Australia-based payment solutions firm Novatti Group and FINTQnologies, the financial technology unit of PLDT-owned Voyager Innovations, have announced they are discussing opportunities in providing digital financial platforms to bank and non-bank partners in Africa and the Middle East.
FINTQ CEO Lito M. Villanueva (left) and Novatti Group chief executive for transaction processing services Paolo Montessori at the FINTQ office in Manila
FINTQ provides consumer-centric and demand-driven innovative digital platforms, products and services for financial and non-financial institutions across underserved, unserved and banked customers. These cover digital lending, disbursements, micro-savings, micro-insurance, NFC contactless and online payments, and, anti-fraud and card control solution, among others.
FINTQ?s products include Lendr, a multi-channel, telco-agnostic consumer loans marketplace, and LockByMobile, a mobile-based anti-fraud and card control solution app for all payment cards.
Novatti and FINTQ are exploring ways to improve financial inclusion in emerging markets by leveraging digital and mobile technologies.
According to the World Bank, in 2014, 86% of adults in the Middle East are unbanked, the highest rate in the world. This was followed closely by sub-Saharan Africa with 66%.
?Leveraging our global network and FINTQ?s proven model in the Philippine market will enable us to provide accessible financial products to the masses. Every mobile device in any country has the potential to be a banking channel that can empower users to transact in a safe and secure manner or even apply for loans when needed,? said Peter Cook, CEO of Novatti Group.
?Collaboration between technology companies provides consumers with the best learnings and perspectives. We look forward to working with Novatti as we strengthen our presence in the global scale and open a range of new markets for our innovative digital financial platforms,? Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of PLDT, Smart, Voyager Innovations and FINTQ, added.
