Europe and Middle East Updates

General

We closed the year on a high note, having successfully completed our first Middle East Conference in Dubai UAE, in conjunction with RBR. We received positive comments from all attendees and many suggestions to expand the conference for future years. All exhibitors confirmed that they received positive enquiries and would readily exhibit again, while the bank delegates confirmed that a focussed ATM conference was of tremendous value to them.

Speakers at the conference were from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and a number of ATMIA members and key organisations supporting the Middle East also provided regional insights.

The conference was held in conjunction with RBR, whose research confirmed the Middle East as one of the fastest growth regions in the world, but largely driven by the Iranian market growth, which unfortunately is still on the export embargo list for a number of our members with US manufacturing & head offices..

The conference focussed on the future growth, technologies and functionalities and a number of major banks in the region demonstrated that they are not lagging behind in terms of technology, with deposit automation and drive up banking already introduced. Many of the software functionalities have also been implemented enabling cross channel (ATM, Internet, Mobile, etc.,) to be coordinated for CRM and data migration. Perhaps the main surprise was the announcement of a new local ATM manufacturer in Iran, focussed on the Iranian market, but which may well become available and competitive in the region. 

Other Conferences this past year (European ATM’s and SEC07) were also jointly organised with RBR and the relationship has proved to be very productive in terms of both the number of attendees, the quality of the speaker content, and ATMIA member reactions

One of the prime objectives declared to the ATMIA Europe Board in 2004 was to improve member benefit value by enhancing the Conference content, adding high calibre speakers, and expanding the contact database, in order to attract more conference delegates (particularly from Banks), therefore providing ATMIA members greater networking opportunities.

I believe we can rightly claim to have achieved our initial objective, and continue to grow the delegate list, and seek innovative speakers this year.

A straw poll will be conducted to assess ATMIA Europe & Middle East members views concerning our programme for next year(bearing in mind our limited resources.

Clearly we will have two events in London (European ATM’s 2008, and SEC 08) but there is need for debate regarding a third conference possibly in the Middle East again based upon the success of the first.   

European Crime Information

We continue to note the changing crime patterns, with “Skimming” remaining as a top priority. UK and France continue to be the dominant countries for skimming activity, however recent meetings in Eastern Europe also confirmed crime migration to those countries which have now changed to the Euro, but which have not implemented Chip & PIN.

The ATMIA Conference in the Middle East also confirmed the increase in skimming activity in the Gulf region.

As noted on the last report it is a timely reminder to all ATMIA members who provide security solutions and equipment, to continue their efforts to assist both Western, Eastern European, and Middle East ATM deployers, to understand the merits of good security practice as recommended by GASA, and to use the “Best Practice” manuals as sales leverage.

Pro – Cash Lobby

ATMIA have given presentations to both ESTA and EFMA on the subject of Cash versus Cashless. Much has been published through the year regarding the inefficiency of cash and we have noted open statements concerning the “War on Cash” and “Cash Stinks” from various card issuers. These appear rather emotional statements than logical arguments, and there are a number of studies which clearly show that Cash is still the most efficient method of payment.

Probably the most constructive assessment was completed by the British Retail Consortium which provided the following information based upon the annual research of BRC members with turnover greater than £500m

Cash versus Cashless BRC Conclusions

• Cash is Still King. This survey shows that cash measured in transaction volumes is still the dominant method of payment used by customers whilst being the most cost effective.
• For larger purchases, debit cards now dominate the method of payment accounting for 44% of the overall sales turnover. The proportion paid for by debit cards continues to grow steadily at the expense of other payment methods, excluding cash. This reflects the increasing confidence and understanding of the UK consumer about the use and benefits of debit cards in addition to the decision by many UK retailers to stop accepting personal cheques altogether.
• With regard to the costs associated with the collection of all payment types, the merchant service charges (total costs paid by retailers to their banks) which arise from charge, debit and credit card transactions are still the most significant, accounting for 78% of all the costs of collection incurred by retailers with the credit card element amounting to 64% of this total amount.

ATMIA Middle East

ATMIA have now launched their latest chapter, which initially will be embraced as part of ATMIA Europe (now known as ATMIA Europe & Middle East).

The launch coincided with the Middle East Conference in Dubai 3rd – 4th December 2007 at the Crowne Plaza hotel, and we await with interest to see the number of member applications we may receive.

Councils, Committees & Collaboration

ATMIA Europe continue to be actively engaged in a number of different Councils, Committees, and collaborative operations as part of representing members views and providing members feedback.

As a reminder of those areas which ATMIA Europe is directly involved in, and has attended during 2007 we provide a list below. Should any member wish us to take cognisance of specific views or information, please let us know.

1. BSi GW/002 TC263 Bank note Degradation
2. BSi GW/002 CEN 1143 Safes, ATM Safes, Strong room Doors
3. BSi GW/002 CEN 15659 Fire resistive Cabinets
4. BSi GW/002 Secure Storage and Disposal of Cash, valuables and data media
5. British Bankers Association
6. European Bankers Association
7. Bank of England (New note discussions)
8. European Central Bank
9. European Payments Commission
10. APACS ATM Working Group
11. ATM Security Working Group
12. BankNote Watch
13. EFMA Self Service Conference
14. ESTA Conference
15. ASC Conference
16. Kiosk Europe
17. New Payments Channel Conference.
18. European Commission on ATM Environmental Studies
19. Police ALO Meetings  & Presentations
20. Met Police e-Crime Coordinatio Unit

2008

2008 will be a decisive year for the European & Middle East Chapter, with the need to carefully monitor team workloads as we have grown to a point were we are fast approaching the need to strengthen the team.

The dual roles of looking after current members requirements and interests, while establishing the strategy for expansion and new member recruitment have stretched us. The significant time and input requirements for ensuring the success and growth of our conferences, adds emphasis to the need for continuous review of resources. It is essential to ensure that the conferences have fresh ideas for discussion subjects, speakers, and new member attractions.

The ATMIA Brand image profile has been raised substantially over the last year based upon the committees, conferences and collaborative organisations we are involved with. A key objective for 2008 will be to capitalise on this ground work and gain further recognition of ATMIA as the representative body within the Banking sector.