Bersenbrück/Berlin, 18 April 2024 – Publk, a specialist in the digitalisation of cash- based payments in the public sector, and Nortal, a strategic partner in the digital transformation of companies and public authorities worldwide, are combining their expertise. As part of a strategic partnership, the companies will work together to develop potential with the aim of opening up new markets across Europe for the digitisation of cash-based processes. Nortal is also acquiring shares in Publk.
With SocialCard, Publk has developed a solution that simplifies the current practice of paying social benefits to refugees, thereby reducing the burden on local authorities.
Cash-based processes, such as issuing cash cheques or paying out cash, are digitised with the SocialCard. The solution is already being used by over 20 local authorities in Germany.
Expansion of the SocialCard’s areas of application
In addition, as a digital solution, the SocialCard can replace many other cash processes, outlines Joerg Schwitalla, founder and managing director of Publk: “In all municipal organisations and institutions where cash has been the only practical means of payment to date – for example, in schools (school/class funds) or daycare centres – the SocialCard can simplify processes. We are delighted to have gained Nortal as a strategic partner with extensive experience in global digital projects. Through its involvement in Publk, Nortal will provide us with significant support in scaling our business model and expanding the areas of application for the SocialCard.”
Nortal is an expert in the digitalisation of public administration and is able to initiate, manage and monitor rollout processes in the municipal sector. The company has played a key role in planning and implementing over 40 per cent of the digital transformation in Estonia’s public sector. Nortal’s services range from digitalisation, process and strategy consulting to quality assurance, software development and operational support. “We see potential for wider application areas in Publk and will be a strong partner with our experience from over 20 years of international digitisation projects,” says Ole Behrens- Carlsson, CEO of Nortal AG.
About Publk
Publk specialises in digitising payments in the public sector that were previously made in cash or by cheque. Publk understands the needs of local authorities when it comes to payments and has developed SocialCard, a solution that is optimally tailored to all requirements and legal and regulatory requirements.
About SocialCard
The SocialCard digitises the payment of social benefits. It is a “cash and cheque equivalent”. The SocialCard is issued as a Visa debit card and enables benefit recipients to receive their social benefits quickly and easily. It thus offers them dignified participation in everyday processes. At the same time, it reduces the administrative burden on local authorities. Wherever cash or cheques have been used up to now, the SocialCard can simplify and streamline payments by digitising cash processes.
About Nortal
Headquartered in Berlin and with more than 20 years of experience, Nortal AG is a strategic partner in the digital transformation of leading global companies and public authorities. The company develops tailor-made solutions for the public sector, healthcare and businesses. Nortal AG is part of the Nortal Group, headquartered in Estonia, which has more than 2,000 employees in 26 offices in North America, Europe and the Middle East and works with partners including governments and Fortune 500 companies. In Estonia alone, Nortal has implemented 40 per cent of the country’s digital government experience. Its customers include administrations, associations and companies from the healthcare sector and other industries.
Press contact
Fink & Fuchs AG
Simone Motschmann
Tel.: 0611-74131-929
Email: socialcard@finkfuchs.de
Press contact Nortal
Nortal AG Maria Schröder
Email: maria.schroeder@nortal.com