A Skipton company which provides world-wide alternative banking solutions, has been short-listed for a top industry award.

Finance group Contis is competing in all five disciplines of the 2017 Card and Payment award which is in its 12th year.

It recognises high-level industry achievements along with excellence in product delivery and customer services by organisations in Europe.

Contis Group's Engage has been shortlisted in two categories - the best debit card programme of the year and the best prepaid product of the year. It is a low-cost Visa debit card programme for credit unions

Monese has been nominated for the best debit card programme of the year award and is a tailored debit card payment solution and current account platform.

Within the best design of the year category, Engage's Smartcash has been selected for its fresh, fun and bold imagery which appeals to today's younger credit union members.

Smartcash helps position credit unions by educating young communities in the importance of understanding digital money management in a cashless society.

Nomination in the best industry innovation of the year has been assigned to Contis Group' s revolutionary technology which tackles contactless fraud.

It is the first prepaid and e-money provider to launch the real-time online contactless prepaid Visa debit card.

Contis Group faces tough competition within all of its entry categories from a number of major brands including Barclaycard, Nationwide and Co-operative Bank.

A company spokesman said Contis had been a pioneer in the field over the past few years. "It is the only payment provider company in Europe that has the full solution capabilities for companies wishing to launch a debit card and current account programme.

"Its technology platform has the ability to build bespoke mobile applications and online application processes where accounts can be opened in five minutes and current accounts for both retail and corporate clients."

The winners will be announced on February 2 next year at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane.