FICS Group and Banksys Extend Strategic Partnership Agreement.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 1997--FICS Group, a leading developer in the field of electronic banking products, and Banksys, the market leader in electronic purse technology with its Proton "smart card" product, have announced plans to collaborate more closely on joint domestic and international projects during 1998.

"We are confident in the ability of new delivery channels and payment systems to break into markets on a world-wide scale," says Michel Akkermans, CEO of FICS Group. "The quality of our current collaboration - in relation to Smart Phones, Proton NT, Internet Banking, etc. - has prompted us to extend the partnership. We hope to leverage Belgium's proficiency in the realm of electronic payment systems further to enhance the position of leadership we hold on an international level."

Jean-Pierre Van Wayenberge, director of research and development at Banksys, explains: "The success of the current partnership encouraged us to progress today to a new stage. We will co-operate on the development of products that are both competitive and ground-breaking. Our two companies have experienced substantial success abroad. By bringing this international experience to bear on our joint activities, we hope to build on recent successes over the coming months."

Van Wayenberge cited a joint project currently underway for American Express as an example of the "closeness of our collaboration" with FICS. "Banksys has effectively placed FICS in charge of the development of an 'NT Proton Host'. The added value which FICS has brought to this project is primarily related to the company's know-how in Windows NT technology, security issues, and electronic commerce," he said. "FICS Group is also carrying out several other projects in relation to Internet-based commerce and the provision of banking services over the Internet, for which the Proton card will be used as a means of payment and of enforcing security."

FICS Group is an international consultancy company that develops products and services for the global financial industry, including applications for corporate and home banking, Internet banking, bank automation, financial analysis and reporting (internal, statutory and Capital Adequacy Directive reporting; risk management; etc.). Headquartered in Brussels, the $40 million-company employs more than 460 and operates support offices in the world's leading business and financial centres, including London, Rotterdam, Luxembourg, Manchester, Charlotte, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, Singapore and Sydney. More than 700 international institutions use FICS products and services, including ABN-AMRO, BNP, Bank of America, Barclays Bank, Citibank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Deutsche Bank, ING Bank, Lloyds Bank, Nomura Bank, Reuters, Sumitomo Bank and Westpac. -0-

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