Itaú Unibanco, Brazil’s second-largest bank by assets, has teamed up with the Rio de Janeiro-based telecoms operator TIM Brasil for a mobile payment pilot scheme.

According to TIM, the pilot will use a test group of 50 people paying bills via smartphone at MasterCard PayPass terminals in more than 100 restaurants, coffee shops and local stores in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

TIM said the main objective of the pilot was to gain knowledge about the technology, train internal employees and look at the challenges of a larger rollout.

The service is set to be rolled out to Itaú Unibanco customers in the second half of 2013, depending on the success of the project.

Digital security company Gemalto will provide NFC SIMs for handsets and its Trusted Service Management (TSM) platform for the project.

Fernando Teles, credit card director, Itaú Unibanco, said: "Technology, infrastructure and consumer awareness of contactless payment are poised for tremendous growth in Brazil.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"Gemalto’s proven NFC technology increases agility in payment systems and will help to transform consumers’ relationship with their banks, mobile devices and operators, energising the marketplace in Brazil."

Roger Solé, chief marketing officer of TIM Brazil, said: "TIM has innovation as a strategic pillar and the technology promises to be an important evolution of mobile which will bring greater convenience to our customers."

 

Related articles:

Customer satisfaction lowest in Brazil

ICBC to open a branch in Brazil

Big three in Brazil to offer joint ATM access