South African payment solutions provider Stanchion Payment Solutions has opened a European regional office based in London. The company’s entry into the European financial services technology sector follows a year after the opening of a Middle East and North Africa regional office, based out of Dubai, in March 2013.
Stanchion is a specialist company that implements, manages and enhances payment systems and solutions in complex environments for banks, retailers, payment processors and payment system vendors.
Stanchion CEO Graham Williams says the latest development is a milestone in exporting proven South African payments technology and services globally.
“This new office heralds Stanchion’s arrival in Europe, where research has shown there to be many viable markets and demand for our payments software, services, and solutions. Our operations now span the full extent of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).”
Heading the European office is Charlie McIver, who comments: “These are exciting times for Stanchion, which offers a proven track record for trustworthy payment products, solutions and professional services, at a highly competitive cost thanks to the capability of the development team located in South Africa. I’m very excited to join a great team and excited by the opportunity and challenge for Stanchion in Europe.”
McIver notes an abundance of opportunity not only in the UK, but right across Europe. “European bank processors and retailers are currently experiencing a period of significant disruption thanks to the introduction of new technology platforms, a high level of M&A activity and continued regulation. We are also seeing increased cross-border and systems consolidation programs which drive interesting technology project opportunities for us.”
The UK is a strong market for payments technology providers, but McIver also cites major opportunities in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Poland, all of which can be effectively served from Stanchion’s new London based office.