Dear ATMIA members and friends of the ATMIA Industry,
This May, many ATMIA mmembers gathered in Toronto for the premier industry event of 2016. The conference was well attended by many different industry sectors, including Banks, Credit Unions, Security experts, Switch providers and potential new members. The most notable feedback from attendees was that the networking opportunities were of very high quality. First-time attendees appreciated meeting face-to-face with business associates. Our keynote speaker, Chris Chandler, the current serving President, was well received for his presentation on the subject matter of the benefits of ATMIA and the work that goes on in the background to protect the reputation of the industry. The final session for the event was the town hall meeting which was well attended and very interactive with audience participation.
ATMIA Canada Board Members took advantage of the Toronto venue to conduct our quarterly meeting. The minutes generated from the meeting are posted on the ATMIA website click here to review.
ATMIA is pleased to announce its newest Member to Member service. This feature is for members only and provides the ability for members to reach out to other members to make a first time connection. Members are welcome to give this service a try by signing into your account, and go to Member Directory, you will be prompted to type in who you want to connect to.
An important note from the desk of Chris Chandler, ATMIA President and Canada GRC Chairman.
Re: recent string of articles in Journal de Montreal regarding WL ATMs being illegal without AMF permits and being linked to money laundering and being linked to organized crime
Background:
In May/June 2016 the JdM ran a series of articles dramatizing illegal ATMs that did not have AMF sticker pursuant to the Money Service Business Act. However they did not stop at simply highlighting that many ATMs did not have the permits showing, they made dramatic inferences, without any evidence, of linkages between ATMs and organized crime. This matter was raised in the Quebec legislature by opposition parties on several occasions, putting pressure on the Minister of Finance to react.
Actions:
- ATMIA published the attached press release to all relevant government, regulators and media stating that “exaggerating the risks of money laundering in ATMs was hurting thousands of small business operators who operate clean, convenient ATMs”
- ATMIA (chandler) conducted an interview with the journalist reiterating the points of the press release. While the reporter found the points interesting, they did not support his story flow and he did not mention any of this in articles
- ATMIA (chandler) met with a top Aid to the Quebec Minister of Finance last week to gauge the government’s position and if they had any intention of reacting. They (correctly in my view) believe the issue is not with ATMs but with the AMF not rolling out the permits in timely basis. They have made comments to the AMF accordingly. The do not plan any further action. They believe the matter will not continue to be raised in the legislature.
While quite disruptive to merchants with ATMs in Quebec, it appears this issue has passed and will die down. We do encourage all ATMIA members with ATMs in Quebec to ensure your compliance with the Money Service Business Act and to contact the AMF at the below contact centers to obtain and display your permits asap.
On the very same day that Chris Chandler was advocating for ATMIA in Ottawa, I had the opportunity to spread the word about our association be facilitating a FINTECH session at the annual Cardware Conference held in Niagara Falls.
ATMIA now is host to over 25 active working committees on industry related issues. All members are welcome to become active and join fellow ATMIA Members in these groups. You can click here to review the list of committes.
On a final note, I have the pleasure to introduce ATMIA's newest members since the last newsletter.- ATM Network Service Provider Quebec
- Miroma Inc. ISO Toronto.
- Paper Dimensions ATM Supplier Canada
- International ATM ISO Quebec
- Fast Funds ISO Ottawa
- And our newest Board Member Touch Cash Ontario
Warmest regards,
Curt Binns
Executive Director, ATMIA Canada
