Australian merchants will have access to some of the world’s most advanced payment solutions thanks to the partnership between Worldline and ANZ

ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions announces its launch in Australia– a joint venture between ANZ and global payments services leader Worldline. Australian merchants will have access to some of the world’s most advanced payment solutions, proven internationally and adapted to meet the unique requirements of the Australian market.

Worldline is the technology partner of choice for merchants, banks and acquirers across more than 50 countries, with decades of experience in domestic and international payment systems.

Headquartered in Melbourne, ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions is the first partnership in Australia between a big four bank and a specialist payments provider, with Worldline holding a 51 per cent stake in the local entity, and ANZ a 49 per cent share.

From 1 April, ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions began delivering services to ANZ's merchant customers. The company has solutions for small businesses through to large enterprises across all segments including retail, hospitality and fuel, which will also be available to all Australian merchants who want to offer better consumer experiences.

Vincent Roland, Managing Director Merchant Services, Worldline, said the company’s ambition is to bring together Worldline's global scale and payments expertise with ANZ's deep local knowledge and financial services leadership.

“Australians have always been early adopters of new technologies such as contactless payment and digital wallets. Australia is number four globally for payment terminals per capita, and the local eCommerce market – thanks largely to COVID – is tipped to get close to AU$100 billion by 2025,” he said.

He said Australia's strong economic outlook and rising consumer confidence is a promising foundation for merchants who are well-placed to capitalise on Australia's post-COVID recovery.

“It is vital that businesses have the tools to respond to the accelerating take-up of digital payments technology and the rebounding economy. While mass transaction technology calls for economies of scale, the uniqueness of each business must not be underestimated.

“For small business, that means making it easier and faster to accept payments by using their customers' preferred payment method. For large institutions and businesses, it's about understanding the entire consumer journey, having insight through data at your fingertips and being able to layer-on value-adding solutions like loyalty programs,” he said. 

Petr Ryska, CEO, ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions, said the new company is planning significant investment in its local offering to deliver innovative, world-leading products to the Australian market.

"In 2021, Worldline spent the equivalent of c.AU$380^[1] million globally in research and development. ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions will invest a further $22.4 million in Australia to localise our platform, ensuring we meet the unique requirements of Australian merchants and comply with the various regulatory requirements", he said.

Later this year, a number of existing ANZ customers will be invited to participate in product pilots for new ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions technology. In a second phase commencing early 2023, the company will launch its new product suite for all Australian merchants, including:

• Omnichannel – a solution for the mid-market that facilitates contemporary user journeys that have become the mainstay of large enterprises. It enables consumers to seamlessly transition between online and in-store touchpoints within a single purchase, while a single integrated back-office solution ensures operational efficiency and deep customer insight for the merchant.

• YUMi – offers a whole new world of tailored and customisable customer interactions at the point of sale and beyond.  It includes self-checkouts, buy now pay later (BNPL) and loyalty schemes, all through an award-winning, revolving design. 

• Worldline Mobile Pay – an application that enables merchants to turn selected Android smartphones or tablets into a payments terminal to accept immediate payments from customers. With no additional device required, customers simply tap their payment method directly to the phone.

Mr Ryska said ANZ Worldline Payments Solutions’ new product suite will help all its merchant customers improve their customers’ shopping experience, boosting loyalty and efficiency at the same time.

“For large enterprises, it means better customer journeys – a seamless, consistent, and straightforward shopping experience whether online, in-store, or on the go. For a tradesperson, you can get paid wherever you are. Payments will be processed on the spot with a mobile device. For a café owner, it means a better and tailored experience for customers who can split bills, run a bar tab, and easily tip staff,” he said.

ANZ Worldline Payment Solutions will be headquartered in Melbourne. Its operations will ultimately support more than 350 Melbourne-based roles across the joint venture and Worldline’s support services, including 185 newly created roles and 169 roles transferring from ANZ’s local operations. It will also support additional roles in Sydney and Brisbane.