| Dear Member, An even busier April! Still, of course, promoting the concept of Payment Choice for all. If you want to read The Charter for Payment Choice, developed by Debbie Smyth and myself, please click here. I have also spent many hours on the issue of ATM attacks in Ireland. You can hear one of my radio interviews using this link. Moving on, our flagship European event - the ATM & Payments Innovation Summit - will be staged in Rome, 15-17 October 2019. You can read more about the Summit here. I am delighted to say that many ATMIA Members have already come forward to Sponsor the Summit, including Gold Sponsors, Auriga and Evry and Silver Sponsors, Hyosung TNS. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to fully participate in the Summit! Discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities NOW, with Reena Kaur at reena.kaur@atmia.com! For all other aspects of the event, please contact our conference director Mary Lawrence at mary.lawrence@atmia.com. And while on the subject of not delaying, I really need your money NOW! I cannot continue European advocacy work without it! Do NOT leave it to someone else; I am relying on YOU! Please donate to the European Advocacy Fund here. You can read all about the Advocacy work your contributions would fund later in this Newsletter. However, as a very topical example, you can use this link to see TV coverage of my appearance before the Scottish Affairs Committee in the UK Parliament on 2 April. You will hear me call for, amongst other things, a restoration of LINK ATM interchange to the viable levels in place BEFORE the arbitrary cuts. Up to 10,000 free-to-use UK ATMs are switching to pay-to-use this year; others are simply being removed altogether. More than 300 million ATM cash withdrawals - 12% of the UK total - may well be wiped out as a result of these changes. Not a “natural” decline, of course. One brought about by significantly reducing convenient free access to cash. THE UK PUBLIC AND BUSINESSES NEED THESE CHANGES HALTED AND REVERSED IN 2019, ENSURING PAYMENT CHOICE FOR ALL IS MAINTAINED AND EVEN IMPROVED. There are also threats to the economics of our industry through arbitrary cuts in interchange around Europe and misguided interventions by politicians in relation to Dynamic Currency Conversion. Advocacy is needed more than ever before. To repeat what I stated above, this is vital work - please help fund it by contributing to the European Advocacy Fund. Moving on, I am delighted to announce that the excellent UK security company PWG are our Member of the Month for May 2019. You can read more about this highly innovative organisation here. PWG trackers are helping to put criminals behind bars. Let’s hope we see such results in Northern Ireland very soon! And on the subject of security, I am delighted to welcome ATM Security Systems to the European family of the ATMIA. More about this new member in a later issue of this newsletter. Now news of a Half Day Seminar the ATMIA is running in London on 27 June 2019, 14:00-17:00, followed by drinks and nibbles. This Seminar, sponsored by Clyde & Co, will cover all the major issues of interest to European ATM Operators, whether banks or independents. Definitely NOT to be missed! To register your interest in attending, please contact the conference organiser Debbie Smyth on debbie.smyth@atmia.com. Finally, if you would like a story about your company to be published in future editions of this newsletter, please send the material to myself at ron.delnevo@atmia.com and to Jo Ryan at jo90ryan@hotmail.com. An ideal package is 250 words, plus either a photograph or logo (supplied as a separate .jpg or .png file), along with your website address. As ever, more next month! Best wishes,
Ron P.S. Have you thought about becoming a European Regional Sponsor of the ATMIA? THERE ARE SOME GREAT BENEFITS! You can look at them right here.
| |
|
News - Join the Future-Proofing of the ATM IndustryOver 200 companies have joined ATMIA’s Consortium for Next Gen ATMs which is developing a new API App model for future ATMs, including over 55 banks and financial institutions and the top IADs in the world. It is free to join this global movement - simply email me, Mike Lee, at mike@atmia.com to become part of this critical exercise to ensure our technologies stay relevant for the next generation. There is a next gen business case toolkit which identifies 22 cost-saving opportunities through embracing next gen architecture, 14 ways of improving revenue and 8 ways to build brand value. It enables a company to calculate potential Return on Investment depending on which sector of the industry you are in. Please see the toolkit, a list of participating companies, best practices and so much more at the next gen portal. Read the Ten Talking Points and join us today! This project will shape the future in many ways creating a relevant and popular ATM for a new generation of consumers.
