Allied Bank Limited has achieved a significant milestone in the digital banking sector of Pakistan by introducing its advanced Mobile Tap and Pay service. This innovative feature is the result of a strategic partnership between Allied Bank, UnionPay International, and Paysys Labs. The collaboration aims to revolutionize the way customers handle transactions by integrating cutting-edge tokenization technology into the myABL mobile application. By utilizing Host Card Emulation technology, the bank is enabling its customers to make seamless and secure contactless payments at any Near Field Communication enabled point of sale terminal, both locally and internationally.
The official launch ceremony took place at the Paysys Labs head office in Karachi, where senior executives from all three participating organizations gathered to commemorate the expansion of Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem. During the event, representatives emphasized that this initiative is a pivotal step toward modernization and financial inclusion. As one of the largest issuers of UnionPay-PayPak co-badged debit cards in the country, Allied Bank is leveraging this partnership to provide a safer and more efficient payment environment.
The replacement of sensitive card data with secure digital tokens significantly reduces the risk of fraud, ensuring that cardholder information remains protected during every transaction.For customers to utilize this new service, they must have an NFC-enabled Android smartphone and the latest version of the myABL app. The setup process is designed to be user-friendly, requiring users to simply toggle the Tap and Pay feature within the cards section of their application. Once activated, the phone acts as a virtual card, allowing users to complete transactions by simply tapping their device on a merchant’s POS machine. This functionality eliminates the need for carrying physical cards and speeds up the checkout process significantly. Moreover, the service does not require an active internet connection at the time of the transaction, making it highly reliable for everyday use.
The leadership at Allied Bank, including the Group Head of Cards and Acquiring Business, reiterated the bank’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. By adopting global standards in payment security and convenience, the bank is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital banking evolution in Pakistan. UnionPay International also highlighted its pride in supporting the digital transformation journey of the country, noting that such technological advancements are essential for building a robust and modern financial infrastructure. Paysys Labs, as the technology provider, continues to play a vital role in shaping the ecosystem through secure and advanced payment solutions.
This development comes at a time when the regulatory environment in Pakistan, governed by the State Bank of Pakistan and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, is increasingly supportive of fintech innovations. The transition toward contactless payments is expected to gain rapid momentum as more merchants upgrade their hardware to support NFC technology. As the digital landscape continues to grow, Allied Bank remains dedicated to providing its diverse customer base with technology-driven products that enhance transaction speed, reliability, and security. The launch of Mobile Tap and Pay is not just a new feature but a testament to the ongoing shift toward a digital-first economy in Pakistan.
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