Gemalto, provider of digital security solutions, today advanced the near field communications (NFC) payment space with the announcement of a UICC-embedded software application that is compliant with the Mobile MasterCard PayPass M/Chip 4, the latest MasterCard payment specification designed for mobile NFC.

The software application and the UICC have both received compliance assessment and security testing certification in accordance with MasterCard’s chip security requirements.

Gemalto says the solution paves the way for mass commercial rollouts of NFC payments. In the U.K., Gemalto is already partnering with a “global, first-tier financial institution” and a “world leading mobile operator,” to implement the new solution in a mass commercial rollout.

Gemalto’s software application embeds the Trusted Service Management interface for PayPass, which enables mobile account issuance and over-the-air management. It also allows consumers to define a PIN code through their phone. The mobile PIN is a cardholder verification method used to secure operations such as account top-up from the mobile phone.

The Gemalto mobile NFC payment application can be configured so as to cover all card portfolios including debit, credit and prepaid.

“Leveraging the interoperability of MasterCard PayPass, Gemalto’s effort will enable cross-border mobile NFC payment, adding ease to the fast-paced lifestyles of more and more consumers across the world,” commented James Anderson, vice president of mobile for MasterCard Worldwide.