IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

This contactless technology, where the mobile phone is passed over sensors mounted on the access gates of mass transit means, is the first of its kind in the Middle East.

This has led to greater financial inclusion, supporting much of the non-bankable population

Contactless payments are rapidly gaining ground across the globe. Driven by customer convenience and efficiency, this innovative payment method has opened up new dimension for daily transactions undertaken by consumers. Mobile wallets, online payment providers, near field communication (NFC) technology, have and continue to transform the space, and allow merchants to increase their point-of-sale transactions through customers making cashless payments, or using simple “Tap-and-Go” payment solutions. Many countries in Europe, such as Sweden are currently leading the field, and have made significant progress to becoming a more cashless society as many consumers use handsets, cards or online platforms for day to day purchases.

The electronic payment system called ‘Opal’ was extended to an additional 70 stations last week.

“This marks a significant milestone for commuters across Sydney, as Opal provides cheaper fares, modernises the way people use public transport and puts an end to the Monday morning queue for a ticket,” Berejiklian said.

UK banks plan to establish a standard for physically authenticating online transactions early next month, allowing them to create greater consumer confidence in internet security.

The growing threat of identity fraud is forcing banks to find stronger means of securing their customers' accounts, such as providing a physical device that can generate unique codes to secure online transactions.

The Electronic government portal in Azerbaijan now features a function for convenient online payment.

The Automated Payment Utility Service of the state payment portal is integrated into the e-government portal, says the Computer Information Center under the Communications and High Technologies Ministry.

The objectives of the project are to increase the use of non-cash payments, simplifying the process of budget payments, and the integration of e-government projects with the infrastructure of the national payment system.

Finance Ministry’s source says that the document has already submitted to the Cabinet Ministers. The document was signed by State Adviser on Economic Issues Vahid Akhundov.

Kamal Gurbanov, the head of the Central Bank’s Department of Payment Systems and Settlements, says that the new program implies expansion of use of advanced e-payment services.

The registration system of IMEI codes of mobile phones has been integrated into the e-GovPay (SmartPay) payment system, the Data Processing Center of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan told Trend April 20.

It is possible to pay for the registration of IMEI codes of mobile devices both online (via e-govpay.az website) and via e-GovPay terminals, which are mainly installed in some offices of Azerpoct LLC and telecommunications centers of state communication operators. By means of e-GovPay terminals it is possible to pay for utility services, communication services, TV, the Internet, etc.

"Insurers will be able to provide statements for the first half and second quarter of the year in an electronic form in July," Muslimov said.

The software allows to carry out these operations in the on-line-mode. State Fund has received 6205 electronic applications on May 31 in order to provide electronic reporting.

The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has announced the launch of its eWallet, a new online payment method for government eServices.

The eWallet is being made available in cooperation with The BENEFIT Company, which runs the Credit Reference Bureau network and provides the electronic funds transfer system between banks, and CrediMax,  a pioneer in credit card and payment gateways.

The growth of ePayment value across various eGovernment channels in Bahrain reached 12 per cent during the first quarter of 2018 versus last quarter of 2017, said a report from Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA).

Values reach more than BD23 million ($60.7 million) were completed from January to March 2018 with an increase of 10 per cent in number of financial transactions.

The drive, called the Financial Support for Citizens with Limited Income service, involves full online registration for eligible citizens to receive monetary aid from the government.

It also concerns the integration of government systems and the databases of various ministries and private organisations such as the Ministry of Social Development, Central Informatics Organisation, and the General Organisation for Social Insurance, Commerce and Industry, among others.

The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has launched a host of new ePayment services in cooperation with the private sector, the latest being self-payment kiosks in partnership with leading payment channel, Sadad.

This is in line with its commitment to provide a range of digital platforms and payment channels to the public, and streamline government transactions, said the statement from iGA.

Previously, only credit card users could make payments online for services such as traffic fines, electricity and water bill payments etc. Over 70% residents of Bahrain will now be able to pay the fees for services available on the eGovernment portal - www.e.gov.bh. This facility is available, at no additional cost, to the users.

Bahrain has urged citizens and residents to embrace ePayment facilities that ease the process of paying fees.

An awareness campaign launched by the eGovernment Authority said that it seeks to help the public with online payment for government transactions through a mobile portal, a mobile version of the National eGovernment Portal and one of the main eService delivery channels that include the National eGovernment Portal (Bahrain.bh), eServices Centers, Self-service kiosks, as well the National Contact Centre.

Tutong is the first district to implement the system which is part of the Ministry of Development's e-government projects. The advanced national e-Billing Integrated System (eBIS), aims to enhance the provision of metering and billing services to the public.

An agreement to enable the debit card payment facility has been signed between the Finance Ministry and Ahli United Bank, which will use the Benefit system offering an electronic network for financial transaction.

Citibank, N.A. Bangladesh and DESA Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect.

With the signing of this MoU, the DESA customers will be able to receive their bills at CitiConnect website and make online payments via Citi''s innovative payment gateway, according to a press release of the US-based banking group.