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Gift and Prepay Intelligence Newsletter

Latest newsletter from Gift and Prepaid Intelligence. Events and news in the prepay world.

February 8th, 2008

ALTAIR: One of ’10 to Watch in 2008’

Altair Financial Services International Plc has been selected by InteleCard News, as one of the "10 TO WATCH 2008". This prestigious survey highlights the success of prepaid products and services around the globe.

The 10 to Watch comprise a veritable smorgasbord of companies, many positioning themselves as major players with innovative product offerings in the global marketplace. Their reach extends to every corner of the world, and they’re dedicated to opening new lines of communication that make life easier for customers with simple, convenient products and services.

We look forward to supporting the growth of Altair, a Global Member of the Network, over the coming year.

First Data to Provide Innovative Prepaid Card Solution for Cadooz

First Data Corp., a Global Member of the Giftex Prepay Network, has announced that it has signed a contract with cadooz AG, a leading provider of corporate gift and incentive vouchers in Germany, to deliver card-based incentive and reward solutions.
Read more at http://www.paymentsnews.com/2008/01/first-data-to-p.html

Incrementality or Cannibalisation? The Multi-Million Dollar Question
In our jargon-filled world, why do two six-syllable words matter much? Because they refer to where we’re making money, and where we’re losing it. That matters. This article will help you understand the unspoken fear of retailers and other customer owners: are we eating into our own profits?

For access to full details of this study including comments from some of the major players in the industry, click through to http://www.giftexprepay.com/order.php

MasterCard ARC Travel Card Hopes to be in the Pockets of People Around the World

MasterCard has introduced its new prepaid travel card in hopes to tap into a market that is projected to reach $9 billion by 2010. Cardholders will be able to obtain local currency at any one of MasterCard’s ATMs worldwide.

The cards will be equipped with PayPass contactless technology and will allow for the management of funds online. Each card can be loaded up to $9,500 and costs between $14.95 and $29.95 to purchase. Also, up to four cards can be purchased for one account. Features and benefits will include zero liability, emergency cash/card replacement, lost luggage and purchase assurance.

PayPal invests in fraud service
With the issue of fraud being high on the agenda of payment services worldwide, it comes as no surprise that one of the world’s biggest names in e-payments has recently invested significantly in this area. With the major players needing to be at the cutting edge of fraud management, PayPal has announced an agreement to acquire Fraud Sciences Ltd., a privately-held Israeli company with expertise in online risk tools, in a cash transaction with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $169 million.

Giftex Event Review – ‘Planning to Perform in Prepay’

The first Giftex Prepay Network Europe event of 2008 was held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Victoria and brought together prepay specialists for discussion of hot topics within the prepay sector. The event was hosted by Travel Tags Narboni and Salans.

Atle Torud and Amanda Mickelburgh of Retail Decisions, a world leader in fraud prevention, supplied insight and drove discussion on ways to combat fraudulent activity. Professor Dan Horne, the world’s leading expert in prepay cards and consumer behaviour, shared the results of the US market over the holiday period 2007/08.

To find more about how to join the Network, please call Andrew Maxwell by phone on 004420 7720 1810 or by email at [email protected]

New Giftex Prepay Network Members
We are pleased to welcome two more members to the Network who have both joined in January.
Welcome to Debenhams, one of the most popular and recognised British retail names, known for its outstanding retailing qualities and for being the first retailer in the UK to have a gift card.

Welcome to Card Commerce, a leading provider of systems and services that allows organisations to harness the benefits of gift cards and other types of pre-paid debit card. Watch out for Card Commerce’s new processing capability that promises to transform the penetration of gift cards in the UK and Europe.

And welcome to 'Starbucks Coffee Company, providing an uplifting experience that enriches people's lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time'.

To find out who else is in the Network and to learn more about how to become a member click here.

Upcoming Events in the World of Prepay

Giftex Prepay Network North America - ‘Expo Gift and Prepay Symposium‘, Las Vegas, USA, 2/3 March 2008 (Presentation from Professor Dan Horne and Tony Craddock)

An intimate in-depth exploration of topical issues facing our members and selected guests. There has never been anything quite like this in the prepay world so far. Senior players at the most successful companies in gift and prepay. A symposium-style event to stimulate fresh ideas and resolve pressing problems.

The Symposium is a chance to create a meaningful context for the Expo itself, the world’s leading conference in prepay. And build relationships with the biggest hitters in prepay. Attendance is by invitation only. To find out who is going to be there, ask Casey to send you the guest list.

Prepaid Card Expo 2008, Las Vegas, USA, 3-5 March 2008 (Presentation by Professor Dan Horne)

The world’s largest gathering of prepaid, stored value and emerging payments professionals, with more than 2,400 people from over 900 companies attending in 2007. This is an excellent opportunity to fully capitalize on the market opportunity that prepaid cards provide, to understand the latest trends and developments in the industry, to stay up-to-date on new technologies, and foster relationships with your peers, clients, and partners. Go to http://www.iirusa.com

Retail Gift Cards in New Zealand, Auckland, 10 March 2008 (chaired by Tony Craddock)

Leigh Mardon New Zealand in association with Giftex Prepay is holding a seminar for retailers on The Top 15 Tips to Gift Card Success. Discussions will focus on broadening the appeal of plastic through gift card innovation with topics including:

• How can open and closed loop thrive together?

• How are retailers increasing sales and profitability?

• Adding functional services to gift cards

• The explosion of gift card malls in the UK

For more information and to obtain a complimentary guest pass, contact Casey.

Prepaid Card Australia Summit 2008, Sydney, Australia, 13 March 2008 (Presentation by Tony Craddock)

Prepaid Cards Australia is a high-quality conference featuring international and local keynote presentations from world leading authorities, best practice case studies, interactive panel sessions and facilitated workshops. For more information, go to http://www.terrapinn.com/2008/pre_au/

Prepaid Card Asia Summit 2008, Singapore, 11 April 2008 (Presentation by Tony Craddock)

The 13th annual Cards Asia 2008 is the region’s only international showcase of the latest smart card technologies and applications. The speakers will address key issues such as the future of prepaid in Asia, regulatory concerns and promoting best practice.

For more information, go to http://www.terrapinn.com/2008/prepaid/index.stm

Prepaid Commerce: The Future of Cash, London, UK, 23-25 June 2008 (Presentation by Tony Craddock)

The first conference from Clarion with an impressive agenda and broad reach. For more information on attending or presenting, go to www.prepaid-commerce.com.

Posted by staff at February 13, 2008 09:34 AM