The Austrian telecom market leader A1 and the full-service payment provider Concardis are now offering commercial customers comprehensive IT and payment services from a single source. “A1 Payment” comprises payment terminals, wide-ranging service packages such as NFC and a mobile wallet, debit and credit card acceptance as well as transaction processing for companies. SIM cards and data packages for mobile terminals are included. This new service saves A1 customers unnecessary workflows and administrative expenses.

Martin Resel, A1 CCO Enterprise, commented on the new partnership with Concardis: ‘Both the IT and telecoms industry and the payment sector are now driven by new digital technologies. So it was a logical step for us to generate synergies, expand our product range and offer our clients even more services. In Concardis we are delighted to have found an experienced partner to do so.’

Robert Hoffmann, CEO of Concardis Payment Group, adds: ‘With A1 we have gained a strong partner for continued growth in the Austrian market. Thanks to this partnership, our clients will now get all telecommunications and payment services from a single provider – with excellent, personalised local support.’

The A1 service team is in charge of all the installation and maintenance of the payment terminals and is with the customer within four hours – seven days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout Austria.

In addition to “A1 Payment”, the partnership between A1 and Concardis also covers the development of other sector-specific offerings and e-commerce solutions, as well as the international expansion of their services.

The Austrian telecom market leader A1 and the full-service payment provider Concardis are now offering commercial customers comprehensive IT and payment services from a single source. “A1 Payment” comprises payment terminals, wide-ranging service packages such as NFC and a mobile wallet, debit and credit card acceptance as well as transaction processing for companies. SIM cards and data packages for mobile terminals are included. This new service saves A1 customers unnecessary workflows and administrative expenses.

Martin Resel, A1 CCO Enterprise, commented on the new partnership with Concardis: ‘Both the IT and telecoms industry and the payment sector are now driven by new digital technologies. So it was a logical step for us to generate synergies, expand our product range and offer our clients even more services. In Concardis we are delighted to have found an experienced partner to do so.’

Robert Hoffmann, CEO of Concardis Payment Group, adds: ‘With A1 we have gained a strong partner for continued growth in the Austrian market. Thanks to this partnership, our clients will now get all telecommunications and payment services from a single provider – with excellent, personalised local support.’

The A1 service team is in charge of all the installation and maintenance of the payment terminals and is with the customer within four hours – seven days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout Austria.

In addition to “A1 Payment”, the partnership between A1 and Concardis also covers the development of other sector-specific offerings and e-commerce solutions, as well as the international expansion of their services.

B2C2, one of the largest cryptocurrency liquidity providers and the leader in electronic OTC trading, today announced the launch of streaming pricing with point-and-click execution on its OTC platform. 

For the first time, B2C2’s clients will be able to view and execute trades on a real-time two-way market, via the firm’s secure web interface. The new functionality allows market participants to easily monitor live pricing in user-defined quantities and execute with the click of a button, as they would on traditional FX trading platforms.

The launch rounds out a number of milestones for B2C2 in 2018, including surpassing 2017 peak volumes; rolling out a completely redesigned front-end; forming integration partnerships with the major liquidity hubs; and launching a research offering.

Founded in 2015, B2C2 is one of the most experienced cryptocurrency trading firms and the first to offer a native electronic OTC desk. Trusted by retail brokerages, exchanges, banks and fund managers to provide 24/7/365 liquidity, B2C2 offers exposure to large-cap cryptocurrencies, with flexible trade sizes and settlement. The firm’s world-class technology offers instant execution via REST and FIX APIs, in addition to its web interface and voice trading capabilities. B2C2 is also integrated with the largest liquidity hubs, including oneZero, Gold-i and Caspian.

Yamaguchi Yohsuke, GMO Coin, said: “B2C2 is a leading innovator and one of the most respected cryptocurrency liquidity providers in the institutional space.  The launch of streaming pricing on the B2C2 GUI is a pioneering move that will facilitate seamless execution when trading cryptocurrencies.”

Max Boonen, Founder and CEO of B2C2, said: “We’re excited to be one of the first liquidity providers to offer electronic execution on streaming OTC pricing via our web platform. The enhancement brings traditional financial market capabilities to the cryptocurrency markets and rounds out a successful twelve months for B2C2.”

B2C2 is a founding member of the University of Oxford's Centre for Technology and Global Affairs and a member of CryptoUK, the first self-regulatory trade association for the UK cryptocurrency industry. The firm is also a member of the Blockchain and Virtual Currencies Working Group in Brussels; the FrenchCryptocurrency Management Association; and Japan’s Cryptocurrency Business Association.

