OSLO, NORWAY and KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT – 23 May 2023 – Kuwait International Bank (KIB) takes the lead worldwide as the first commercial launch of biometric payment cards based on Zwipe’s platform. This innovative card will be offered to the elite VIP clients of the bank under the Visa Infinite Black product.
KIB is a public quoted bank operating since 1973 with around 20 branches across the country. The bank is amongst the fastest growing in Kuwait and always striving to make available for its clients the innovative financial solutions that best serve their needs.
As part of this collaboration, Zwipe will deliver its Zwipe Pay solution for biometric payment cards, approved by VISA. This is the result of many years of developments and pilots conducted across several geographies in the past years. The cards will be produced by Inkript, one of the partners of Zwipe in the region.
According to Deema Al Mulaifi, Assistant General Manager of Operations at KIB, “KIB prides itself as a progressive Islamic bank that continues to offer its customers a unique banking experience enhanced by additional convenience and security. We are pleased to announce that our Black Banking segment customers can now enjoy innovative technology through the new biometric card, which is designed to provide convenience and ease of access with a high level of security against fraud attempts. The ability to continue delivering on-demand, tailored and innovative products and services to our customers is a unique mark that distinguishes KIB from others.”
“The Biometric Card feature has the potential to provide our customers with a new method that adds value to their lifestyle as they can request the Visa Infinite card and activate the fingerprint to make POS transactions with great ease. In addition to this secure and simple payment solution, which is in line with the Bank’s new authentication system, the Bank’s Black Banking segment customers enjoy a range of other premium banking benefits and exclusive rewards,” added Al Mulaifi.
Speaking on this partnership, Shashank Singh, Vice President and General Manager for Kuwait and Qatar at VISA said, “Visa is committed to developing and investing in emerging capabilities such as biometrics for the benefit of consumers. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Kuwait International Bank and Zwipe in bringing this innovative biometric card to consumers in Kuwait who can now enjoy a seamless, secure payment experience.”
Ramzi Saboury, General Manager for the MEA Region at Zwipe said, “We are proud and hounored that the latest generation of biometric cards based on Zwipe’s solution is commercially launched in Kuwait by KIB, taking the lead globally with this initiative. We appreciate the trust in Zwipe Pay that KIB has demonstrated by reaching this milestone. Visa also has been a key player and partner all the way, until the launch today. Zwipe Pay is providing best user experience from enrolment to payment, ensuring high level of security while protecting biometric data privacy.”
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About KIB
Incorporated in 1973 and originally known as Kuwait Real Estate Bank, KIB made the transition to its current Islamic operating model in 2007. In 2018, KIB embarked on a new phase of its journey full of innovation and development. As part of its new strategic direction, the bank focuses on offering a next-level customer experience under the slogan: “Bank for Life”. Through a network of branches spread across the State of Kuwait, KIB offers a broad range of banking products and services, as well as innovative digital banking solutions in line with international best standards.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement.
To learn more, visit visamiddleeast.com/blog and follow @VisaCEMEA
About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway with a global presence.
To learn more, visit www.zwipe.com
OSLO, NORWAY– 11 May 2023 – The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Zwipe AS was held Thursday 11 May 2023 at 10:00 (CEST). All the items on the agenda were addressed and approved. Attached are the minutes of the Annual General Meeting. The attendants of the AGM represented 25.99% of the votes in the company.
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About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence. To learn more, visit http://www.zwipe.com.
This is information that Zwipe AS is obligated to make public pursuant to the continuing obligations of companies admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Oslo (Euronext Growth Oslo Rule Book – Part II) and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 16:00 on 11 May 2023.
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This is information that Zwipe AS is obligated to make public pursuant to the continuing obligations of companies admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Oslo (Euronext Growth Oslo Rule Book – Part II) and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 16:00 on 11 May 2023.
For more information, please contact
Danielle Glenn
CFO and Head of IR, Zwipe AS
E-mail: ir@zwipe.com
OSLO, NORWAY – 25 April 2023 – During the first quarter, Zwipe continued to see positive interest in bringing biometric payment and access control cards to markets globally.
