American Express has signed up to The Mobey Forum, a bank-backed initiative to encourage the use of mobile technology in financial services.
Since its launch in April 2000, the Mobey Forum has garnered support from over 30 leading financial services organisations, including Visa International, and mobile handset manufacturers. The group says discussions are ongoing with other card associations and new members will be announced in the future.
The Forum has proposed the use of a second chip slot which would sit alongside the SIM in today's mobile phones and take bank payment cards. Nordic financial conglomerate Nordea is currently trialling a Mobey-conformant payment system in association with Nokia in Sweden.
Tambra Nichols, vice president, smart cards, wireless and emerging markets, American Express, says: "We want to be involved in shaping the future of wireless technology. The Mobey Forum provides an excellent opportunity for American Express to contribute ideas and influence the future direction of the wireless industry at a local and international level."
In November 2001, Amex joined with other leading card associations in founding The Mobile Payments Forum - a cross-industry initiative with the aim of developing an agreed framework for standardised, secure mobile payments.