In a recent interview, Peter O'Halloran, Head of Enterprise and Digital Commerce, EMEA at Fiserv, shared valuable insights into the company's initiatives and the evolving trends in the commerce industry. With a focus on financial inclusion and providing innovative solutions, Carat from Fiserv aims to meet the changing expectations of consumers and help businesses navigate economic challenges.
Financial Inclusion and Empowering Communities:
One of the key trends O'Halloran highlighted is financial inclusion. Carat from Fiserv has actively worked towards this goal, exemplified by their collaboration with Asda, a leading UK grocery chain. During the pandemic, Carat from Fiserv facilitated the transition of Asda's gift card programme into a digital format, enabling children to use them for meals even when not attending school. Additionally, Carat recently introduced "Cash 2 Card" in Poland, empowering individuals who receive cash payments to deposit funds into their bank accounts through participating retailers.
Revolutionising Unattended Retail:
O'Halloran's MPE panel discussion revolved around Carat from Fiserv's partnership with Selecta, a prominent player in the unattended retail space. Selecta faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with changing workplace dynamics and staff shortages affecting traditional on-site dining options. Carat from Fiserv provided a solution through micro markets, offering convenient access to hot food, salads, and beverages 24/7 without the need for staff. This innovative approach has been successfully implemented across 16 European countries.
Evolving Consumer Expectations:
O'Halloran emphasised the importance of meeting evolving consumer expectations. Customers now demand seamless experiences across channels, whether online or in-store. Carat from Fiserv has responded to this trend by assisting Selecta in creating staff-less stores, where efficiency and speed are key. With transaction times of under three seconds at train stations, customers can make quick purchases while ensuring they don't miss their trains.
Peter O'Halloran's insights shed light on Carat from Fiserv's commitment to financial inclusion and their innovative solutions for the commerce industry. By addressing evolving consumer expectations and empowering businesses to adapt, Carat from Fiserv is poised to shape the future of commerce and facilitate a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem.