SIX And Mastercard Equip Cashless Stadium, PT NFC Indonesia Launches IPO

Welcome to The Axis, your late look at payments news from around the world. Coverage includes SIX Payment Services’ and Mastercard’s rollout of cashless payments at a renovated stadium in Austria. In addition, the Monterrey Digital Hub in Mexico has opened, and PT NFC Indonesia has held an initial public offering (IPO).

SIX Payment Services and Mastercard have teamed up to make Austria’s renovated Generali Arena a completely cashless environment, SIX said in an announcement. In terms of technology, SIX has brought approximately 80 point-of-sale (POS) terminals into the stadium, which can take all major credit and debit cards.

With a cashless system, the company said it can shorten lines and bolster customer service for customers and operators of kiosks alike. In particular, consumers can make contactless payments by holding their card up to a POS terminal. And, for purchases lower than 25 euros, consumers will not be required to enter a PIN code in order to complete their transactions.

And, in Mexico, the Monterrey Digital Hub has opened its doors, the organization said in an announcement. The group aims to help position the city of Monterrey as the tech hub of Mexico, while bringing together companies, entrepreneurs, academic institutions and digital talent. This is an initiative of companies such as ALFA, CEMEX and Arca Continental.

“We consider digitalization as a way to deliver an excellent service and know our customers better,” José Borda Noriega, commercial and digital executive director of Arca Continental. “This is why we joined this initiative that integrates talent, commitment and leadership with the objective to foster an innovation ecosystem that strengthens the regions’ competitiveness.”

On another note, M Cash Integrasi subsidiary PT NFC Indonesia has been listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), Deal Street Asia reported. In an oversubscribed round, the firm notched Rp 308 billion – or about $21 million – in funding. The company runs a phone credit marketplace as well as a free entertainment app.

With the IPO, PT NFC Indonesia aims to be the largest digital exchange hub in Indonesia. It plans to use 30 percent of the funds toward digital investments, 60 percent for working capital and 10 percent for human capital.