MINNEAPOLIS — April 20, 2026
Executive Summary
Vodafone Fiji has selected Entrust to implement a Digital Card Solution that enables instant digital debit card issuance and tap-to-pay functionality within the M-PAiSA mobile application. The deployment introduces digital-first payment capabilities, allowing users to generate cards instantly, transact securely online, and make in-store payments using mobile devices.
The solution integrates with Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES) through the Issuer TSP Hub (iTSP), enabling seamless provisioning of digital cards and enhancing transaction experiences across both e-commerce and physical retail environments. The initiative reflects Vodafone Fiji’s continued focus on advancing mobile financial services and digital innovation, while delivering secure and convenient payment solutions to its customer base.
Announcement Overview
Vodafone Fiji has launched digital card issuance capabilities within its M-PAiSA platform through a strategic collaboration with Entrust, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to deliver digital-first financial services. The deployment leverages Entrust’s Digital Card Solution, delivered via a software development kit (SDK), to enable customers to instantly access and use digital debit cards without requiring physical card issuance.
The implementation supports both online and in-store payment experiences, integrating digital cards into e-commerce platforms and enabling tap-to-pay transactions through Vodafone Fiji’s proprietary wallet functionality. The deployment aligns with Vodafone Fiji’s stated objective to become the first provider of digital cards in Fiji, further strengthening its position as a technology and fintech leader within the region.
By integrating advanced payment capabilities directly into the M-PAiSA app, Vodafone Fiji enhances accessibility, convenience, and security for its users, while reinforcing its broader strategy of delivering next-generation mobile and financial services.
Key Announcement Details
Deployment Structure and Solution Architecture
Core implementation components
- Announcement Type: Vodafone Fiji has launched digital debit card issuance and tap-to-pay payment capabilities within the M-PAiSA platform through a partnership with Entrust.
- Announcement Date: April 20, 2026
- Dateline Location: MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota
- Technology Partner: Entrust has been selected as the implementation provider for the Digital Card Solution.
- Solution Name: The deployed technology is the Entrust Digital Card Solution.
- Delivery Method: The solution is delivered through a software development kit (SDK).
- Primary Platform: The deployment is embedded within the M-PAiSA mobile application.
- Card Issuance Capability: Cardholders can receive digital cards instantly within the application.
- Issuance Infrastructure: The solution uses the Issuer TSP Hub (iTSP).
- Network Integration: The Issuer TSP Hub connects to Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES).
- Digital Enablement Layer: MDES enables secure provisioning and lifecycle management of digital cards.
- Card Usage Scope: Digital cards can be used immediately after issuance.
- System Integration Approach: The solution is integrated directly into Vodafone Fiji’s internal systems.
Payment functionality layers
- E-Commerce Payments: Digital cards can be used for online purchases.
- Merchant Connectivity: Cards can be pushed to e-commerce merchants for checkout.
- Checkout Flow: The payment experience is designed to be seamless and secure.
- In-Store Payments: Customers can make payments at physical retail locations.
- Contactless Technology: Tap-to-pay functionality is enabled through NFC.
- Wallet Infrastructure: The Entrust NFC Issuer Wallet supports payment functionality.
- In-App Wallet Creation: Vodafone Fiji has created its own wallet inside the M-PAiSA app.
- Third-Party App Requirement: No third-party wallet application is required.
- Device Compatibility: Tap-to-pay functionality is available on Android smartphones.
- Payment Method Scope: The solution supports both online and offline payment scenarios.
Digital-First Customer Experience Enablement
Instant and integrated payment experience
- Instant Card Availability: Users can access a digital debit card immediately after issuance.
- App-Centric Experience: All card-related actions are performed within the M-PAiSA application.
- Unified Payment Flow: Payments are consolidated within a single mobile interface.
- No Physical Dependency: Customers do not need physical cards to transact.
- Digital-First Strategy: The experience is designed to prioritize mobile-first interactions.
- Secure Transaction Layer: Transactions are processed through secure payment infrastructure.
Customer convenience and usability
- Ease of Access: Customers can access financial services directly from their mobile devices.
- Simplified Payments: Payment flows are designed to reduce friction.
- Continuous Availability: Payment capabilities are available at any time.
- Mobile-Based Financial Access: The solution expands access to digital financial tools.
Vodafone Fiji Market Position and Scale
Network reach and subscriber base
- Subscriber Volume: Vodafone Fiji connects over 780,000 subscribers.
- Population Coverage: Services reach approximately 96% of the Fijian population.
- Regional Presence: The company has established a strong presence in the Pacific region.
- Technology Leadership: Vodafone Fiji is positioned as a leading technology provider.
