What is UnionPay Advisory?

UnionPay Advisory refers to consulting and compliance services that help businesses align with UnionPay’s scheme rules, optimize operational flows, integrate technically, manage risk & fraud, and maintain governance for UnionPay-related transactions.

Why is scheme compliance important with UnionPay?

Because UnionPay has specific rules, contractual and network requirements. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, transaction rejections, reputational damage, or losing scheme privileges.

What operational and technical challenges are commonly faced with UnionPay integration?

Common challenges include handling message formats, settlement and clearing differences, ensuring systems compatibility, dealing with cross-border transaction rules, and maintaining security and fraud prevention standards.

How do risk, fraud & dispute management advisories help?

They help you identify fraud risk exposure, plan for dispute resolution and chargebacks, establish internal controls to mitigate losses, and ensure you have robust monitoring and reporting processes in place.

What governance and controls should businesses establish for UnionPay operations?

You should establish clear oversight structures, documented policies and procedures, defined roles/responsibilities, audit trails, incident escalation paths, and regular review of operations and compliance against UnionPay requirements.

What does ongoing monitoring and advisory include for UnionPay?

It includes staying updated on changes to UnionPay rules, risk or fraud trend changes, performance reviews, policy adjustments, and ensuring regulatory compliance over time.

UnionPay Advisory Services | Compliance & Licensing

Overview

UnionPay is China’s largest payment network, offering extensive global acceptance and innovative payment solutions such as co-branded cards, digital wallets, QR code payments, and NFC-based transactions. UnionPay provides institutions the capability to serve international and domestic clients with secure and versatile payment options.

Capabilities

Co-branded prepaid, debit, and credit cards
QR code and Near Field Communication (NFC)-based payments
Integration with digital wallets including UnionPay App, Huawei Pay, and others
Acceptance across online platforms and point-of-sale (POS) merchants

Onboarding Steps

Step 1: Use Case Identification – Define whether the institution requires card issuance, merchant acquiring, or both
Step 2: Initial Application – Submit business models, licensing documentation, and operational plans.
Step 3: Network Integration – Connect with the UnionPay International (UPI) gateway or API for transaction processing.
Step 4: Pilot Launch – Begin with select use cases to validate systems and operational readiness.
Step 5: Full Rollout – Expand services regionally and scale partnerships.

How ABM Can Help

Use-Case Alignment & Structuring – ABM assists in defining the optimal UnionPay services based on your business model and client needs.
UnionPay Liaison & Application Handling – We manage the licensing and network approval process with UnionPay.
Digital Wallet & Card Design Support – Guidance on wallet integration, card design, and transaction workflows.
Post-Launch Optimization – Strategic advisory to optimize network utilization, ensure compliance, and scale operations effectively.