Core Insights - CPI Card Group has formed a strategic partnership with Karta to enhance digital security for prepaid cards, aiming to prevent gift card fraud by integrating Karta's SafeToBuy technology with CPI's prepaid solutions [1][3][4] Company Overview - CPI Card Group is a payments technology company that offers a wide range of payment cards and digital solutions, focusing on building relationships and trust with clients [5][6] - Karta, an Australian FinTech founded in 2021, is backed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and CPI Card Group, aiming to redefine payment cards to be smarter and safer [7][8] Technology and Innovation - The SafeToBuy technology eliminates printed card numbers from gift card packaging, embedding data and security in an EMV chip to reduce the risk of fraud [2][8] - The partnership allows CPI to produce and personalize contactless gift cards with EMV chips that include Karta's SafeToBuy applet, enhancing the security of transactions [3][4] Market Position and Future Plans - CPI is positioned as Karta's exclusive supplier in the U.S., with plans to adapt Karta's prepaid program management platform for a U.S. launch targeted for early 2026 [4] - The collaboration aims to create a new standard of security and trust in the payment card industry, enabling retailers and financial institutions to reduce fraud and connect physical cards with digital use [4][8]