Strategic positioning and innovation goals
- Digital Card Leadership Goal: Vodafone Fiji aims to become the first provider of digital cards in Fiji.
- Mobile Innovation Commitment: The company continues to invest in mobile technology advancements.
- Customer Experience Focus: Enhancing the customer experience is a key objective.
- Fintech Leadership: Vodafone Fiji is transitioning into a digital service provider at scale and a fintech leader.
Organizational Background and Ownership Structure
Corporate ownership
- Ownership Model: Vodafone Fiji is a 100% locally owned entity.
- Major Shareholding: 51% is owned by Amalgamated Telecommunications Holdings.
- Minor Shareholding: 49% is owned by Fiji National Provident Fund.
Operational history and development
- Year of Establishment: Vodafone Fiji was established in 1994.
- Industry Domain: The company operates in mobile telecommunications and digital services.
- Innovation Continuity: Vodafone Fiji has consistently explored advancements in mobile technology.
- Service Expansion: The company continues to expand into financial and digital services.
Entrust Capabilities and Solution Scope
Identity-centric security foundation
- Core Offering: Entrust provides identity-centric security solutions.
- Protection Coverage: Solutions protect people, devices, and data.
- Security Lifecycle: Protection spans onboarding, authentication, and transaction phases.
- Fraud Mitigation: Solutions are designed to combat fraud and cyber threats.
- Compliance Support: Ongoing monitoring supports regulatory compliance.
Financial issuance and payment enablement
- End-to-End Integration: Entrust delivers integrated financial card issuance solutions.
- Card Lifecycle Support: Solutions cover issuance, provisioning, and transaction security.
- Payment Network Integration: Systems integrate with global payment infrastructure.
- Scalability: Solutions are designed for large-scale deployment.
- Confidence in Transactions: The platform supports secure and reliable payment execution.
Global footprint
- Geographic Reach: Entrust supports customers in over 150 countries.
- Partner Ecosystem: The company maintains a global partner network.
Strategic and Operational Impact
Platform transformation impact
- Digital Payment Enablement: The solution enables digital payments across multiple channels.
- Infrastructure Enhancement: Vodafone Fiji upgrades its financial services infrastructure.
- Operational Streamlining: Payment processes are simplified and standardized.
- Service Integration: Financial services are integrated within the telecom platform.
Customer impact
- Payment Flexibility: Customers can transact online and in-store.
- Access Expansion: More users gain access to digital financial tools.
- Simplified Experience: Payments are executed within a single application.
- Security Assurance: Customers benefit from secure transaction environments.
Leadership Statements
Vodafone Fiji leadership perspective
- Executive Role: Deepak Baran is Head of Financial at Vodafone Fiji.
- Organizational Commitment: Vodafone Fiji aims to be a world-class organization.
- Technology Investment: The company continues to invest in future-ready technologies.
- Innovation Focus: Vodafone Fiji explores new boundaries in mobile telecommunications.
- Customer Offering: The company delivers instant, secure, and convenient financial solutions.
Entrust leadership perspective
- Executive Role: Tony Ball is Chief Executive Officer of Entrust.
- Partnership Recognition: Entrust acknowledges Vodafone Fiji’s selection of its solution.
- Solution Strength: Entrust highlights its integrated solutions and financial expertise.
- Regional Capability: Entrust emphasizes its strong presence in the region.
Additional Information and Resources
External resource
- Solution Information Link: Information about Entrust Financial Issuance Solutions is available at the Entrust website.
Seamless Digital Card Issuance Within M-PAiSA
Integration of Entrust Digital Card Solution
The deployment centers on the Entrust Digital Card Solution, which is delivered through a software development kit (SDK) that enables seamless integration into Vodafone Fiji’s mobile ecosystem. This solution allows cardholders to generate and manage digital debit cards directly within the M-PAiSA application, eliminating the need for physical card issuance processes.
The integration is supported by the Issuer TSP Hub (iTSP), which connects to the Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES). This infrastructure enables secure provisioning of digital cards and facilitates their use across multiple payment channels.
Key capabilities enabled through this integration include:
- Instant digital card issuance within the app
- Secure provisioning via MDES infrastructure
- Direct integration into Vodafone Fiji’s payment ecosystem
- Elimination of dependency on physical card distribution
This approach ensures that users can access financial tools immediately, supporting a more efficient and responsive customer experience.
Digital Card Functionality Across Payment Channels
Once issued, the digital card can be utilized across a variety of payment environments, including:
- E-commerce platforms, where the card can be pushed directly to merchants for seamless checkout
- In-store retail locations, where users can complete transactions using mobile-based tap-to-pay functionality
The ability to operate across both digital and physical environments ensures a consistent and flexible payment experience for Vodafone Fiji customers.
