National Bank of Bahrain extends partnership with Mastercard

By Leandra Monteiro

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and global technology company Mastercard have announced a strategic seven-year partnership to elevate their existing offerings and provide NBB’s customers a differentiated, digital-first experience with value-added benefits. The partnership signing took place during Mastercard’s MENA Executive Council’s inaugural event that was held in Paris, France.

The collaboration and consultancy will result in the addition of a full suite of new premium products, with a focus on digital-first issuance to help NBB deliver a digitally native experience to their customers. Through this partnership, NBB will enhance its extensive and diverse portfolio with the launch of credit, debit, and prepaid cards, including the integration of Mastercard’s digital solutions into NBB’s loyalty platform, ‘Points’, in addition to other digital solutions by both parties.

Furthermore, the partnership includes a credit offering and the launch of the bank’s highest tier of cards, targeted at ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI), offering priceless lifestyle and travel benefits and experiences. It will be the first issuance in the market for Mastercard’s World Elite Exclusive portfolio.

Subah Al Zayani, Chief Executive, Retail Banking, NBB said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Mastercard to extend our range of new products, offering our customers a unique digital experience with an array of benefits at their disposal. NBB continues to elevate its offerings while maintaining a digital-first mindset, positioning NBB alongside Mastercard as industry leaders in line with our commitment to ongoing digital transformation. We are committed to further diversifying our digital offerings by optimizing our business and partnering with renowned institutions in the field.”

Khalid Elgibali, Division President – Middle East and North Africa, Mastercard said, “We are thrilled to partner with National Bank of Bahrain and build on a strong foundation that was established many years ago. Our latest collaboration takes this to new heights and cements our position as the partner of choice for major financial institutions, who can leverage our innovative digital payments technology to drive differentiation, diversification and, ultimately, growth. As the demand for emerging payments and choice continues, it requires a wider range of payment solutions, insights, and products to meet the accelerating enthusiasm for the future state of pay. At Mastercard we are continually rising to the challenge as part of our goal to build a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy.”