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INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTS and INNOVATION you want to read about

Amsterdam gives Money20/20 the green light

By Howard Feldman, Head of Marketing &
People at Synthesis

n a bold move, the Ascential company
Iannounced earlier this year that its annual
European FinTech event, Money20/20
Amsterdam, would continue as a physical
event at the RAI in Amsterdam. Money20/20 is
known as the pre-eminent FinTech conference
platform. Fighting against global uncertainty
and travel restrictions, the organisers went
to great lengths to simplify the process for
their sponsors and attendees. Covid protocols
were in place, but the event was mask free.
Proof of vaccination or a daily antigen test was
the real ticket to get in. The organisers also
ensured that their delegates would be exempt
from the mandatory quarantine period in the
Netherlands. This is a significant event that has
far-reaching economic importance both for the
Netherlands and the EU.
In their keynote, Money20/20 announced
that attendees from over 70 nationalities were availability of cashless payments has become accessible and possible. And of course, safe, not only in
at the event. respect of crime, but also in terms of Covid.
South African tech company, Synthesis The ‘Tap on Phone’ payment solution is also known as SoftPOS. It is new and exciting technology
made the decision to take part. As a first-time that eliminates hardware associated with accepting card payments. While some think it may disrupt
sponsor of the event, Synthesis brought its the incumbent POS providers, it is more likely to grow the market and expand the circumstances where
South African flair to the event. Although they digital payment is accepted.
might have brought a taste of Africa with the Synthesis Head of Payments, Pierre Aurel, who attended Money 20/20 had the following to say:
“Big 5” in the form of beaded animals, the “While it is a very recent development and not yet mainstream, the interest was high. We were met
handcrafted animals were not the motivation with comments such as “this is exactly what I’ve been looking for”, or “I’ve been waiting for years for
for their attendance. this to arrive... Our offering garnered interest from Norway, Ukraine, England, Italy, Luxembourg and of
course the Netherlands.”
It was Halo Dot “It is clear that this is the dawn of SoftPOS and we’re bound to see many new solutions hitting the
Halo Dot is a ground breaking technology market. What was refreshing for customers meeting us was that we are a technology business and not
that’s changing contactless payments. In a payment business. Once they realised we were not an acquirer or processor, and they saw that we
simple terms, Halo Dot converts any Android were not competing with them, the conversation rapidly shifted to commercials and how we could
device into a point of sale. The technology work together.”
has already been adopted by Nedbank and Further observations from the Synthesis team were that “local is lekker” and there exists an
discussions are underway with other of South incredible warmth toward South Africa in general. With all the country’s challenges, brand South Africa
Africa’s banks who are able to see the immense remains strong and respected. Add innovative and forward looking Synthesis technology to the mix,
opportunity that the technology provides. From plus the recent opening of a European office in Amsterdam, and contactless payment in the form of
street vendor to commercial enterprise, the Halo Dot is well worth watching.

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