Tap-to-Pay Enablement Through NFC Wallet
Development of In-App Wallet Functionality
A central component of the deployment is the Entrust NFC Issuer Wallet, which enables Vodafone Fiji to create its own in-app mobile wallet. This functionality allows users to perform tap-to-pay transactions directly from their smartphones, without requiring third-party wallet applications.
The wallet is designed specifically for Android devices, enabling users to:
- Tap their phones at point-of-sale terminals
- Complete transactions without physical cards
- Avoid reliance on external wallet platforms
This capability enhances control over the payment experience while simplifying the user journey.
Enhancement of In-Store Payment Experiences
The tap-to-pay functionality provides a contactless payment experience, aligning with broader trends in digital payments. By embedding this capability directly within the M-PAiSA app, Vodafone Fiji ensures that users can perform transactions quickly and securely in retail environments.
The integration of NFC-based payments supports:
- Faster transaction processing
- Improved convenience for users
- Reduced dependency on physical payment instruments
Vodafone Fiji’s Digital Innovation Strategy
Expansion of Mobile Financial Services
Vodafone Fiji continues to expand its portfolio of mobile financial services, leveraging technology to deliver enhanced solutions to its customers. The introduction of digital card issuance represents a continuation of the company’s efforts to provide secure, convenient, and innovative financial tools.
The company currently connects over 780,000 subscribers, reaching approximately 96% of the Fijian population. This extensive network provides a strong foundation for the deployment of digital financial services at scale.
Focus on Customer Experience and Innovation
Vodafone Fiji has emphasized its commitment to continuous innovation and customer experience enhancement, with the digital card initiative serving as a key milestone in this strategy. The integration of digital payments directly into its mobile platform reflects a broader focus on delivering instant and accessible financial solutions.
According to the company, the initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to:
- Advance mobile technology capabilities
- Enhance user convenience
- Strengthen its position in the fintech sector
Leadership Commentary
Deepak Baran, Head of Financial at Vodafone Fiji, stated:
“At Vodafone Fiji we spare no effort in being a world-class organization and continue to invest in technology that powers the future. Since our inception in 1994, we continue to explore new boundaries in the mobile telecommunications realm, bringing to all Fijians the next level of mobile innovation. With these advancements, Vodafone Fiji continues to lead in delivering instant, secure, and convenient financial solutions to its customers.”
Tony Ball, Chief Executive Officer of Entrust, commented:
“We are proud that Vodafone Fiji selected Entrust to provide seamless digital card solutions. With our end-to-end integrated solutions, proven financial expertise, and strong presence in the region, Entrust is uniquely positioned to power the digital and payment card strategy of Vodafone Fiji.”
Entrust’s Role in Digital Payment Enablement
Delivery of Identity-Centric Security Solutions
Entrust provides identity-centric security solutions designed to protect users, devices, and data across the digital ecosystem. The company’s Digital Card Solution forms part of a broader portfolio aimed at securing financial transactions and enabling digital services.
The deployment for Vodafone Fiji leverages Entrust’s capabilities in:
- Secure digital card issuance
- Payment authentication and protection
- Integration with global payment networks
- Support for digital wallet functionality
End-to-End Financial Card Issuance Capabilities
Entrust’s financial issuance solutions are designed to support organizations across the entire lifecycle of payment card deployment, including:
- Card issuance and provisioning
- Transaction security and fraud prevention
- Ongoing monitoring and compliance support
These capabilities enable financial institutions and service providers to deliver secure and scalable payment solutions.
About Vodafone Fiji
Vodafone Fiji is a 100% locally owned telecommunications provider, with 51% ownership by Amalgamated Telecommunications Holdings and 49% by Fiji National Provident Fund. Established in 1994, the company has played a significant role in advancing mobile telecommunications and digital services across Fiji.
Vodafone Fiji serves more than 780,000 subscribers and provides coverage to approximately 96% of the population. The company has consistently focused on delivering next-generation mobile innovation, including digital financial services and fintech solutions.
As an industry leader in the Fijian market, Vodafone Fiji has developed a diverse portfolio that includes:
- Mobile communications technology
- Enterprise solutions
- Digital services
- E-commerce platforms
The company continues to position itself as a digital service provider at scale, with a strong emphasis on innovation and customer experience.
About Entrust
Entrust is a global provider of identity-centric security solutions that protect people, devices, and data. The company’s offerings are designed to secure every stage of the identity lifecycle, from onboarding to transaction execution.
Entrust’s solutions support organizations in:
- Verifying identities
- Securing digital connections
- Preventing fraud
- Ensuring compliance
The company operates a global partner network and supports customers in more than 150 countries, delivering solutions that enable secure digital interactions and transactions.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit entrust.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
