Italy’s Banca Sella: First European Bank to Launch QR Code

Discover how Italy’s Banca Sella pioneers QR code technology, setting a new standard for banking innovation in Europe.

Banca Sella, an esteemed Italian banking institution boasting a robust network of over 300 branches, has made a groundbreaking leap by becoming the inaugural bank in Europe to adopt TQ Braille—a tactile identification innovation conceived by Arti Grafiche Parini, a distinguished printing services firm nestled in Northwestern Italy.

Commencing this month, Banca Sella will embark on the distribution of printed materials that are fully compatible with TQ Braille technology. These materials will feature a QR code elegantly encased within a Braille-embossed frame. This ingenious code serves as a gateway, directing users to a web page or document that is seamlessly accessible through screen reader systems such as iOS’s VoiceOver and Android’s TalkBack, thus facilitating audio playback of the content.

This initiative, bolstered by the support of UICI, Italy’s association for the visually impaired, is a testament to Sella Group’s ambitious “Make an Impact” plan, which aspires to render products, services, and essential information universally accessible.

Moreover, Banca Sella is emblematic of a burgeoning movement among financial institutions and fintech enterprises striving to cater to the needs of visually impaired populations. This trend is further exemplified by Brazilian challenger Parabank, which has unveiled plans to introduce physical cards adorned with Braille and tactile functionalities.

In a world where accessibility is paramount, Banca Sella’s pioneering efforts not only illuminate the path toward inclusivity but also underscore the importance of innovation in fostering a more equitable financial landscape.