Significant events during the period
Significant events after the period
Operational review
The most significant event in Q1 2023 was the successful completion of the rights issue, with Zwipe securing approximately 100 mNOK in new capital that will be used to accelerate go-to-market strategy and commercialization of Zwipe Pay and Zwipe Access solutions.
The first quarter saw Zwipe continue to expand our pipeline of SCMs and go-to-market partners by signing Wahyukartu in Indonesia, Unicard in Saudi Arabia, Antworks Money in India, and TBHP in Vietnam – all representing expanded geographic potential for Zwipe in bringing biometric payment cards to new markets. The company also continued to make progress carrying out pilot projects in the active execution phase. Some issuers are now communicating to Zwipe’s SCM customers that they will move directly to soft launch rather than undertaking pilot projects, something which should see more immediate revenue results for Zwipe. On the technology side, mobile enrolment solutions for Android and iOS were released on Apple’s AppStore and Google Play and Zwipe also released our Software Development Toolkit (SDK) for customers and partners.
While Zwipe continues to see strong interest in BPCs and the use case remains convincing, the pace of pilot launches and market adoption continues to be slower than Zwipe or other players in the market expected. That said, Zwipe remains convinced that the material benefits of BPCs remain clear for all and that market adoption will happen soon.
While progress with Zwipe Pay has been slower than desired, the first quarter saw tangible progress and excitement for Zwipe Access. Our North American partner Civix launched a Proof-of-Concept (“POC”) project at Richmond International Airport, carried out in conjunction with National Safe Skies Alliance, Inc. Also in North America, Zwipe signed a significant partnership agreement with CardLogix, a smart card provider that already provides access control solutions to our target end customers and is now adding Zwipe’s biometric solution to their portfolio. The company attended ISC West in March and came away from the event with 20+ qualified leads and potential partners, ranging from system integrators to security engineering companies to direct end customers. The first quarter also saw Zwipe make significant progress with Swedish and broader Nordic partners, aiming to reach Nordic enterprises with high security needs.
The above developments in the USA and Nordics translate into 15+ access control proof of concept projects targeted to be executed in the coming months at end-user sites. While it is too early to estimate immediate revenue potential from these engagements, Zwipe believes the bigger picture revenue potential is substantial.
Commercial priorities for 2023 remain unchanged, but the company has substantially reduced our planned expenditures for 2023. This should prolong funding towards the commercial inflection point and keep the average net monthly burn rate lower than 2022.
Financial review
Zwipe reported total revenue of 1.7 mNOK during Q1 2023 compared to revenue of 0.6 mNOK in Q1 2022. After adjusting for transaction costs related to fundraising, cash flow from operations was –24.7 mNOK versus –25.4 mNOK in Q1 2022, equating to an underlying average monthly operating cash flow in Q1 2023 of –8.2 mNOK versus –8.5 mNOK in the same period last year. With the successful completion of the rights issue, cash and cash equivalents stood at 121.9 mNOK at the end Q1 2023 compared to 130.6 mNOK at the end of Q1 2022 and 50.5 mNOK at the end of 2022.
Operational update presentation
CEO Robert Puskaric and CFO Danielle Glenn will do a short presentation on the operational update today, Tuesday April 25th, at 10:00 CET.
Audiocast details
Date: 25 April 2023
Time: 10:00 CET
Format: Audiocast and Q&A
Language: English
Link: https://app.webinar.net/OEXe514K1L4
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This information is subject to the disclosure requirements in the Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) and the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12, and is information that Zwipe AS is obligated to make public pursuant to the continuing obligations of companies admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Oslo (Euronext Growth Oslo Rule Book – Part II) and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 08:00 on 25 April 2023.
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About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence.
To learn more, visit http://www.zwipe.com.
For more information, please contact:
Danielle Glenn, CFO and Head of IR
ir@zwipe.com
OSLO, NORWAY - 24 April 2023 - The Board of Directors of Zwipe AS (the "Company") call for the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") to be held on 11 May 2023 at 10:00 CEST. The general meeting will be held as a digital meeting on Microsoft Teams.
Please find enclosed the notice of the AGM. The notice and Zwipe's Annual Report for 2022 are available on the Company's website, https://zwipe.com/investors.
