Prepaid International Forum to open Australia & New Zealand unit
International trade association Prepaid International Forum (PIF) today announced that the inaugural meeting of its Australia & New Zealand Chapter will take place in February 2008 and that founder members of the new chapter include Australia Post, BP, FIS Australasia Deacons, e-pay and Cuscal.
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The new Australia & New Zealand PIF chapter will address the key areas of interest to the entire prepaid industry in the region through highly focused and interactive study groups covering the areas of Business Models and Law and Regulation. The first study group will become operational in February 2008. Through PIF's members and Directors in Europe and its connections with partner trade body in the US, the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA), PIF Australia/New Zealand is committed to helping prepaid executives overcome the challenges of launching and managing prepaid programmes.
Ken Howes, Chairman of the Prepaid International Forum, welcomed the announcement. He said "The prepaid economy continues to grow around the world and the need for a cross-sector trade association that can encourage and stimulate the profitable and ethical development of prepaid commerce has never been stronger. The Prepaid International Forum warmly welcomes the new founder members of the Australia/NZ chapter and looks forward to working with them over the coming months to recommend and achieve appropriate international standards, best practices and codes of conduct for consumers, businesses and all organizations within the prepaid area of the global payments industry."
The new chapter will become part of a global network for industry thought leadership. PIF Australia/New Zealand members have access to a member helpdesk, a website and regular bulletins. They are also be able to attend the PIF Annual Meeting in Europe and targeted local study groups.
Keith Davies, Head of Cards at BP, explained the reasons behind the company's decision to join PIF. He explained "BP Australia is committed to developing the prepaid market in a responsible and innovative manner. Our organisation has been in this market for a number of years and see it as an exciting growth channel. BP joined PIF Australia/New Zealand as a means of contributing to the ongoing development of the prepaid marmarket. It provides an excellent vehicle for understanding international best practice."