Conferma, the leader in virtual card technology for business travel, has today announced the appointment of Nick Reid as Commercial Manager. Reid will lead Conferma’s strong relationships with some of the world’s largest banks, providing new and innovative ways for corporations to settle business travel with ease and convenience through virtual payments. Having initially joined Conferma in 2011, Nick has worked across all areas of Conferma’s global payments business. The appointment signifies Conferma’s investment in specialist staff with sophisticated understanding of the company’s global virtual card network.

When asked how virtual cards may change the travel industry in the future, Reid pointed to the growing trend in mobile payments. “In addition to the continued expansion of virtual cards across more travel service types, I believe they will also be used to pay for ancillary spend on business trips via traveller mobile devices. Increasingly we are seeing consumer trends such as Airbnb and Uber penetrate the corporate travel sector. I believe the growing consumer appetite for contactless and mobile payments will extend into B2B payments, and the virtual card is a natural fit.”

Simon Barker, CEO of Conferma, said: “Nick has worked with every part of the Conferma network, introducing virtual cards to new partners and identifying how our key clients and their customers can streamline processes and ensure security. In his new role, Nick will work with our most prominent partners to capitalize in new areas where virtual cards are transforming business travel.”