Karachi and Tokyo, Dec 16, 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - 1LINK (Guarantee) Limited (1LINK), Pakistan's largest payment system by market share, and JCB International (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership to introduce JCB debit cards in Pakistan.
The partnership was announced via a launch event, conducted in Marriott Hotel, Karachi, on December 16 2014. This partnership will allow 1LINK member banks to sign up on the JCB international network through 1LINK, enabling them to issue JCB debit cards, which will be accepted at about 27 million JCB merchants around the world.
This initiative is a valuable addition to 1LINK's portfolio of international payment schemes which previously included Visa, MasterCard and China-based UnionPay International. At the same time, it will also help JCB expand card acceptance and issuing footprint in the region.
Mr. Kimihisa Imada, Deputy President of JCBI, said, "I am very excited that JCBI has entered into the Pakistani market and its partnership with 1LINK. With a population of over 180 million and a growing middle class, Pakistan is well placed to grow its payment industry. JCB can offer its local partners the benefit of its international experience and flexible approach to help grow their businesses and build a win-win proposition for all."
Mr. Faisal Ejaz Khan, CEO, 1LINK commented: "1LINK is proud to partner with JCBI. This partnership will give 1LINK the opportunity to expand its product portfolio and service offerings to its member banks. JCBI offers us with a unique opportunity to share their global knowledge and best practices in the payments industry with our member banks. Our local understanding of the payment landscape and JCBI's global outlook is bound to open up new vistas of innovation and collaboration in the payment industry in Pakistan."
About 1LINK Guarantee Limited
Since inception, 1LINK Guarantee Limited has made its mission to offer convenient and secure electronic banking and payment services for our Members and their Customers. They have an innovative product portfolio comprising ATM switch services, Inter-Bank Funds Transfer (IBFT), Bill Payment Services, Direct Debit Services, and International Payment Schemes including Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay International and now JCB. To learn more visit www.1link.net.pk or call +92-21-11-11-1LINK
About JCB
JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 27 million merchants and over a million cash advance locations in 190 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued in 16 countries and territories, with more than 84 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with more than 350 leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, visit: www.jcbcorporate.com/english
ContactJCB International Co., Ltd.Ayako TanakaCorporate PlanningPhone: +81-3-5778-8390Email: jcbinternational-pr@info.jcb.co.jp
1LINK Guarantee Limited Sufia Zamir Phone: +92-21-3581-4975Email: sufia.zamir@1link.net.pk
Source: JCB
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