Gemalto supports identity card program of Banco Santander in Spain

Gemalto announced it was providing Banco Santander, European financial institution, with modern technology for its university identity card program run in Spain. 

High-end Optelio cards offered by Gemalto, provide EMV payment, which is a multi-application identity serving as a secure digital signature, and contactless access to such facilities as libraries, dormitories, gymnasiums, etc. The card can also be used to gain access to public transportation in the cities of Burgos, Lerida, Malaga and Santander. In addition, Gemalto provides some other strong authentication software solutions implemented and supported by Gemalto Value Added Reseller (VAR) in Spain, Acotec, and aimed at enabling digital signature applications. 

University Politecnica Catalunya (UPC) has become the first institution to run this technology in the country. Running its university identity card program in Latin America, Morocco, Portugal and the United Kingdom, as well, Banco Santander manages several million cards at 200 universities. The students can also use their card as a Banco Santander EMV debit card. As more governments around the world are favoring usage of more secure EMV standard, the card enables universities comply with new laws requiring their use.