Shareholders who wish to attend the AGM in person or by proxy or vote in advance are encouraged to register this electronically by following the link on the Company’s website https://zwipe.com/investors/general-meetings, via VPS Investor Services, by sending a signed version of the form attached to the notice by e-mail to genf@dnb.no, or by ordinary mail to: DNB Bank ASA, Registrars Department, Postboks 1600 Sentrum, NO-0021 Oslo. Notification of attendance, proxy or advance votes must be registered online or received by DNB Bank ASA, Registrars Department by 16:00 hours CEST on 10 May 2023.
In order to be invited to the meeting, Zwipe's administration will need to have the shareholder's email address in advance. Shareholders must after having registered their attendance also register their email address by sending an email to ir@zwipe.com prior to 16:00 hours CEST on 10 May 2023.
The Board of Directors (the "Board") has proposed the following agenda:
1. Opening of the annual general meeting by the chair. Registration of meeting shareholders
2. Election of a meeting chairperson and person to co-sign the minutes together with the chairperson
3. Approval of the notice and the agenda
4. Report by the management on the Company
5. Approval of the annual report and financial statements for 2022 for the Company and the group
6. Remuneration to the auditor
7. Election of members to the Board
8. Remuneration to the Board and the members of the nomination committee
9. Proposal on implementing a new incentive program towards the Company's employees and key personnel
10. Proposals on authorizations to the Board on capital increase
Proposed decisions from the Board
Matter no. 5: Approval of the annual report and financial statements for 2022 for the Company and the Group
The Board proposes that the annual report and financial statements for 2022 for the Company and the Group are approved.
Matter no. 6: Remuneration to the auditor
The Board proposes that the auditor's fees are paid as per accounts rendered.
Matter no. 7: Election of members to the Board
Subject to the AGM's approval, the Board for the period from the AGM in 2023 until the AGM in 2025 will comprise:
Mini-CVs for Christina Örn and David Chew have been included in the report from the Nomination Committee.
Matter no. 8: Remuneration to the members of the Board and the members of the Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee makes the following recommendation:
Fees to the Board for the period from the AGM in 2022 until the AGM in 2022 were resolved by the AGM on 23 May 2022.
Fees to the Board for the period from the AGM in 2023 until the AGM in 2024 is suggested as follows:
As to remuneration, the Nomination Committee proposes that no remuneration is paid to the members of the Nomination Committee.
Matter no. 9: Proposal on implementing a new incentive program towards the Company's employees and key personnel
The Company's compensation committee has in cooperation with specialists on incentive programmes in the Swedish company Novare Pay Consulting assessed the various aspects of the current SIP program, including the taxation of the options. Based on its assessments and input from Novare, the Compensation Committee has presented a new proposal for a long-term incentive scheme directed towards the Company's leading employees and other key personnel in the form of so-called restricted share units ("RSUs").
The main rationale behind the proposal of the RSU plan is to create a long-term ownership, being expected to stimulate an increased interest in the business and performance development. The Board believes that it is in the interests of all shareholders that executive personnel and other key employees who are important for the Company's development, have a long-term interest in a positive development of the Company's share price.
The vesting period for the RSUs is four years from award. RSUs will only vest if the average annual total shareholder return during the vesting period exceeds 10%. Vested RSUs will be settled in shares at vesting, where one RSU gives the right to one share. The Company will be entitled to settle vested RSUs in each instance with a cash settlement. The Board proposes that a maximum of 1,076,230 RSUs may be granted to participants in the RSU plan, which corresponds to a maximum dilution of approximately 1.8% percent of outstanding shares in the Company.
Based on the assumptions that all RSUs under RSU plan are granted and vested, a share price of NOK 10.4 at the time of settlement of the RSUs and an average percentage for social security contributions of 20%, the total costs for the program including social security contributions, is expected to amount to approximately NOK 6.3 million whereof NOK 2.2 million refers to social security contributions.
The RSU plan is suggested to replace the current option plan. Following resolution to adopt the RSU plan, no more options will be granted to employees. However, already granted stock options may be exercised.
Matter no. 10: Proposal on authorizations to the Board on capital increase
The Board proposes that two new authorizations for the Board on capital increases are issued, (i) to fulfil the Company's incentive programs and (ii) to strengthen the Company's equity.