As the first Swiss private bank, Falcon introduces direct transfers of selected cryptocurrencies for both private and institutional clients.

Falcon Private Bank reaffirms its first-mover position in blockchain banking by accepting direct transfers of selected cryptocurrencies. With immediate effect, private and institutional clients can directly transfer cryptocurrencies to and from segregated Falcon wallets, as well as convert them into fiat money. This new offering from Falcon makes blockchain assets fully bankable.

Clients can place trading orders conveniently through e-banking or a dedicated relationship manager. Digital assets are included in portfolio statements as well as in tax reporting documents. In addition to ensuring best execution, Falcon provides secure storage thanks to its proprietary custody solution.

The bank has developed a process that ensures full compliance with AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (know your client) laws and regulations. Falcon’s multi-level protection covers hardware, software and the transaction process. Our custody solution has been audited and reviewed by independent providers.

Martin Keller, CEO Falcon Private Bank, on the expanded offering: “Falcon has once more seized the opportunity to demonstrate its expertise as a market leader in the digital assets space by merging traditional private banking services with innovative financial solutions.”

For direct transfers, Falcon currently accepts Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether and Litecoin. 

Horizon Software (Horizon), the world’s leading provider of electronic trading solutions and algorithmic technology, has announced the appointment of Philippe Thomas as the newest member of its Advisory Board. The move is a key part of the company’s expansion strategy following a successful MBO in June 2018.

Philippe Thomas brings 20 years of experience in financial technology to his role at Horizon. He currently serves as a Business Consultant, Administrator and Investor at New World Wind, leading the coaching and development of software companies. He previously served as COO and Managing Director across APAC, EMEA, and the Americas at Ullink for over thirteen years and has consistently played an important role in managing and building the business growth and reputation of numerous organisations.

Prior to Ullink, Thomas spent six years at SunGard (now part of FIS) as VP of International Sales and then as Managing Director. He began his time in financial technology at NYSE Euronext as a Market Controller, supervising the trading floor at the open outcry market of MATIF (futures contracts).

Sylvain Thieullent, CEO of Horizon Software, commented: “We warmly welcome Philippe to the team as an advisory board member. In his new role, Philippe is committed to providing effective and insightful coaching into business strategies; the importance of this hire for the firm cannot be understated as Philippe is a very well-respected leader in the financial industry.”

Philippe Thomas said: “I’m very much looking forward to playing a part in and helping drive the expansion of Horizon, one of the world’s leading trading technology providers. This is a great opportunity for me to combine my managing and coaching skills as well as financial markets and technology experience to work with Horizon’s executive team and further enhance the company’s outstanding global presence.”

Thieullent added: “Philippe’s breadth of knowledge and experience, his vision and his business strategy will all be hugely advantageous to Horizon’s continuing global growth in the near future and in the coming years.”

ICS Financial Systems Limited (ICSFS), the global software and services provider for banks and financial institutions, announced that Al Mustashar Islamic Bank, a recently established bank in Iraq, is now operating on its multi-awards winning Islamic banking software suite ICS BANKS ISLAMIC.

Al Mustashar Islamic Bank is a newly registered bank in Iraq that obtained approval of the Central Bank of Iraq in the second quarter of 2018, to offer Shariah-compliant banking services. ICSFShave successfully launched and rolled-out its universal Islamic flagship and awards-winning banking and financial solution ICS BANKS ISLAMIC in a record-breaking time of only 3 months, where Al Mustashar will be implementing ICS BANKS ISLAMIC Core Banking System, Credit Facilities & Risk Groups, Murabaha, Musharaka, Ijara, Mudaraba, Qard Hasan, Time Deposit, Profit Distribution, Remittances and Trade Finance.

On this occasion Al Mustashar Islamic Bank’s Vice Chairman Mr. Ahmad Alsaadi stated,“We are delighted to have become part of ICSFS expanding customers. As a newly established bank, we are looking for innovative and bespoke Islamic banking solutions to help us stay ahead in this highly competitive market. Working on ICS BANKS ISLAMIC will enable us to open new opportunities, to streamline operations and drive growth following the principles of Shari’a.” Alsaadi added “ICSFS’ wide experience and remarkable worldwide success and specifically in Iraq is one of the many key incentives for choosing ICSFS as our technology partner."

ICSFS’ Executive Director; Mr. Wael Malkawi commented,“ICSFS’ mantra has always been applying advanced technologies to cover all business’ scopes to provide banks and financial institutions with the highest financial and technology standards, and achieve their goals through bespoke practices. Al Mustashar Islamic Bank will enjoy ICS BANKS ISLAMIC universal software’s complete and integrated end-to-end comprehensive suite through automating its banking services.” Malkawi added “We are keen to partner with Al Mustashar Islamic Bank to grow its business and deliver greater customer satisfaction.”

