Four Jordanian banks have joined hands to launch Middle East Payment Services (MEPS), a company dedicated to issuing and accepting debit and credit cards, mainly MasterCard, payment cards. MEPS would also oversee ATM acquiring and other payment services.

The banks in the new venture include Jordan Ahli Bank, Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, Jordan Kuwait Bank, and Jordan Islamic Bank. Approximately JOD5million has been injected to kick start the new service company in Jordan.

This unique initiative, which is supported by MasterCard Worldwide, was announced during a press conference held on November 24 and was headed by H.E. Marwan Awad, CEO and General Manager of Jordan Ahli Bank, and Mr. Denzil Lawson / General Manager of MasterCard Worldwide, Middle East & Levant.

According to H.E. Awad, the core aim behind establishing MEPS is to provide an advanced outsourcing infrastructure with the capabilities of growing MasterCard’s market share, supporting local banks in managing the issuance and usage of credit and debit cards, in addition to managing ATMs, corresponding with the current trend of the local and international banking institutions that acquire support services from other parties, therefore, giving institutions the chance to focus more on thier main operations and services. He also said that the venture’s second phase considers expansion to other markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to offer superior electronic payment services.

H.E. Awad stressed that the four banks unified their efforts to achieve common goals, putting aside any competitive agendas in order to better utilize resources and benefit the national economy. He also mentioned the unlimited support of MasterCard Worldwide that was a key driver in prompting the four banks to set up this consortium.

Denzil Lawson, General Manager, Middle East & Levant, MasterCard Worldwide said: “The MEPS consortium will play a critical role in the development of the payments landscape in Jordan, We are therefore committed to working closely with all parties involved in MEPS to support the issuance and acquiring of payment cards, such as MasterCard credit and debit cards, as well as, processing, card management, and online payments function. Through this consortium, these leading financial institutions in Jordan will benefit from processing support and services that will allow them to rapidly design and deploy innovative payment products and services that can be specifically customized at the local and regional levels while operate within a secure global framework.”

H.E. Awad concluded his speech expressing the Ahli Bank’s keenness to be part of this consortium which brings together pioneers of the financial services industry in the Kingdom and provides customers with world-class solutions to facilitate their transactions and make their lives easier. He also thanked all those who supported the establishment of this company and sponsored this idea.


For media inquiries:
Sofian Qurashi / Ghada Mohamadieh
Polaris Public Relations
Phone Number: 556 1592
Fax Number: 556 1593



About Middle East Payment Services Consortium
MasterCard Profile MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 18 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to http://www.mastercard.com Jordan Ahli Bank Jordan Ahli Bank, one of the leading Jordanian institutions, was established in 1955. Renowned for its rich heritage, Jordan Ahli Bank continues to exceed expectations of its customers by providing premium and personal banking services, financial investment and lending services for large corporations plus small and medium enterprises. Ahli Bank, which carries the banner of "The Power of Change", has a regional presence in Lebanon, Palestine and Cyprus, as well as controlling ownerships in banking and brokerage arms in both the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. For more information go to www.ahli.com
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