Lloyds TSB Middle East announces partnership with Network International

This follows a proactive decision by Lloyds TSB Middle East to improve cards services for their customers.

Thus far the partnership has seen the successful migration of all Lloyds TSB Middle East credit and debit card processing, operational support and ATM acquiring to Network International.

The partnership highlights Lloyds TSB Middle East's ongoing commitment to make service improvements by investment in Chip and PIN functionality for all credit and debit card customers, offering a more secure way to pay for goods and services. As the largest third-party processing vendor in the region, Network International will provide Lloyds TSB Middle East with Smart chip certified solutions as they migrate to this technology platform.

In addition, Lloyds TSB Middle East customers will be able to benefit from the use of EmiratesNBD and Emirates Islamic Bank ATMs completely free of charge, as well as the existing network of Lloyds TSB Middle East ATMs. This gives customers access to an extended ATM network of over 500 ATMs throughout the UAE.

"We are delighted to have forged a relationship with Network International and to announce our partnership with them today,"

commented Bert de Ruiter Managing Director of Lloyds TSB Middle East.

"At Lloyds TSB Middle East we are committed to providing our customers with a superior level of customer service, and we seek to improve on this commitment constantly. Building this relationship with NI is a positive step which will allow us to offer our customers improved security, through our new Chip and PIN offering, plus free of charge access to a wide network of ATMs throughout the UAE."

Mr. Abdulla Qassem, Chairman, Network International said "As technology evolves, it offers new opportunities for security improvement, faster transaction flow and better product offerings. At Network International, we are firmly committed to providing the best-in-class payment solutions to our customers. Lloyds TSB's phased migration to EMV-compliant cards is a prime example of our constant pursuit of improved technologies and systems, which in turn helps our clients achieve their business growth objectives."

"The recently completed Lloyds TSB card migration is a perfect example of teamwork and our commitment to our partners' success," added Mr. Ram Chari, CEO, Network International.

"The conversion of debit and credit magnetic-stripe cards to EMV- compliant cards is an important step in ensuring a bank can provide next generation services and safeguards their customers. Network International have invested in both technology and other resources to ensure this happens seamlessly at all our partner banks."

Chip and PIN debit and credit cards will be issued to existing customers on a renewal basis and to all new customers who open an account with us; Lloyds TSB Middle East will contact customers when their card is ready for issue to arrange a convenient time to deliver.