Singtel Adds Payment Options To Dash; Metro Bank Upgrades Mobile App

The Axis: Global Payments News

Welcome to The Axis, your late look at payments news from around the world. Coverage includes Singapore’s Singtel rollout of international payment options in its Dash mobile app. In addition, PUC Berhad is teaming up with Revenue Group Berhad for online-to-offline (O2O) payments in Malaysia, and the United Kingdom’s Metro Bank is upgrading its mobile app to bring mobile payments to over 38 nations.

Singapore’s Singtel is bringing international payments to its Dash mobile payments app with the help of Visa Virtual Account and Apple Pay, the telecommunications company said in an announcement. The firm noted that Dash customers can use their Visa Virtual Account at merchants that accept Visa contactless payments, as well as at online retailers. It also claims to have Singapore’s first non-bank wallet on Apple’s payments system. Singtel Head of mCommerce International Group Gilbert Chuah said in the announcement, “This is a game-changer for the mobile wallet scene in Singapore, especially with the rising popularity of travel and online shopping among Singaporeans.”

In Malaysia, PUC Berhad is teaming up with Revenue Group Berhad for an O2O payment system that uses quick response (QR) codes for customer convenience, The Sun Daily reported. With the tie-up, consumers are able to use a system based on the codes for eVoucher purchases and deal redemption at click-and-collect hubs, gas stations and food and beverage retailers. PUC Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Cheong Chia Chou said, “In this digital age, QR codes are becoming increasingly popular, and this partnership will further encourage the adoption of digital lifestyles among local consumers.”

And Metro Bank, which is based in the United Kingdom, updated its mobile app to allow for international payments to over 38 nations, Compleo reported. Through the service, customers can make same-day SWIFT payments and next-day Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) payments in U.S. dollars, GBP sterling and euros. Customers can input an account number or use a payee’s IBAN to create a SWIFT bank identifier code (BIC) for payments. Metro Bank Chief Commercial Officer Paul Riseborough said that customers can make payments to a supplier in another country or send money to loved ones with the service.