The Board proposes that the AGM adopts the following resolution:
1. Authorization for capital increase to fulfill the Company's incentive programs
The Board is hereby granted authorization to increase the share capital of the company on one or several occasions, with up to NOK 293,038.80 (2 930 388 new shares), equivalent to approximately 5.0% of the registered share capital at the time of this resolution.
2. Authorization for capital increase to strengthen the Company's equity
The Board proposes that the AGM renews the authorization to the Board to issue shares corresponding to up to 15% of the share capital, and the new authorization shall be restricted to issue shares to strengthen the Company's equity to the extent the Board considers this to be in the Company's best interest at the given time.
The Board is hereby granted authorization to increase the share capital of Zwipe AS with up to NOK 876,206.00 (8,762,060 new shares) on one or several occasions. The authorization may be used to issue shares to strengthen the Company's equity to the extent the Board considers this to be in the Company's best interest at the given time.
For more information, please contact:
Danielle Glenn, CFO and Head of IR
Tel: +47 909 98 201 and e-mail: danielle@zwipe.com
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About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence.
To learn more, visit http://www.zwipe.com.
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This is information that Zwipe AS is obligated to make public pursuant to the continuing obligations of companies admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Oslo (Euronext Growth Oslo Rule Book – Part II) and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 19:00 CEST on 24 April 2023.
OSLO, NORWAY – 24 April 2023 – Zwipe AS will publish its Q1 2023 operational update report on 25 April 2023 at 08:00 CET. On the same day at 10:00 CET, the Company will host an audiocast to present the update. After the presentation, the webcast will be opened up for questions from the audience.
Participants are strongly encouraged to submit their questions prior to the webcast on the registration page below or by sending questions to ir@zwipe.com. Participants will be required to register to listen to the audiocast and participate in the Q&A.
Webcast details
Date: 25 April 2023
Time: 10:00 CET
Format: Audiocast and Q&A
Language: English
Link: https://app.webinar.net/OEXe514K1L4
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About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence. To learn more, visit http://www.zwipe.com.
For more information, please contact:
Danielle Glenn, CFO and Head of IR
+47 909 98 201
ir@zwipe.com
OSLO, NORWAY – 14 April 2023 - Zwipe AS (“Zwipe” or “the Company”) has decided to change the date of its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). The company has previously communicated that its 2023 AGM would be held on 27 April 2023. The AGM will instead be held on 11 May 2023.
Zwipe has planned for its 2023 AGM to be held on 27 April 2023 and has, in accordance with applicable regulations, communicated this planned date to the public. One key preparation for the AGM of a listed Norwegian company is for the Nomination Committee to prepare a number of proposals for the AGM to consider and resolve upon. One such proposal relates to the appointment of board members. The Nomination Committee’s proposals are to be included in the notice to the AGM. Zwipe has been informed by its Nomination Committee that this work has not yet been concluded. Zwipe has decided to change the planned date of the AGM to allow the Nomination Committee to conclude its important work. The new planned date of the AGM is 11 May 2023. Notice and relevant information will be submitted in due course, as governed by the relevant regulations and by Zwipe’s Articles of Association.
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About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence.
To learn more, visit http://www.zwipe.com.
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This is information that Zwipe AS is obligated to make public pursuant to the continuing obligations of companies admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Oslo (Euronext Growth Oslo Rule Book – Part II) and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 14:00 CET on 14 April 2023.
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For more information, please contact:
Danielle Glenn, CFO and Head of IR
E-mail: ir@zwipe.com
OSLO, NORWAY and HANOI, VIETNAM – 12 APRIL 2023 – TBHP Co Ltd., one of the largest bureau and service providers of cards in Vietnam, has partnered with Zwipe to launch biometric payment cards in Vietnam. With this partnership, Zwipe will provide commercialization support, expertise and technical guidance to help TBHP integrate biometric payment cards into its portfolio.
TBHP is a leading provider of barcode, magnetic and smart card applications and has provision of access control and security systems. The collaboration will allow both companies to develop and leverage the growing market opportunities in Vietnam for biometric on-card payment solutions.
