Ukash listed as one of the UK's fastest growing private tech companies by leading newspaper

Johannesburg, 01 Oct 2012

Ukash, the Global e-Money Network, has been included in the Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100, which ranks the UK's top 100 private tech companies with the fastest-selling growth sales over the last three years. The list, now in its 12th year, is compiled annually by Fast Track each September.

Ukash has experienced 65% year-on-year growth and now processes in excess of £500 million e-money transactions throughout the world every year.

David Hunter, CEO of Ukash, said: "Each year of growth demonstrates how many more consumers we are giving the freedom to spend their cash online - removing the need to enter personal financial details for the digitally nervous, and empowering individuals to spend online without credit or debit cards and bank accounts.

"It's a great achievement to have been included in the Tech Track 100 for a second consecutive year and this is owed to the efforts of the Ukash team who have worked so hard to continue our international growth, leading to profitability throughout the world."

Typically, a Tech Track 100 company has between 20 and 200 staff, has an average of three-year sales growth ranging from 35% p.a. to 360% p.a., and has sales ranging from £5 million to £50 million, which Ukash has evidenced for another year.

Ukash is regulated by the FSA and enables consumers to use cash online without having to reveal personal financial information. Cash is exchanged for a unique 19-digit Ukash code at over 420 000 physical points of purchase, or issued online from the company's Web site. The unique 19-digit code can then be used to pay directly on thousands of Web sites that accept Ukash worldwide. Ukash is a safe and convenient way to make online transactions.

For more information, visit www.ukash.com.

What is Ukash?

Ukash is the Global e-Money Network and internationally recognised e-commerce cash payment method that enables consumers around the world to use cash to shop, pay and play online safely, securely and conveniently. This secure payment method was developed to protect personal identity and financial information when making online transactions, reducing the threat of credit and debit card fraud for consumers and repudiations and charge-backs for retailers. Ukash has no age limit, so consumers of all ages can make the most of safe payment online.

Ukash codes are purchased with cash in retail outlets such as shops, petrol stations and kiosks, and issued online from the company's Web site. The unique 19-digit codes can then be used to pay directly on any of the thousands of Web sites that accept Ukash transactions worldwide, or loaded onto prepaid cards and e-wallets.

Established in 2001 under the holding company Smart Voucher, Ukash has grown to more than 420 000 physical points of purchase, and is available in more than 50 countries around the world on six continents. In 2008, Ukash established a strategic partnership with South African payments giant Blue Label Telecoms to develop the brand's services.

Ukash is regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA). The maximum single value allowed is £200/EUR250 or equivalent in other currencies, and the maximum amount that can be held by an individual customer is £1 000/EUR1 250 or equivalent in other currencies.

In 2011, HM The Queen awarded Ukash a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. The prestigious award recognises UK businesses that have achieved substantial growth in overseas earnings and outstanding levels of commercial success. Ukash, operating under the holding name of Smart Voucher, was awarded as a result of its geographical and financial growth. Ukash was extremely proud to have been awarded the same honour for a consecutive year in 2012. Ukash was included in the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 in 2011, which identifies and ranks the most successful private companies in a league table.

The technology behind Ukash is protected by Patent Law in all the major economies of the world. Ukash is a registered trademark of Smart Voucher.

The facts

* Ukash was established in 2005.
* Ukash has grown to over 420 000 physical points of purchase.
* Ukash is available in 57 countries around the world, across six continents.
* Ukash can be spent on 5 000 Web sites.
* Ukash is available in 20 currencies.

What are the benefits?

Ukash is the safe and secure way to pay - there's no need to share financial details online.

Ukash empowers consumers to use cash electronically, irrespective of status, device or boundary, regardless of having a credit or debit card, and enables them to stay in control of spending.

Ukash is flexible: consumers can take Ukash and split it into smaller amounts, combine into larger amounts, convert into other currencies, or even donate Ukash change to charity.

Ukash is convenient, simple and FREE. Ukash is also available via online bank transfer and it is easy to use on any Web site that accepts Ukash.

Ukash is available for all - whether you are concerned by online fraud or don't have a bank card, you can use Ukash to pay, play and shop online at thousands of global locations.

Ukash opens up new markets for companies to sell their goods and services online to those without credit or debit cards, even bank accounts, and those simply reluctant to give financial details online.

Find Ukash on social media:

Twitter: @PayWithUkash

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PayWithUkash

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