This important breakthrough allows Santander Universities to take the lead in the market, providing the new contactless technology along with financial and academic functions. Rapid growth in the contactless EMV payment market is expected in the country. Santander is the first bank in Brazil to issue personalized contactless EMV cards, which are produced in the country. In addition, it is well positioned in the expansion of more advanced payment programs, such as through cell phones, using NFC contactless technology.
Besides the speed and convenience of contactless payments, students in Brazil will continue enjoying the features of the university smart cards they already have. These features include EMV security, digital ID, strong authentication and access to university facilities, as well as public transportation in some universities.
„The card offers unmatched technology in our market and gives us a leading edge that adds great value to our brand, positioning and activities. We want to strengthen our ties with universities offering state-of-the-art technology, which improves the operation of the institutions,” said Jamil Hannouche, Director of Santander Universities in Brasil.
„Santander Universities and Gemalto have built a strong business relationship and bringing a new payment technology to Brazilian students fosters our commitment to secure payments anywhere,” said Eric Megret-Dorne, Vice-President of Secure Transactions, Gemalto Latin America. „Banco Santander has been taking advantage of Gemalto“s ability to produce and personalize high volumes of contactless EMV cards locally, so that it can provide the contactless payment experience to a new generation of card users.“
