We noticed the trend escalating in April, but the past few weeks have seen a serious uptick in mobile banking and mobile payment JVs, deals and carrier rollouts. Well, this week is no exception: NXP Semiconductors, formerly Philips Semiconductors has signed an agreement with Sony to launch a contactless smart card joint venture for mobiles. The JV is set to launch mid-2007. The companies plan to develop "a contactless IC platform for mobile phones that will enable multiple applications for payment and transport ticketing from various providers on one device." Recent mobile payment/banking announcements include Cingular's imminent banking service, Faithfone's mobile banking service, and Amp'd's Obopay-powered service.

For more on the NXP-Sony JV:
- see this article from AFX