ICSFS invests in its software suites by utilising modern technology in launching new products, constructing a secured and agile integration, and keeping pace with new standards and regulations worldwide. ICS BANKS ISLAMIC is a modular fully integrated solution designed and developed following the principles of Shari’a in compliance with the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). ICS BANKS ISLAMIC software suite future-proof banking activities by providing a broad range of features and capabilities with more agility and flexibility, to enrich customers journey experience, hence improving the trust and confidentiality between the customer and the bank. ICS BANKS ISLAMIC has always been a pioneer in utilising the latest technology to serve financial institutions. In addition to its embedded Service-Oriented-Architecture (SOA), the system can be deployed on premises or in the cloud.

In a boost to Thailand’s smart city and digital infrastructure sectors, the organisers of Secutech Thailand, Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, have announced that the 7th edition of the fair will be co-located with Digital Thailand Big Bang 2019. The two fairs will take place from 28 – 31 October 2019 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, providing trade visitors with plenty of cross-sector sourcing opportunities.  

With a special focus on security solutions for intelligent security, fire & safety, smart living, and info security, Secutech Thailand is widely recognised as a must-attend trade fair for security industry professionals from across the ASEAN region. Owing to its wide ranging coverage of all things security, the show has experienced steady year-on-year growth since its first edition in 2011. At the previous edition, the fair spanned 7,000 sqm and attracted a record 250 exhibiting brands (2017:150), as well as 8,420 visitors (2017: 8,326). 

With a shared interest for digital security innovations, Digital Thailand Big Bang was launched in 2017 to aid the development of Thailand’s digital infrastructure. Organised by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the fair receives strong government sector backing, and promulgates technologies that improve urban living standards, city management systems, digital agriculture, fintech and the digital economy. The B2C platform aligns with the government’s push towards Thailand 4.0 by creating social awareness of new innovations and technologies that are driving Thailand’s digital transformation.   

The Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, Ms Regina Tsai, spoke about how running the upcoming edition of Secutech Thailand alongside Digital Thailand Big Bang will deliver positive outcomes for participants of both trade fairs: “The unique positioning of both shows will ensure that trade visitors with complex sourcing requirements are accommodated, particularly with regards to digital solutions for the smart city sector. Smart city initiatives remain an important component of Thailand’s economic and social development, so with this in mind, we are delighted that the new arrangement will create a regional business hub for all of the most important innovations to be showcased.” 

Echoing Ms Tsai’s positive sentiments, Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President of the DEPA, spoke warmly about the complimentary product portfolios of Secutech Thailand and Digital Thailand Big Bang: “Our goal is to facilitate business connections and spread social awareness about the digital transformations taking place across Thailand. Digital security solutions are part of this remit, so we are pleased to be co-locating the show with Secutech Thailand for the first time in 2019. By doing this, we expect to draw a larger audience of trade visitors to both shows.”  

Updated show theme to focus on artificial intelligence and sustainable development
In a reflection of the growing role that AI powered security technology is playing in Thailand’s smart city landscape, the 2019 edition of Secutech Thailand will be held under the theme of ‘Security + AI – Empowers Sustainable City Development’. Four key vertical markets set to be highlighted under this theme include ‘Smart Police’, ‘Smart Transportation’, ‘Smart Factory’ and ‘Smart Campus’.  

As always, trade visitors will be able to find a wide berth of products at the fair, including AI enhanced surveillance systems, biometric identification systems, smart sensors, alarms and a range of access control systems. Meanwhile, four concurrent events of ‘SMALiving’, ‘SMACity Solution’, ‘Fire & Safety Thailand’, and ‘Info Security Thailand’, will deliver all of the latest innovations for their related sectors.      

Secutech Thailand is organised by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd and Worldex G.E.C. Ltd. The next edition will take place from 28 – 31 October 2019. For more details, please visit www.secutechthailand.com. Alternatively, please call Mr Jason Cheng at +886 2 8729 1099 ext 215, or email jason.cheng@newera.messefrankfurt.com. 

Safety and security are increasingly important basic needs and, therefore, stand for a growing global market. With twelve trade fairs, congresses and forums around the world, Messe Frankfurt brings together demand and supply worldwide with progressive, connected products, applications and services focusing on commercial security and the protection of buildings, spaces and people. The Safety, Security & Fire business cluster offers access to the dynamic markets of the Arabian Peninsula, Asia, Europe and South America. 

Further information at www.safety-security-fire.messefrankfurt.com.