MEPS launched Malaysia's first non-bank ATM late last year and has ambitious growth plans to roll out the technology across the country, which will see 500 ATMs live by the end of this year and continuous steady growth year on year to 1,580 by 2018 as MEPS rolls out nationwide coverage. TNS will provide its TNSLink solution to handle secure, high-speed transaction transport and ATM communications utilizing advanced encryption algorithms and a PCI DSS certified backbone network.

Focused on establishing a nationwide network, the new MEPS ATMs are being located in strategic and accessible locations, such as petrol stations, convenience stores, hypermarkets and office buildings. MEPS ATMs support the Malaysian government's Economic Transformation Programme and Bank Negara Malaysia's e-Payment Agenda by offering more than just cash withdrawals and balance enquiries. Customers can complete real-time interbank transfers, as well as make credit card and loan repayments.

Zulkanain Kassim, Group Managing Director at MEPS, said: "We are calling this our 'ATM for All' and promising simplicity and security for the convenience of customers. We selected TNS to support our ATM network because of its global expertise in wireless ATM connectivity, proven service level achievement, and the high standards of security it adheres to through its PCI DSS certification. TNS' 24x7x365 support provides mission critical cover and the real-time status and visibility reporting through TNSOnline helps us ensure the efficient running of our network."

Since its formation in 1997, MEPS has become a significant player in the Malaysian financial services sector and is the only interbank payment network service provider in Malaysia that supports domestic, development, Islamic and foreign banks.

Lisa Shipley, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of TNS' Payment Network Solutions, said: "We're delighted to be helping MEPS establish its new ATM footprint across Malaysia. We are proud of our ATM capability and can access more than 400 acquirers, processors and banks across 66 countries, making us the perfect partner for financial organizations requiring scalability and flexibility as their networks grow."