Mastercard has announced that the Bahrain-based NEC Payments has become a global partner of Mastercard Fintech Express.
In forming the partnership, NEC Payments becomes part of the group that connects tech-savvy startups with traditional players such as banks.
The program supports digital payment innovators by making it simple to collaborate with the tech company and its partners to launch new products, add payment solutions and innovate through collaboration.
J.K. Khalil, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Levant, Mastercard commented on the link: “In a constantly changing market environment, Mastercard is continuously adapting by creating new programs and partnerships to enable diversification, drive digital transformation and accelerate new players.
“We are delighted to welcome NEC Payments as our global partner as we together support fintech innovation, and creation of more connections, better user experiences, wider inclusion, increased competitiveness and exciting new possibilities.”
The partnership will enable other fintech players to start their Mastercard issuing business at speed, unlocking more opportunities for the entire ecosystem. NEC Payments is the first Fintech Express partner globally, bringing new scale to the possibilities and potential for start-ups.
Andrew Sims, CEO, NEC Payments said: “We continue to develop our extensive business capabilities in partnership with Mastercard and look forward to meeting the needs of upcoming startups as they scale and expand, adding value as an enabler to the fintech ecosystem and as the first vertically-integrated true Banking-as-a-Service provider in the MENA region.”
In addition to Mastercard’s growth-focused digital expertise, the technology company has the global reach, network of partners and local knowledge to support fintechs at every stage of growth – from market entry to global expansion. Through programs such as Start Path and Fintech Express in the Mastercard Accelerate portfolio, the technology company partners with emerging innovators to help connect 1 billion people to the digital economy by 2025.
