Starting today, Barclaycard merchants now have the opportunity to accept mobile payments through Pay by Bank app, the new payment method created by Mastercard’s Vocalink business.

In addition, a greater number of consumers will also be able to pay using the functionality; in 2020 Barclays will be rolling out Pay by Bank app, currently live on its Pingit app, on its Barclays Mobile Banking App. This means over 6m users will be able to benefit from the service.

What does it mean to extend the bank? Traditionally, banks have manufactured, distributed and managed all of their own products and services. The concept of extend describes how this traditional model is changing as the value chain becomes unbundled, the bank ecosystem expands, and other parties become involved in these activities either in collaboration or competition with the bank. 

In an increasingly cost-competitive industry, digital technologies are providing today’s insurance carriers with new methods of distinguishing themselves from competitors. Of particular focus is the claims process. As insurance’s ‘moment of truth’, policy-holders’ experiences when making a claim can define whether they become satisfied and loyal customers for life or disgruntled, and unlikely to return.

Today, TransferTo, a cross-border mobile top-ups and payment solutions network provider has announced a full rebrand, effective immediately, with two separate company brands, logos and identities.

TransferTo’s mobile top-up and rewards business, founded in 2005, has now changed its name to DT One and remains a leading global network for mobile top-up solutions and innovative mobile rewards. 

Finastra’s core banking solution, Fusion Essence, has been chosen to power Saudi Arabia’s Agricultural Development Fund’s lending services.

Wallis Bank has launched a number of new features for its customers allowing for more convenient access to their online accounts without sacrificing security. New services include Wallis 360, a revamped treasury management system for both small and large businesses; CardValet®, a mobile application for online debit card control; and Wallis Bank Mobile, a retail banking application recently updated for mobile deposits.

NEXT Biometrics (Oslo Bors: NEXT), a global leader in fingerprint sensor technology, today announced that the Company`s One Touch Access 100 fingerprint sensor module has been selected by Prima Technology Inc. for integration in its high-quality display panel solutions.

NEXT has shipped initial volumes of its One Touch Access 100 fingerprint sensor module which are currently being integrated and tested for use in Prima Technology`s display solutions for the educational market in North America.

Wirecard, the global innovation leader for digital financial technology, has announced its collaboration with Segmüller, one of Germany's largest furniture retailers. Thanks to Wirecard, Segmüller offers its customers the opportunity to conveniently pay invoices with their mobile devices or credit cards when they receive their delivery. Wirecard not only provides the digital payment technology, but also handles the processing of payments.

After six years stuck at 2%, basic pay award expectations in the private sector have increased to 2.5%. Meanwhile, basic pay award expectations in the public sector have fallen from 2% to 1.1%, according to the latest Labour Market Outlook from the CIPD and the Adecco Group. The report highlights the effects of a tighter labour market on skills shortages as seven in ten (71%) of employers with vacancies report that at least some of them are proving hard to fill.

Pay outlook