Russia’s Universal eCard Goes Live

BCP Banking Technologies has announced that the Russian government’s project of a Universal Electronic Card is ready to go live. As per the project plan, all systems are now ready to issue and process cards at the national level. The launch had been previously postponed, as the card suffered from inter-agency issues.

“From the initial idea stage it was obvious that a project of this sophistication would be complex and challenging to implement. Additional complexity was added due to the multiple service providers and institutional levels that were involved,” commented Vasily Grigoriev, CEO BPC Banking Technologies.

The card is aimed to deliver a wide range of electronic applications and to facilitate access to state services for all Russian citizens. It is supposed to work as virtual wallet, where users can store IDs, driver’s license, car insurance, in addition to traditional commercial functions.

The UEC project has been launched throughout the country and more than 10,000 Russians have applied for the service, after the government set up sign-up at post offices, banks and commercial centers, among other locations. 4,000 cards have already been issued and the number is expected to grow swiftly as the service goes live, as the cards will be distributed to the entire population, unless a person makes a written statement of refusal.