Commenting on this partnership Hoang Nguyen Duc, CEO, TBHP said, “Over the past years, there has been a growing awareness of biometric payment cards in Vietnam. We are sure that this partnership will let issuers and consumers embrace biometric payment cards as they provide an excellent check-out experience with much higher security. Zwipe Pay will bring strong differentiation and value uplift to our card portfolio.”
Under this partnership, Zwipe Pay- based biometric cards will be delivered by Zwipe's partner TBHP in the region.
“The interest in adopting biometric payment cards is growing steadily in the APAC market. We are happy to partner with TBHP as we are confident that this alliance will further accelerate the deployment of biometric payment cards. With this partnership, Zwipe’s unique biometric payment card platform and enrolment solutions will be made available to banks and financial institutions in Vietnam, a dynamic and growing market for payments in Asia,” said Alex Chung, Vice President & General Manager for Asia Pacific, Zwipe.
About TBHP
TBHP Co Ltd. is a diversified 100% privately owned trading company with 20 years of experience supplying some of the biggest banks in Vietnam. Among the services and expertise, the company offers logistics management, technical consultancy, efficient and technologically superior equipment maintenance, training and technology transfer. By doing so TBHP enhances the intrinsic and extrinsic value of its product and services.
To learn more, please visit www.tbhp.vn
About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe & secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card technology for both payment and physical & logical access control and ID solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway with a global presence.
To learn more, please visit www.zwipe.com
OSLO, NORWAY – 31 MARCH 2023 - Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement published by Zwipe AS (the "Company") on 21 March 2023 regarding the final result of the fully guaranteed rights issue of 20,862,047 new shares in the Company (the "Offer Shares"), at a subscription price of NOK 4.80 per share, raising gross proceeds of NOK 100,137,825.60 (the "Rights Issue").
The share capital increase pertaining to the Offer Shares has now been registered with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises (Nw. Foretaksregisteret). The Company's new share capital is NOK 5,841,373.20 divided into 58,413,732 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.10.
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This is information that Zwipe AS is obligated to make public pursuant to the continuing obligations of companies admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Oslo (Euronext Growth Oslo Rule Book - Part II) and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact
person set out above, at 10:00 CEST on 31 March 2023.
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About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence.
To learn more, visit http://www.zwipe.com.
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For further information, please contact:
Danielle Glenn, CFO and Head of IR
E-mail: ir@zwipe.com
OSLO, NORWAY – 30 March 2023 – Zwipe AS ("Zwipe" or "the company") has today released its Annual Report 2022, including the Board of Directors report and financial statements. The report and annual accounts were approved by the Board of Directors after the close of business on 29th of March 2023. The 2022 Annual Report is attached to this release and available at https://www.zwipe.com/investors/reports.
Significant events 2022
2022 operational review
In 2022, Zwipe achieved several significant milestones and entered an “execution first” strategic phase. The company finalized technological development of the Zwipe Pay product and received both Visa and Mastercard certification, becoming the first biometric payment card platform available for sale on the open market to be certified by both major payment schemes.
A primary focus for the company in 2022 was executing our signed issuer pilots, with seven issuer pilot projects in the execution phase. During the second half, we implemented software changes related to biometric performance in Zwipe Pay cards and also updated our internal test procedures. These changes resulted in a more robust product and enhanced payment transaction experience that is expected to lead to faster completion of ongoing pilot projects as well as a significantly faster pace of new project launches in the coming quarters – with streamlined execution and commercial launch in all areas.
2022 also saw the company establish Zwipe Access as a separate business line with substantial revenue potential. We completed an important pilot project for Fraport AG at Frankfurt International Airport, with Zwipe shortlisted as an access control solutions provider when Fraport moves forward with its commercial tender process in 2023. We further reinforced our strong position in the airport vertical when Civix, a leading US provider of airport security solutions, selected Zwipe’s access control technology to augment their airport security propositions. The partnership with Civix is representative of our go-to-market strategy in access control to work with system integrator partners and distributors to bring our solution to market rapidly.
2022 financial review
Zwipe reported total revenues of 3.9 mNOK during 2022 vs. 2.5 mNOK in 2021, reflecting an underlying increase in Zwipe Pay revenues of 72%. Total operating expenses were 108.1 mNOK in 2022 compared to 85.5 mNOK in 2021. After adjusting for one-off, non-recurring costs in 2022 and receipt of a government grant in 2021, operating expenses increased to 102.2 mNOK in 2022 from 92.6 mNOK in 2021. Adjusted EBITDA was -96.4 mNOK in 2022 compared to -81.7 mNOK in 2021.
