Bank Audi and MEA announced that they have extended their partnership by
signing an agreement with MasterCard for the launch of “The Ultimate
Cedar Miles World Elite”. This card will be launched for the first time
in the Middle East during the month of December 2013, thus reinforcing
the Bank’s market segmentation strategy and offering its local and
regional ultra-high net worth customers the most innovative and
exclusive products and services which cater to their distinctive
lifestyle..
“The Ultimate” card is a unique card offered to affluent customers by
invitation only. The choice of the card’s name is linked to the fact
that it offers the most exhaustive range of unique privileges that meet
the distinctive lifestyle of elite customers and give them the
opportunity to enjoy a unique experience, thanks to an array of absolute
advantages: “The Ultimate” mileage program, “The Ultimate” concierge
service and VIP Lounge access, as well as “The Ultimate” insurance
programs. Fruit of the Bank’s partnership with MEA, the card offers a
generous mileage loyalty program in which the cardholder earns
1.5 mile for every USD 1
spent on the card and redeems it at all SkyTeam partners (19 airlines) with an exceptional
welcome bonus of 10,000 miles.
Mrs. Randa Bdeir, Head of Group Cards and e-Payment Solutions at Bank
Audi, seized the occasion to underline that “the card comes with a top
of the line unique customer value proposition which includes personal
travel advisors, 24/7 dedicated luxury lifestyle concierge services, and
invitations to exclusive priceless experiences, in addition to peace of
mind benefits and unmatched acceptance. Designed to serve the VIP
luxury traveller, “The Ultimate” card offers the ultimate experience at
airport concierge services through “Airport by Invitation”
access to 650 VIP airport lounges
across the world, including unlimited access at the Cedar Lounge in
Beirut.” She added: “Our emphasis being on developing long term
relationships with our customers, we are proud to have worked in
collaboration with MEA and MasterCard to launch a bespoke program like
this one. With our understanding of this segment, we strongly believe
this card will complement our customers’ lifestyles as they demand
benefits and experiences which are relevant to their particular ways of
life.”
“Affluent consumer values are evolving from material to experiential,
and this drives new and different credit card needs. Today, affluent
consumers want their payment solutions to provide recognition and
exclusivity, preferential access, as well as global acceptance and
exceptional service. MasterCard is responding to these evolving needs by
creating and introducing new, differentiated payment solutions. World
Elite is our most premium offering and the launch of this unique
co-branded card with Bank Audi and Middle East Airlines is a testament
to our commitment to offer rewarding solutions for cardholders in
Lebanon. We are confident that Bank Audi’s customers will enjoy the
exceptional benefits of this new product”, said Raghu Malhotra, Division
President, Middle East and North Africa, MasterCard.
About Bank Audi sal - Audi Saradar Group
Bank Audi is a regional group with a universal banking profile. The Bank
offers universal financial products and services including Corporate,
Commercial, Individual, Investment and Private Banking services. As at
end-September 2013, Bank Audi’s consolidated assets reached USD 34.5
billion, principally driven by customers’ deposits of USD 29.5 billion,
with shareholders’ equity reaching USD 2.7 billion. Bank Audi’s group
staff headcount exceeds 5,600 employees and its shareholders’ base
encompasses more than 2,500 holders of common shares and/or holders of
Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) representing common shares.
Bank Audi ranks first among Lebanese banks and is positioned in the
inner circle of top regional banking groups. Its shares are listed on
the Beirut Stock Exchange. Its GDRs are listed on both the Beirut Stock
Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.
About MasterCard
MasterCard
(NYSE: MA), is a technology company in the global payments industry. We
operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting
consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses
in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and
solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping,
traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more
secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, @MasterCardMEA join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
For more information about MasterCard, please contact:
GolinHarris Dubai
Sahira Ladha, sladha@golinharris.com, +971 567 34 8079