IDEMIA, G+D, NXP launch WLA to offer independent payment standard

Following a 2019 announcement, IDEMIA, G+D and NXP Semiconductors have launched the White Label Alliance (WLA), which responds to growing global demand for next-generation, independent payment solutions for domestic and private-label payment brands.

The White Label Alliance (WLA) consolidates and sets independent standards for contact and contactless cards, mobile and other form factors and payment terminal acceptance. WLA has also signed a strategic licensing agreement with JCB.

JCB is offering JCB Contactless Kernel Specifications to members of the White Label Alliance looking to move to the contactless solution. JCB Contactless adheres to EMV(R) standards and is supported by majority of acceptance devices such as of key global terminal suppliers.

Through the strategic agreement with JCB, WLA members can speed up their contactless migration as well as lessen time-to-market, noted the card brand.

“As momentum toward contactless payments is gathering on a global scale, it is becoming critical that the interoperable contactless capability is more accessible so that a wider audience can benefit from the enhanced convenience and security,” says Masaki Yokawa, EVP, Brand Business at JCB.

“By offering our technology to The White Label Alliance , we are delighted to work with banks, local networks and vendors to enable contactless implementation with less efforts and shorter time-to-market.”

WLA sets and updates an open and comprehensive payment standard that enables ready-to-deploy dual interface payment solutions covering contact and contactless payment cards, mobile devices and payment terminal acceptance. Building on the EMV standard, WLA facilitates migration to contactless solutions and ensures interoperability across various system providers.

As a member-driven association, WLA is committed to evolve with any future developments as required by its members. WLA members are free to use this technology and its certification framework to boost contactless payment take-up.

“I would like to warmly welcome JCB to WLA on behalf of our founding members G+D, IDEMIA and NXP. We all work together to create a truly independent solution, based on tried and tested technology, with rapid time to market for domestic payment networks, transport operators, private schemes and retailers,” continues Jacques Doucerain, President, WLA.

“Our agreement with JCB will boost our appeal and this unprecedented payment industry initiative. It furthers our original goal to bring about a global independent standard.”