Hong Kong-based MPayMe Ltd. and merchant acquirer First Data Corporation have formed a strategic partnership aimed at markets in the Asia-Pacific region. First Data will be the sole distributor in that region of MPayMe ZNAP, a mobile bill payment service.

Consumers scan a QR code using the ZNAP app to make payments. The app links the QR code to the customer's payment account, making payments simple and quick. ZNAP also offers applications for merchants, which provide data and insights on customers.

"The combination of First Data's proven transaction processing solutions with MPayMe's innovative mobile business platform will position our combined offering as a convenient and seamless way to make payments for consumers and merchants in the Asia-Pacific region," said Marc Mathenz, senior vice president and head of Asia-Pacific at First Data.

Starting in July, ZNAP will be running pilot programs in several regions including the U.K., U.S. Australian, Hong Kong and Japan. A worldwide rollout is expected to begin before 2014.

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