Middle East

Alinma Bank signs Acquiring Agreement with JCB International

Alinma Bank has announced that it has partnered with JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co. Ltd., Japan's only international payment brand, to enable the acceptance of JCB Cards through its POS and ATM network devices deployed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The expansion is in line with the Kingdom's strategic vision to promote both a cashless society and financial inclusion as part of Vision 2030, Alinma said in a press release.

The partnership is also a continuation of JCB's plan for entering the market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a destination of ever-increasing importance for its cardholders around the world for both business and tourism. The partnership will significantly give added convenience to JCB cardholders from the Islamic world, who frequently travel to Saudi Arabia for religious tourism.

Yoshiki Kaneko, President and COO, JCBI, said: “I am delighted that we have entered into this partnership with Alinma Bank for the acceptance of JCB Cards. Saudi Arabia has always been a very important destination for many of JCB cardholders, from both a business and religious perspective. With the strategic plan for Vision 2030, the country is now increasingly an important destination for tourism as well. Alinma Bank's extensive reach in the market will ensure that JCB cardholders will be able to use JCB Cards at their convenience. The partnership will also enhance the already close fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan.”

H.E. Mr. Abdulmohsen Al-Fares, CEO, Alinma Bank, said: “We at Alinma Bank are so pleased to partner with JCB, whose reputation for the quality and reliability of their services precedes them. Through this agreement, Alinma will deepen its commitment to continually enhancing its service offerings for its partners (customers). Furthermore, this partnership will help Alinma support the kingdom's ongoing progress toward the realisation of Vision 2030, as well as the enablement of daily life and business activities of those who visit the kingdom each year.”