Swiss competition watchdog to investigate Mastercard
The competition authority suspects the global credit card firm of using its position to prevent the rollout of a new, more uniform, ATM system across Switzerland.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/dos
Português
pt
Agência reguladora da concorrência investiga Mastercard
COMCO said on Tuesday it had launched an investigation on February 8 after a complaint by the Swiss financial infrastructure company SIX, which is responsible for developing the so-called “National Cash Scheme” (NCS).
SIX said that Mastercard had refused to introduce a “co-badging” function on its debit cards to enable the rollout of the NCS – a system that aims to uniformise the functions available at ATMs operated by different banks.
Such functions would give clients the ability to do things like deposit cash or check their balance at ATMs not operated by their own bank.
While the investigations are ongoing, COMCO said it had taken provisional measures, asking Mastercard to offer banks the possibility of issuing cards that will be able to integrate the NCS system at a later date.
Contacted by the Keystone-SDA news agency, Mastercard said on Tuesday that it had taken note of COMCO’s decision, and that it would welcome a clear investigation into the ATM sector in the country.
However, the company added that the provisional measures were unjustified and that it would contest them before the Federal Administrative Court.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
New Swiss 100-franc banknote blocks certain ATMs
This content was published on
The new CHF100 ($100) banknote, which went into circulation last month, has blocked bank ATMs in various German-speaking cantons.
Swiss court upholds SIX Group fine in landmark cartel law case
This content was published on
A Swiss court has upheld a fine of CHF7.029 imposed in 2010 by the Competition Commission (COMCO) on a former subsidiary of the SIX Group.
This content was published on
Covid-19 has shown the Swiss can live without cash, but will consumers continue to shun franc notes when the pandemic has passed?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.