| |
| News - ATM Industry Career CenterThe new ATM Industry Career Center was launched as planned on Monday, September 10, 2018. Initial activity has been excellent. By the end of the first week we had already seen more than 1,000 page views and 168 unique visitors. Both job-seekers and employers should keep in mind that there is no cost to set up a profile on the site, and no immediate action is required. Job-seekers may register with the system, remaining confidential if they choose, and upload a resume and other documents at a later time. Tools are also available to control the visibility of personal information, respond to posted positions, and create alerts on newly posted jobs. The ATM Industry Career Center allows human resource managers to manage job postings, track activity, and create alerts when candidates match specified criteria. Posting rates for ATMIA members start at only $200. Options are also available to be listed as a “Featured Employer”, create a “Featured Job Posting”, attach videos, and recruit through social media. Job seekers from across the globe are responding. In addition to the USA, resumes have been posted from The Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, India, and Nigeria. This is a career center resource that, like ATMIA, has a truly global reach. For more information, contact U.S executive director, David Tente, or global director of finance and member services, Sharon Lane.
| |
|
Market Intelligence LibraryThe MIL contains some strong overviews of the payment and regulation landscapes in a number of different countries. It includes recently issued articles and document on ATMs and payments, plus key items from the press. The following links will take you to listings of current interest:
| |
|
The Cash Repository
The Cash Repository is your source for a wide range of current data and information about the global role of cash in society, from a variety of sources.
Recent Articles & Resources:
Find more resources including reports, articles, white papers, position papers, infographics, videos, links and presentations at CashRepository.com.
| |
|
ATM Tube
Featuring videos about all things ATM. Be sure to check out the latest video on our ATM tube as well as upload your own company videos.
| |
|
Six key issues for ATMIA Europe Advocacy in the next months - and, in some cases, years - are:- Ensuring changes to payment scheme rules do not damage the interests of ATM operators, endangering access to cash for all.
- Ensuring Dynamic Currency Conversion at ATMs remains an option for customers and a profitable transaction for ATM operators.
- Supporting the implementation of a transparent European model for the calculation of ATM interchange.
- Supporting the implementation of a Universal ATM Cash Deposit, allowing ATM users to deposit cash at any ATM.
- Ensuring the UK LINK ATM Network survives to provide cash access that is conveniently accessible for all members of the public and businesses.
- Supporting the introduction of legal safeguards in every European market, to safeguard both access to cash and the acceptance of cash for in-person payments.
We shall update on some or all of these key issues each month.
| |
|
The Universal Cash Deposits at UK ATMs - And Other Innovation IssuesWe at the ATMIA always support more innovation in our industry. For example, in the UK currently we are asking all Card Issuing LINK Members to sign up for the Universal Cash Deposit Transaction. This wonderful yet practical innovation will allow cardholders with bank accounts to deposit cash at ANY enabled ATM in the UK, rather than having to search for a branch or ATM of their own bank. With only less than 8000 bank branches in the UK but around 65,000 ATMs, this innovation makes perfect sense. Ron Delnevo, our European Executive Director, met again with the UK Treasury and Payment Systems Regulator in November 2018 to press for this innovation to be mandated on card issuers in 2019. It is very sad that LINK have had the transaction available to be implemented since 2016 - and yet this much needed innovation has not been introduced at ANY UK ATMs. THAT MUST CHANGE IN 2019!
| |
|
Dynamic Currency Conversion at ATMsAs reported elsewhere in this Newsletter, the European Commission has now announced that new transparency proposals for DCC will NOT include a cap on margins. Full details can be read here. However, in December 2018, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers agreed a political compromise to introduce more transparency in relation to DCC at ATMs and POS Terminals. Implementation will be by April 2020. You can read a Press Release from the European Commission on the subject here. The ATMIA will continue to work to ensure there is as little impact as possible on ATM operators, whether banks or independents. If you want to help, please make a contribution to the European Advocacy Fund.
| |
|
Supporting LINK in the UK - Including Limiting the Interchange Cut to 10% - or Less!
