Today In Payments Around The World: SIBS MB Inks Deal With Discover; China Distributes A Total Of $41.5M Amid Efforts To Speed Digital Yuan Tests

In today’s top payments news around the world, SIBS MB has inked a deal with Discover Financial Services, while China is continuing at a fast pace on its efforts toward launching a digital currency. Plus, Germany-based GBTEC and Apromore are working with SAP integration company Arvato Systems to develop a process mining offering.

Discover, Portugal’s SIBS MB Strike Deal Over Credit Cards, Payments Options

Lisbon, Portugal-based SIBS MB has struck a deal with Discover Financial Services. Discover, Diners Club International and related cardholders will be able to use their cards on the SIBS MB network at automated teller machines (ATMs) and retailers throughout Portugal. Moreover, the deal will let the payments provider issue MB cards. “This strategic partnership with Discover reinforces SIBS’ continuous efforts to offer multiple payment options on a global scale,” SIBS MB CEO Ana Grade said in an announcement.

China Gives Out Total Of $41.5M As Country Speeds Up Digital Yuan Tests

China is quickly continuing its journey toward rolling out a cryptocurrency. To that end, experimental efforts for the central bank digital currency (CBDC)) have occurred in cities including Suzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu. The campaign is now concentrated on those cities in addition to Shanghai and Beijing. China is said to have the most advanced cryptocurrency effort in the world – and has handed out approximately $41.5 million in digital yuan.

GBTEC, Arvato, Launch New SAP Connector

Germany-based GBTEC and Apromore are teaming with SAP integration company Arvato Systems to build out a process mining offering. Process mining involves an in-depth look into the processes of a firm to locate bottlenecks and find alternatives and then execute the best process to achieve the aims of the firm. “With many years of SAP excellence and over 400 SAP experts around the world, Arvato Systems is the right partner to intelligently link process mining and SAP,” GBTEC CEO Gregor Greinke said in a release.