UK-based payments platform ImageNPay is embarking on a global banking sustainability programme and has partnered with students in Ecuador to promote greater sustainability in the sector.

The British fintech company, which launched the world’s first personalised virtual Mastercard on Apple Pay, has announced a global banking sustainability programme with the University of San Francisco Quito, Ecuador.

Interns will focus on five key areas: sustainability, financial education, media and creative content, innovation and new technologies, and loyalty in fintech. They will also receive mentoring support from MasterCard, where “some of the world’s brightest young talent” will be able to contribute their own ideas for biodiversity projects.

The programme follows the success of ImageNPay’s 2020 digital intern scheme, where the company took on graduates from all over the UK to work remotely.

The ImageNPay Digital Wallet is the world’s first payment system that enables users to personalise a virtual payment card with images and designs that appear in their Apple Wallet, including wildlife photography and designs that support charities and other good causes. The company’s mission is to rid the world of plastic payment cards. There are around 22 billion worldwide, with around seven billion being re-issued every year made from unrecyclable PVC plastic.

ImageNPay founder Michael Donald said: “The programme centres around our core values of financial inclusion, education, sustainability, innovation through exploration, and diversity. Running the programme on the other side of the world seemed a natural fit for us, and I know that the students will contribute great support for biodiversity projects across the region.”

Scott Abrahams, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Fintech at MasterCard UK & Ireland, added: “I am thrilled to be a mentor on the intern programme and developing the pipeline of future talent in the industry.”