Potential changes to LINK interchange are the big threat in 2018. If they are allowed to happen, it could be the beginning of the end for convenient ATM services - and access to cash - in the UK.
LINK is now proposing a 20% arbitrary reduction in interchange payments over a 4 year period, starting on 1 July 2018. This dramatic reduction in interchange, if implemented, would render many thousands of ATMs uneconomic. Many may well disappear completely. Others might switch to directly charging for cash withdrawals. The UK Treasury Select Committee, Which?, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Association of Convenience Stores and the ATMIA have ALL called for an Independent Inquiry into all the issues surrounding LINK. In May, the ATMIA hosted a meeting of retail organisations, consumer interest groups and charities, all of whom are against the arbitrary cuts in LINK interchange because of the potential impact on the UK ATM estate and convenient public and commercial access to cash. Which?, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Association of Convenience Stores were just three of the organisations which participated.
| |
In May the ATMIA hosted a meeting of retail organisations
| |
|
Also in May, Ron Delnevo, our European Executive Director appeared before the Scottish Affairs Committee, in the UK Parliament. Ron outlined the strong arguments for maintaining and improving ATM services in the UK, as bank branches disappear. As you can see, the ATMIA is promoting a spirit of compromise - and realism. The ATM industry - banks and independents - can work together to ensure SmartATMs can be economically located in every Community in the UK, replacing lost bank branches as local financial services touch-points. LINK have responded by announcing that the arbitrary cut in interchange is likely to be only 10%, rather than the originally mooted 20%. The ATMIA warmly applauds the flexibility of LINK, in listening and responding positively to alternative views. The signs are good that a dynamic, innovative and cost-effective LINK will be central to meeting the community financial services needs of the UK public for many, many years to come. However, immediate losses of ATMs in areas now left without a free-to-use machine within a kilometre, will force LINK to fund contracts with ATM operators to reinstall lost machines. Much better never to have lost them at all, which could have been achieved with more transparent discussions between all parties. Let’s hope that’s what happens in future.
| |
Ron Delnevo Speaking to the Scottish Affairs Committee, in the UK Parliament
| |
|
You can find links (how appropriate!) to the most up-to-date coverage of the LINK issue below:
LINK recently announced that it has created a £2.75 “super premium” interchange, to be paid where a free-to-use ATM achieves less than 200 cash withdrawals per month on average. Industry sources indicate that there are almost no (50 or less) free-to-use ATMs in the UK achieving this extremely low level of cash withdrawals. It is difficult to understand, therefore, how this premium can have any meaningful impact on the provision of ATM services in the UK. I appeared before the Scottish Affairs Committee of the UK Westminster Parliament on 2nd April 2019. Below is a related newspaper report:
| |
|
Supporting Payment Choice in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden
We still await the decision of the Swedish Government as to how it will act to ensure convenient access to cash is improved, across the nation. It seems likely that off-branch cash deposit and recycling ATMs will be a big part of the solution. Denmark is also a country in which the ATMIA is taking a keen interest. The good news is that it remains obligatory for retailers to accept cash during normal opening hours. Long may this financially inclusive obligation continue! From Norway, some great news! The Yes To Cash movement, officially founded in 2016, is making great progress by urging members and their families and friends to support businesses which accept cash payments. Read more of this exciting development here. In Finland, some vested interests are trying to rush the country towards the choice-poor "cashless society" status. You can read more here. Also in Finland, attempts are being made to reintroduce “disloyalty fees”, imposed when bank customers use non-bank ATMs. Since non-bank ATMs are serving the Finish public well and, in doing so, supporting Financial Inclusion, the ATMIA is working with Finish members to ensure such onerous fees are not reintroduced. You can read the ATMIA’s letter to the Finish Financial Services Authority here. The GREAT news is that the Finnish Financial Services Regulator has now agreed with the ATMIA and our members! Returning to Sweden, the ATMIA has been working with the pro cash movement for several years and also connecting with the Swedish Government and Riksbank (the Swedish Central Bank). THERE IS SOME GREAT NEWS! Here it is, in the form issued by the Riksbank: All banks should be obliged to handle cash
