Australian banks turn up heat on Apple Pay

By John Adams October 17, 2016, 10:48 a.m. EDT 1 Min Read

Australia's banks are pushing harder than ever against Apple.

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The banks have submitted a formal statement to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission slamming Apple's security-based argument against collective negotiations to access Apple Pay, according to reports. Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, National Australia Bank and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, accused Apple of trying to piggyback on their investment in a national contactless infrastructure, while remaining "intransigent, closed and controlling" in dictating terms for Apple Pay.

Apple pay sticker — A sign for the launch of the Apple pay system, from Apple.Inc is seen displayed at the entrance to a McDonald's Corp. restaurant in London, U.K., on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. Apple Inc. is making the U.K. the first market outside the U.S. for its digital-wallet system as the company fights for a place in the electronic-payments industry. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Apple faces a lot of pressure to win this battle in Australia, since other large markets such the U.S. could force similar concessions if the Australian banks get their way. When Apple Pay launched in the U.S. in 2014, banks that signed on expressed concern over its restrictions and pricing.

Executive Editor, Payments, American Banker

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