Taiwan Mobile, the country’s second-largest mobile operator, is to establish a separate subsidiary for handling third-party online payments, according to Focus Taiwan.

The new subsidiary, which needs the approval of next month’s annual general shareholders’ meeting, will enable customers to make mobile payments through virtual accounts.

The operator has already launched a number of mobile payment services – such as NFC and QR code scanning – which could be integrated into the new subsidiary.

The operator also plans to team up with local banks on payment services and does not rule out other partnerships in the future.

Last summer, Taiwan Mobile announced a partnership with Taipei Fubon Bank for a pilot NFC payments programme.