NEWS The Riksbank mainly welcomes the Riksbank Committee’s proposal to impose an obligation on most major banks to offer access to cash services throughout Sweden. But the Riksbank wishes to go a step further. “It is our opinion that all banks and other credit institutions that offer payment accounts shall be obliged to handle cash”, says Governor Stefan Ingves. Published 22/10/2018 The Riksbank Committee, consisting of representatives from all the parliamentary parties, has been tasked with performing a review of the monetary policy framework and the Sveriges Riksbank Act. In June, the Committee published its interim report “Secure access to cash” (SOU 2018:42). In a consultation response to the report, the Riksbank writes that all banks and other credit institutions that offer payment accounts and associated services shall be obliged to offer cash services to their customers. The Committee proposes a requirement that companies shall be able to deposit their daily cash takings in their bank accounts. The Riksbank wishes to go a step further even in this regard. Banks should also be obliged to ensure that private individuals can make deposits. “The possibility to make deposits shall be included in the concept of cash services. This is a service that consumers can reasonably expect of banks,” says Governor Ingves. The Riksbank also considers it important that the status of cash as legal tender be clarified. For example, it needs to be clear which services, in addition to public medical care, shall be obliged to accept cash. As cash use is declining rapidly, it is important that the Riksdag adopt a position on the issue of what constitutes legal tender in Sweden and its connection to the Swedish krona as a currency. Any legislation should be as technology-neutral as possible in order to also be applicable to any future means of payment issued by the Riksbank.” This makes all our work in Sweden feel incredibly worthwhile! Our thanks to the Riksbank for realising steps had to be taken to safeguard Payment Choice in Sweden. Now let’s see how the Swedish Government - and then the banks - respond. Watch this space for more news throughout 2019! Interesting reading on this topic:
An article from ‘Security User Sverige’ on the fight to maintain cash, written by Anders Ellqvist, 15 March 2016. Also, an English translation of 'Cards on the Table', a hugely insightful pamphlet produced by supporters of cash and payment choice in Sweden.
| |
|
News From ATMIA Members Worldwide
A major step for global ATM protection: BS/2 become an official S&G distributor BS/2 banking technologies company of Penki Kontinentai Group have signed a partnership agreement with the international lock and security company Sargent and Greenleaf (S&G). The new contract will allow the two companies to join forces in providing a new level of ATM security.
| |
|
Top 3 Challenges to Overcome When Implementing Self-Scanning The brick-and-mortar retail industry is undergoing seismic shifts driven by digital enablement and intense online competition. As part of a larger trend to offer consumers more convenience and more control as they shop — and also to counter Amazon’s cashierless stores— retailers are increasingly adopting self-scanning checkout solutions in their stores.
| |
|
Brand Building Opportunity
Sponsoring ATMIA's Europe newsletter can help your company build brand awareness, stay top of mind, increase customer loyalty and drive new sales.
Member Rate = $500 for 1 Issue, or $1000 for 3 Issues
Sponsorship includes: - Logo and website link in newsletter top box, right column
- 500 word company backgrounder article with two photos placed in media library on ATMIA website for two years with distribution to global and regional members. If taking up 3 issue offer, same article can be shared via link in each of the following two newsletters.
| |
|
Member to Member Introductions
Connecting with ATMIA members is easy with our member to member introduction service.
Sign into your account on the ATMIA website home page. Then go to the Member Directory and search for new contacts by keyword, company type, country or region. Full contact and other pertinent information is displayed for each ATMIA member.
Simply click the Request Introduction button to email a personalised message with your contact information. Recipients will know that ATMIA sanctioned your outreach. Try it Now...
| |
|
Member of the Month
Our European Member of the Month for May 2019 is PWG.
| |
ATM Certification: - Operator
- Balancing Clerk
- Custodian
- Field Controller
- Operations Manager
- Customer Service Rep.
Other Valuable Courses: - ATM Security
- Value-Added Services
| |
| European Board Members To retain your Board logo in each issue your membership dues need to be current. Please contact Erika Navarrete.
| |
|