Underlying net cash use in operating activities in 2022 averaged 9.0 mNOK per month, an increase of 41% from 2021. This was mainly due to higher personnel costs, but non-recurring charges also inflated the 2022 monthly average burn rate and are not expected to continue.
On 31 December 2022, cash and equivalents were 50.5 mNOK, down from 152.3 mNOK at the end of 2021. Total equity at the end of the year was 54.6 mNOK, while total liabilities were 13.0 mNOK. This resulted in an equity ratio of 81%, down slightly from 91% at end 2021.
On 22 November 2022, Zwipe announced a rights issue raising approximately 100 mNOK in capital, with the transaction now being completed. The rights issue was fully guaranteed through a combination of subscription commitments and underwriting commitments from the three largest shareholders in Zwipe. It was carried out in order to strengthen the company’s financial position and enable the transition from start-up to scale-up and achieve larger-scale commercialization. The fundraising will ensure the Group has sufficient working capital for the period covering at least 12 months from the date of close.
Conclusion and going forward
Zwipe ended the year on a positive note with sequential quarterly growth of 172% in Q4 revenue and the single largest commercial order in a quarter to date. There is reason to believe that the markets for Zwipe Pay and Zwipe Access are nearing an inflection point for increased commercial adoption of biometric technology solutions. Zwipe has good commercial traction, and expects more positive news flow in coming quarters. Our goals for 2023 include: executing the technology roadmap, completing the current R&D projects and maturing Zwipe technology to meet evolving demands; accelerating go-to-market for Zwipe's solutions to achieve large commercial scale; increasing our customer pipeline; supporting our SCM customers in becoming certified and mass production ready; executing more pilot projects in a streamlined manner; and continuing to invest intelligently in people and technology.
The aforementioned actions are expected to lead to positive business outcomes in 2023.
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This is information that Zwipe AS is obligated to make public pursuant to the continuing obligations of companies admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Oslo (Euronext Growth Oslo Rule Book – Part II) and on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North is FNCA Sweden AB, info@fnca.se. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 08:00 on 30 March 2023.
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About Zwipe
Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services. Zwipe is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a global presence. To learn more, visit http://www.zwipe.com.
For more information, please contact:
Danielle Glenn, CFO and Head of IR
ir@zwipe.com
Please see attachment for minutes from the Extraordinary General Meeting of Zwipe AS, held 11, April 2019.
SAO BERNANDO DO CAMPO, BRAZIL – 9 APRIL 2019 – Biometric technology company Zwipe and Thomas Greg & Sons do Brasil (TGS), reference in Technology Solutions, Services of Identification and Printing of Security Documents in Brazil and in the world, one of the largest card manufacturers in Latin America with 55 million cards produced in 2018, have agreed to co-develop and launch biometric payment cards.
Commenting on this strategically important development President of Thomas Greg & Sons do Brasil, Hernani Finazzi said “We are excited to partner with Zwipe and leverage their industry leading expertise and intellectual property to be a first mover in Brasil with a product we believe has a strong value proposition to our customers, some of the region’s most established and fasted growing issuers.”
TGS intends to utilize Zwipe’s technology platform in bringing their biometric payment cards and other associated solutions to market. Development has begun with integration of the TGS payment card platform with Zwipe’s proprietary biometric technology with the first joint products planned for release in 2019. The two companies also confirmed that there are multiple banks in Brazil who have already engaged in serious dialogues to trial the solution.
Speaking on this important partnership André Løvestam, CEO of Zwipe said “ We are proud to partner with a leading and innovative first mover like TGS and looking forward to collaborating on new opportunities in Latin America and beyond.”
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OSLO, NORWAY - APRIL 5, 2019 - Zwipe CEO, André Løvestam, presented at the Goode Intelligence Biometric Summit yesterday at Rise New York. He shared Zwipe's views on how biometric payment cards and biometric enabled wearable devices will help further expand the prevalence of contactless payments.
Please find the presentation attached.
