The first GCC Cards Summit will address major issues and challenges with the ultimate aim of better understanding what it will take to succeed next year and beyond, said the organisers.

The event, to be held on October 21 and 22 at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, will see the industry leaders discuss a wide array of topics that address the bottom line impacting aspects on the performance of cards.

Premal Patel, executive director of Veritas Investments, the organisers of the conference, said the conference will act as a platform for industry experts to reshape their business strategies, take away practical business solutions as well as network, share best practice, share their challenges and organise specific meetings with potential partners and service providers, and better plan their investments next year.

The cards industry is an extremely attractive industry, said Hilmy Cader, chief executive of MTI Consulting, a global management consultancy.

"However tough times have forced all business to take a critical look at how better performance from card activities can be achieve,” said Cader.

"Card service providers and those that spread across the value chain are beginning to align business models towards more return on investment impacting aspects, rather than relying ultimately on the top-line,” he added.

"There are a number of aspects that are critical to the industry's success and growth, and these will all be covered in detail at the conference.

"Business volumes, cost management, risk management, acquisition profiling and profit per customer are a few of the important aspects that will offer delegates key insights from industry leaders to better arm themselves with the knowledge and tools to ensure profitable outcomes, long-term." – TradeArabia News Service