Network International, the region's most comprehensive card solutions provider, recently signed a new agreement with International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) to provide it with a host of card management services.
The new agreement means that IBQ's customers now have debit cards with a whole new, futuristic look and a truly global reach. The cards will be translucent and will feature an innovative curved corner, making them attractive and distinctive. This is the first time a translucent and truly chip-enabled card has been issued in any Gulf state.
Besides their striking new appearance, IBQ customers can now benefit from the ever-increasing reach and long list of advantages that Network International offers. Network International is the first independent vendor certified by both Visa & MasterCard for card payments in the Middle East. It is the only third party processing vendor in the region capable of providing banks, the retail industry and financial institutions with complete EMV certified solutions as they migrate to the ultra-convenient EMV SmartCard technology. The company is a Principal Member of Visa International and MasterCard International offering customers the most comprehensive range of products and services in both the Issuing and Acquiring segment of the card industry, in the Gulf and Middle East region and beyond.

Among the many benefits that come out of Network International's expertise is that the IBQ cards will contain a microchip that links the card to the Visa and Mastercard networks, enabling them to access their accounts, make purchases, use ATMs and manage their finances from anywhere in the world.
Michael H Williams, General Manager of IBQ, said, 'We are delighted to be the first bank in Qatar to be able to offer this to our customers. Thanks to the expertise of Network International in this field, we are bringing the cutting edge of technology to our customers and giving them the freedom to access their money when and where they want it. It is an agreement that has enormous potential for growth and can be mutually beneficial to both of us.'

Ram Chari, General Manager Network International added,  'This technology is being adopted by leading banks across the Gulf. This is our first deal in Qatar, and we are delighted to be work with International Bank of Qatar to give their customers access to a world of possibilities through our leading technology.'

The first chip-enabled cards have been delivered in December 2005, with all IBQ customers moving to the card by the first half of 2006.

Reported by: www.ameinfo.com
Reported on: 25.01.2006