commercial presence across all five continents. Oberthur Card Systems
is a subsidiary of the Francois-Charles Oberthur Group.
For more information, visit www.oberthurusa.com and www.oberthurcs.com
