MasterCard International today announced that, as at the end of June 2005, it has more than 38 million MasterCard branded smart cards in Asia/Pacific, registering more than 65% growth compared to a year ago. Of the more than 38 million smart cards, over 95% are EMV-compliant smart cards.
“As proven by market migration in Malaysia, smart cards are capable of providing greater protection against fraud; however they are also a platform for issuing banks to develop highly differentiated products and more value-added services for their customers. Smart cards fundamentally alter the competitive landscape – allowing issuers and acquirers to increase value, such as service options and product capabilities that can be customized to lifestyle needs, rather than compete solely on price” said Shuan Ghaidan, vice president, Advanced Payment Systems, Asia/Pacific, MasterCard International.
Key Successes in the Asia/Pacific
MasterCard has achieved significant successes and launched several initiatives in the Asia/Pacific region to accelerate smart card adoption in support of its overall smart card strategy.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and MasterCard Launched the Philippines’ First EMV-compliant Smart Card Program. Dubbed the BPI Express Credit Gold MasterCard. BPI’s introduction of the first chip-based credit card is a significant development that may be the impetus that triggers the local card payments industry migration to smart card programs.
MasterCard and Top Technology Vendors Announce Price Breakthrough of Multi-Application Smart Card to US$0.99. MasterCard in collaboration with some of the world’s leading technology vendors announced the availability of US$0.99 multi-application smart card. The price breakthrough is part of the overall OneSMART MasterCard program to provide customer financial institutions with greater technology choices, critical assistance and the flexibility they need to launch a successful smart card program.
New Asia/Pacific issuers and acquirers - In the first six months of 2005, MasterCard strengthened its position as the best business partner for smart cards, with 30 card issuers and acquirers adopting MasterCard’s smart card programs.
MasterCard M/ChipTM Program - Adoption of MasterCard’s M/ChipTM continues to gather momentum in the first six months of 2005. To date, there are over 70 acquirers and numerous terminals certified for M/ChipTM in Asia/Pacific. The acquirers that were certified for M/ChipTM in last six months include Bank of China International, Bank of the Philippine Islands and Bank International Indonesia among many others. M/Chip is at the core of MasterCard’s smart card strategy and represents the latest generation of EMV payment applications. When customer financial institutions adopt M/Chip, they benefit from instant access to an assortment of added-value applications and support services that strengthen the business case for migrating to chip.
About MasterCard International
MasterCard International is a leading global payments solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative services in support of our global members' credit, deposit access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related payment programs. MasterCard International manages a family of well-known, widely accepted payment cards brands including MasterCardโ, Maestroโand Cirrusโand serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard award-winning Pricelessโadvertising campaign is now seen in 96 countries and in 48 languages, giving the MasterCard brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information go to www.mastercardinternational.com or refer to our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
ContactsEileen Wee, MasterCard International(66) 2670
[email protected] Wongwasin, 124 Communications PLC.(66) 2662
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MasterCard Records More Than 38 Million Smart Cards Issued in Asia/Pacific End.