KONA SL is at the forefront of payment technology, providing solutions for today and tomorrow.
Photo: Pexels
Greetings
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We will become a company that is the leader of its time, constantly and passionately strives to challenge ourselves to create value.
”Since its establishment in 1998, Kona I has contributed to creating a smarter world with its information communication technology. A lot of people from home and abroad benefit from this, using card transportation systems, digital money, mobile commerce systems, and smart card platforms developed by Kona I.
Kona I has never stopped investing in its future even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. The company was founded during the aftermath of the financial crisis of 1997 and by doing so, turned the crisis into an opportunity. Not only did we adapt to changes, but also we did our very best to be a leader in the fast-changing IT industry.
The IT environment is changing rapidly, and in the midst of that change Kona I is evolving beyond its present. We will become a company that is the leader of its times, and constantly and passionately strive to challenge ourselves to create value.
Thank you for your interest and encouragement.
Chung-il Cho
Chairman of KONA Group
Chairman of KONA Group
Our company
KONA SL goals are to provide world class payments solutions to fulfil both B2B and B2C needs in the global market.
KONA SL is a Bangladesh based payment and security solutions company that develops custom payment solutions to businesses and financial institutions. Originally founded as a research center for KONA I (South Korea) in 2012, the knowledge built up on payment standard and security over the initial year of research helped catapult the company focus into solution development.
KONA SL has developed a mobile (HCE) based payment platform, KONA Pay, which launched in Korea in 2015. A year later, a mobile based prepaid payment system called KONA Money was announced. Since then, KONA SL's development team of 100+ engineers have been engaged in supporting and enhancing the KONA Money into a new brand name KONA Card.
Alongside the research and development, KONA SL also utilizes a sales, product and technical marketing team to identify business opportunities, explore new concepts and supporting the Global Sales team of KONA I. Along with solution sales, the KONA SL sales team also delivers contact and contactless EMV cards in the local market.
Inside the KONA Software Lab office in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Photo: Zahidul Amin
A Brief History
We leverage our technology to solve life's challenges and shape a better future.
1998 - 2011
Found KEBT (Korea Electronic Banking Technology) in 1998, the predecessor of KONA I. By 2001, We developed Korea’s first transportation card system. Then, also founded MYBI Card Corporation – the consortium of Busan e-money. Listed on the KOSDAQ.
Later from 2003 to 2011, KEBT Developed the first proprietary domestic security chip, operating system, founding the cornerstone of the global COS market. Developed proprietary smart card COS platform, based on Global platform.
The first supply of JAVA Card(KONA) to Bank of Busan happened in 2014. Then we acquired the EMV certification in 2005. Developed and distributed 3G/4G USIM cards and Ranked No. 1 in the Korean smart card industry.
By 2011, we developed and commercialized the world’s first NFC USIM. Supplied National electronic ID card of Thailand. Finally, in 2012 KEBT renamed as KONA I.
2012
Established KONA SL as a R&D Center, where a number of research activities on payment and security was conducted. We also started to sell chip cards to local banks through a local partner.
KONA SL is recognized for its innovative contributions to digital payments, payment cards solutions, biometric card technologies.
Photo: Pexels
2014
We build the core payment engine KonaPay as a Cloud-based Payment Platform following all International standard and specification. We demonstrated KonaPay at Cartes event held at Paris, France.
- March: It's available on open platform (JAVA, Multos) and, for closed-loop cards and compatible with small and large personalisation systems.
- June: TSM (Trusted Service Manager) is a comprehensive term that calls the system infrastructure that provides NFC service to the end users in a consistent, stable manner.
2015
We demonstrated KonaPay at Mobile World Congress held at Barcelona, Spain. Joined Visa Technology Partner Forum at Bali, Indonesia. Launched KonaPay in South Korea. Signed agreement with UL as a distributor of BTT and PVT in South Asia. Joined Money20/20 at Las Vegas, USA.
2016-2017
We developed the interoperable Prepaid Card Platform as an enhancement to KonaPay Platform. Started to sell cards directly to DBBL. HCE-based digitization platform NexusPay launched for Dutch-Bangla Bank. KonaCard started operation in South Korea.
2018-2019
Impmented KonaDFS Platform in agreement with Nagad. Expanded card sale to more banks. Also started R&D on blockchain technology. KonaDFS as well as the first e-KYC solution was launched in March 2019.
2020-2021
We implemented a 4/45 Lotery system for Laos Govt. For CoViD-affected people, we did a POC for Fund Distribution with Bank Asia. Launched Digital Banking Platform for Mercantile Bank.
2022-2023
As we continue to expand, our e-KYC solution was delivered to a number of Banks/NFBIs. BanglaQR solution delivered to several banks. Later, we started to merge KonaCard and the DFS platform into Kona Integrated Platform.
2024
This year, we have focused on our own B2C products for local (BD) and global market. Moreover, we have started to establish a local Smartcard Manufacturing and Perso Bureau in the Hi-Tech Park, Kaliakoir, Gazipur.
Leveraging KONA's expertise and extensive network of local and international partners, we are poised to revolutionize the financial services sector.
Photo: Pexels
Kona way
KONA Way is our values and code of conducts
It guides us to create a better world where everyone could be better off.
challenge
InnovationWe highly prioritize the value of challenge, understanding success is based on constant trial and error.
collaboration
Power of UnityCollaboration is KONA I’s biggest driving force. Collective intelligence of ‘together’ is always better than alone.
Growth
Grow EverydayAt KONA I, complacency has no place. We continuously evolve and innovate for a more convenient and advanced world.
Communication
Honest, yet RespectfulBe straightforward, truthful, fact-based, but never rude. That’s how we communicate at KONA I.
challenge
InnovationWe highly prioritize the value of challenge, understanding success is based on constant trial and error.
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Certifications
The products designed and developed by KONA SL have been certified by standards in the global payments industry.
The Visa Ready certification program helps technology companies build and launch...
JCB-compliant cards must certify its security according to JCB...
This Federal Information Processing Standard (140-2) specifies the security...