<p>First Data successfully applied to Germany's central credit committee, owner of the national electronic cash system, to act as a central gateway for the processing of national debit card transactions in Germany. This means that First Data is now permitted to offer routing and switching services for German banks on both the issuing and acquiring sides of the business. <br /><br />Furthermore, card issuers can now also call upon authorization services from First Data in support of their national debit card business, consolidating service provision for the processing of all their debit card transactions.<br /><br />Ernst Verbeek, vice president with responsibility for First Data's operations in Germany, said: Having more choices will be a real benefit to German retail and savings banks. We take great pride in being a driving force in further advancing the German processing market. This is also a good example of how we can help make the Single Euro Payments Area a reality in the European finance landscape.</p>
