Network International (NI), a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, has been selected as payment and technology partner for the UAE’s first licensed digital-only bank, Al Maryah Community Bank.

Network will support Al Maryah Community Bank’s credit and debit card offerings along with instant issuing as well as ATM services. The collaboration will include enabling Al Maryah’s customers to make purchases using e-wallets as well as digital commerce transactions.

Al Maryah Community Bank, the UAE’s first fully integrated digital bank, aims to offer a unique and fully digitalized experience to individual consumers and small businesses alike through focused, innovative products, holistic services, and a lean operating model to support banking transaction, savings, and investments.

The partnership empowers Al Maryah with access to Network’s advanced digital infrastructure, robust security protocols and value-added services, avoiding the need for major investments in card management infrastructure.

Humaid Al Attar, EVP Wholesale Banking of Al Maryah Community Bank said: “Our partnership with Network International is based on a mutual and aligned objective to empower the UAE community with digital banking that caters to their demand for an app-first lifestyle.

“The driving forces for us to choose Network as a solutions provider are their ability to provide the most efficient technology backbone, their leadership position in payments infrastructure and their deep understanding of UAE culture and trends due to their presence in the UAE. We are looking forward to great collaboration as we change the digital banking landscape of the UAE.”

Anas Husain, Head of Retail & Financial Services of Al Maryah Community Bank said: “For the first time, the benefits of the credit card are being delivered through a virtual debit card. We look forward to exciting developments in the future including to the growth of our debit card’s unprecedented features and unique values, tie-ups with various mobile payment systems while delivering a best-in-class customer experience.”

Marcello Baricordi, Group Business Head – Processing at Network International said:“We are delighted to support Al Maryah Community Bank as we work together to bring seamless, convenient and innovative digital payment services to individuals and SMEs in the UAE.

“Our collaboration builds on Network’s over two decades of experience and expertise in creating robust digital payments infrastructure for the region’s leading banks. We remain committed to leveraging our trusted platform and best-in-class technology to enable financial inclusion and frictionless payment experiences in the UAE.” – TradeArabia News Service