YNOT EUROPE – After the success of the 2010 Prepaid Awards, which took place during October in London, Ukash, a global e-money network, has taken the headline sponsorship position for the coming year. The awards ceremony is expected to take place in London Oct. 6, 2011.

Ukash, regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority, has spent the past five years developing a global network of physical cash-loading points for the prepaid industry. This enables issuers, processors and programme managers to look beyond the U.S. and UK markets, confident that cash loading is available at 420,000 points of sale in 16 currencies throughout 33 countries.

Founded in 2008, the Prepaid Awards annually attracts more than 400 industry leaders, highlighting the achievements of the fast-growing prepaid market and celebrating innovation and best practices within the industry.

According to Ukash Marketing Director Paul Coxhill, the Prepaid Awards’ international scope and professional integrity attracted the company’s sponsorship. In keeping with the awards’ neutrality, Ukash will not accept any 2011 awards nominations.

“The Prepaid Awards is going from strength to strength and is recognised in the industry as a key event for leaders in the prepaid industry,” Coxhill said. “We are excited to be the headline sponsor at the Prepaid Awards 2011 as its presence and significance grows, and we look forward to hosting Europe’s elite at the awards ceremony next October.”

Emma Armstrong, events producer for the Prepaid Awards, said, “We are excited about Ukash taking this lead role in sponsoring the Prepaid Awards 2011, which reflects Ukash’s commitment to the prepaid industry and their aspiration to further enhance their global presence.”

For more information about the awards, visit PrepaidAwards.com.

For more about Ukash and its range of services for online merchants, visit Ukash.com.