First Data, a provider of payment solutions and commerce-enabling technology, told MNA it plans to expand its business in the Macau SAR by mainly targeting the city’s casinos and e-commerce business.

Speaking to MNA, Patrick Hayes, recently appointed Head of Global Business Solutions of First Data for its MSAR and Hong Kong operations, laid out his expansion approach.

“As Hong Kong and Macau continue to migrate to digital commerce solutions, First Data is looking to expand [its] business beyond traditional payment services,” Mr. Hayes said.

According to him, the company usually provides services for traditional bricks and mortars (terminal) card transactions settlements and payments in the MSAR.

In addition to gaming operators and e-commerce, the region’s head outlined plans to continue expanding services to the local retail and food and beverage sector.

In particular, Mr. Hayes clarified to MNA that First Data currently has “merchants in the insurance industry, and retailers in the fashion and jewellery industry” in the city.

Mr. Hayes joined First Data from Ingenico ePayments, where he spearheaded the management of strategic partnerships for Asia Pacific.

The New York-listed company serves approximately six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions in more than 100 countries worldwide.