OSLO, NORWAY - 4 April 2019: Reference is made to the notice sent on 12 March 2019 for extraordinary general meeting on 11 April 2019 at 13:00 CET.
After issuance of the notice, the board have received a request from two shareholders for additional items to be included in the agenda for the extraordinary general meeting.
Enclosed you will find an addendum to the notice of the extraordinary general meeting relating to the shareholders request as applicable to their shareholder rights, which relates to:
As stated on the notice sent 12. March; notice of attendance, in person or by proxy, shall be given no later than 10 April 2019 at 16:00 CET. Shareholders are encouraged to register this electronically through the company’s website www.zwipe.com or through VPS Investor Services (where pin code and reference number is not needed). Alternatively, the attached form may be sent by e-mail to genf@dnb.no, or regular post to DNB Bank ASA, Verdipapirservice, NO-0021 Oslo.
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OSLO, NORWAY – 02 APRIL 2019 – Biometric technology company Zwipe and TAG Systems Group, a leading European card manufacturer announced a partnership to launch a commercial biometric payment card offering that will include a secure at-home enrolment solution.
TAG Systems is the primary card manufacturing partner for a large number of financial institutions based in Northern Europe and is a leading provider of a multitude of products for the major European based challenger banks that have seen rapid growth in the last 18 months.
Commenting on this major development in the growing biometric payment card marketplace Jon Neeraas, CEO of TAG Systems, said “we are excited to launch this partnership with Zwipe leveraging their expertise and intellectual property in this emerging product vertical” adding “we work with some of the world’s largest and fastest growing challenger banks and see their capability to launch new products in high volume, we believe financial institutions can embrace this biometric payment card technology and successfully scale up.”
TAG Systems’ subsidiaries throughout Europe including TagNitecrest in the UK, will support the commercialization of the solution by integrating Zwipe’s proprietary biometric technology platform by utilizing their expertise in card manufacturing, personalization and fulfillment services.
Speaking on this partnership André Løvestam, CEO of Zwipe, said “TAG Systems is one of most prominent card manufacturers in the Nordics and a first mover and leading supplier to European challenger banks. I am confident that this collaboration will further strengthen Zwipe’s position in the growing biometric payment marketplace.”
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OSLO, NORWAY – 01 APRIL 2019 – Biometric technology company Zwipe is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Robert Mueller as its Chief Technology Officer, effective today.
Dr. Mueller joins Zwipe with an impressive track record of over 20 years in senior technical development positions focusing on biometrics and smart card technology at leading companies such as Siemens, Giesecke+Devrient and BMW. His most recent role was serving as Chief Technology Officer at Next Biometrics.
At Zwipe, Dr. Mueller will lead Zwipe’s technical vision and development to ensure the company’s commercialization and long-term success. With this appointment, Zwipe will establish a European tech hub, which will complement the company’s existing research and development center in Colorado Springs, USA. Based out of Munich, Germany, the new hub will add further expertise to Zwipe on biometrics, algorithms, payment card integration, enrolment solutions and product management.
Commenting on this strong addition to the Zwipe team, CEO of Zwipe André Løvestam said “Robert brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of our technology platform to our expanding global customer base.”
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Oslo, 12 March 2019: Zwipe AS today publishes its annual report 2018. The report is attached to this notice and available for download at www.zwipe.com/about/ (investor relations).
The general meeting of Zwipe AS will be held Tuesday, 14 May 2019 at 13:00 CET.
For more information, please contact:
Lisbeth Breum, CFO
+47 932 28 126
lisbeth@zwipe.com
About Zwipe
Zwipe is a technology solution provider that enables battery-less, ultra-low-power, self-contained biometric authentication solutions. Together with an ecosystem of partners including global brands within financial services, security and ID applications, Zwipe is “Making Convenience Secure™” for banks, merchants and consumers. Using advanced fingerprint recognition while protecting personal information, Zwipe’s solutions address the data theft pitfalls inherent in traditional authentication methods. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Zwipe has spent the last 10 years developing its unique power harvesting technology platform in combination with security solutions based on international infrastructure standards.
