Mastercard has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The BENEFIT Company (BENEFIT), Bahrain’s leading fintech company and the national electronic payment infrastructure operator, to explore opportunities for collaboration in driving innovation and financial inclusion in the country’s dynamic payments ecosystem.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two partners aim to co-create innovative digital payment solutions, powered by advanced technology, to address the rapidly evolving needs of consumers and businesses. The collaboration supports the efforts of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) to accelerate the development of the country’s digital economy.

“At BENEFIT, we are proactively working to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional financial hub in line with the strategic objectives of The Economic Vision 2030. Our partnership with Mastercard will leverage our complementary capabilities and expertise to develop and launch seamless and secure financial offerings that make life easier, smarter, and more efficient,” said Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive, BENEFIT.

“Mastercard is committed to harnessing the power of public-private partnerships to advance digital transformation in the region. As one of the most dynamic and innovative countries in the Middle East, Bahrain is a key market for us, and forms a crucial part of our MENA growth strategy. We look forward to working with BENEFIT to empower its corporate and individual customers to realize their ambitions and unlock their full potential,” said Dimitrios Dosis, President, EEMEA, Mastercard.

BENEFIT is a leader in electronic payments, fund transfer, business process outsourcing services and support. The company’s mission is to provide innovative business and lifestyle solutions that are essential in everyday life, inspire and energise individuals, institutions, and society to unleash new opportunities.

In 2023, BENEFIT processed over 345 million electronic fund transfer transactions through BenefitPay, Bahrain’s national electronic wallet payment system, and its services Fawri, Fawri+ and Fawateer. This marks a significant 37% increase in transaction volume compared to the previous year, consolidating the company's position as a driving force in the Kingdom's digital financial landscape.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)  www.mastercard.com 

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

ABOUT BENEFIT

BENEFIT was established in 1997 and is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as an ancillary service provider to the Kingdom’s financial services industry. BENEFIT is owned by Banks in Bahrain, regulated by the CBB, to provide innovative Payment Capabilities, Information Management Solutions, and Business Process Outsourcing Services across different sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Region.

BENEFIT’s range of services – supported by GCCNet in countries within the region – include operating of Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (POS), GCCNet, The GCCNet Dispute Management System, Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), Telecom Bill Payment (Tele BP), Direct Debit (DD), Payment Gateway (PG), Bahrain Cheque Truncation System (BCTS), Amex Cards withdrawal, eCheque, EFTs, national eWallet (BenefitPay) and national eKYC Platform for the financial sectors, Bahrain Electronic Cheque, Wages Protection System, and Trust Services for digital signatures.