To subscribe or unsubscribe to notification of Zwipe news, please visit www.zwipe.com
Oslo, Norway, February 27 2019: Biometric technology company Zwipe has selected Fingerprint Cards’ T-Shape sensor for use in the company’s latest generation offering to be submitted for certification as part of Zwipe’s commercialization efforts for biometric payment cards. The selection is based on the sensor’s performance and scalability in mass volume production.
The selection also highlights Zwipe’s first patent* describing a method of manufacturing a smartcard with an on-board biometric sensor, where first a card body is formed having a circuit embedded within it, and then a cavity is formed in the card body to expose contacts on the circuit to connect to the biometric sensor. In the card manufacturing industry this production method is commonly referred to as post-placement, enabling industrialized manufacturing techniques such as hot lamination of plastic cards without damaging the sensor.
The T-Shape sensor is specifically designed to utilize this post-placement production method as it is the most efficient means of mass producing biometric smart cards. It is expected that, over time, a significant portion of biometric smart cards will be manufactured in this method. As previously communicated, fingerprint sensor suppliers are expected to sell sensors made for post-placement directly to the card producers as they will not be fixed to the card inlay before lamination.
The patent has been granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), as well as in the United States, China, South Korea and Australia. The patent was challenged in the EPO by multiple industrial groups. As a result, the patent is currently in an appeal process which is expected to take a minimum of two years if not longer to complete and finalize. During this period the rights granted under the EPO patent are upheld for the patent holder until a final decision is rendered.
Speaking on the selection André Løvestam, CEO of Zwipe, said “we have a long-standing partnership with Fingerprint Cards and have chosen the T-Shape sensor because it gives our solution the quickest route to market, helping Zwipe offer a mass-market ready solution while leveraging our strong position in the value chain as evidenced by our patent portfolio.”
*Patent Numbers US9471825B2 / EP2842079B1 / KR 101758444B1 /CN 104380313B /AU2013252025/EP2842079B1
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About Zwipe
Zwipe is a technology solution provider that enables battery-less, ultra-low-power, self-contained biometric authentication solutions. Together with an ecosystem of partners including global brands within security, financial services and ID applications, Zwipe is “Making Convenience Secure™” for banks, merchants and consumers. Using advanced fingerprint recognition while protecting personal information, Zwipe’s solutions address the data theft pitfalls inherent in traditional authentication methods. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Zwipe has spent the last 10 years developing its unique power harvesting technology platform in combination with security solutions based on international infrastructure standards. To learn more, visit www.zwipe.com
Further information:
André Løvestam, CEO
+47 930 44 040
info@zwipe.com
The offering and outcome in brief
Commenting on the capital raise André Løvestam, CEO of Zwipe, said: “Zwipe is at the forefront of a global shift towards more secure and convenient contactless payments and the market is primed for growth. We are confident that our industry leading technology and partnerships will secure a strong market position both in the short and long-term. Thanks to the new funding received, we can intensify our efforts to support our customers and partners in Making Convenience Secure.”
Commenting on the capital raise Jörgen Lantto, Chairman of the Board of Zwipe, said: “The capital raise and subsequent admission to trading at Merkur Market are important milestones for Zwipe, as the company seeks to capitalize on its strong position in the biometric payment marketplace and as the payment industry moves towards bringing biometric payment cards to consumers. We would like to thank our existing shareholders for their continued support and welcome all new shareholders to Zwipe.”
Carnegie acted as Manager and Joint Bookrunner together with Redeye in connection with the offering. In addition, Nordnet acted as Selling Agent. Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig AS acted as legal advisor to the company and Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm AS acted as legal advisor to Carnegie.
Investor Relations contact:
Lisbeth Breum, CFO, +47 932 28 126 lisbeth@zwipe.com
About Zwipe
Zwipe is a technology solution provider that enables battery-less, ultra-low-power, self-contained biometric authentication solutions. Together with an ecosystem of partners including global brands within security, financial services and ID applications, Zwipe is “Making Convenience Secure™” for banks, merchants and consumers. Using advanced fingerprint recognition while protecting personal information, Zwipe’s solutions address the data theft pitfalls inherent in traditional authentication methods. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Zwipe has spent the last 10 years developing its unique power harvesting technology platform in combination with security solutions based on international infrastructure standards.
To learn more, visit www.zwipe.com
