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Tag: MasterCard

  • Zaggle swipes big with Mastercard in co-branded card power play

    Zaggle swipes big with Mastercard in co-branded card power play

    MUMBAI: When Zaggle and Mastercard join forces, you know the swipe game just levelled up. In a move set to reshape India’s prepaid card landscape, Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited has inked a five-year deal with Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd., paving the way for a new wave of co-branded domestic prepaid cards.

    The agreement, effective from 22 September 2025 and running until 30 September 2030, will see Mastercard incentivise Zaggle to launch and promote these cards on its network. The deal is positioned as a customer business agreement, but in the wider payments ecosystem, it’s a strong signal that prepaid solutions are no longer niche, they’re going mainstream.

    Zaggle managing director Avinash and CEO Ramesh Godkhindi confirmed the collaboration in a regulatory filing, noting that the tie-up is fully aligned with SEBI’s disclosure requirements. Importantly, there’s no related party angle here, the deal is clean, international in origin, but domestic in focus.

    For Zaggle, this partnership means more than just plastic in wallets, it’s about scaling digital payments for an India that is rapidly going cashless. With Mastercard’s global heft backing its distribution, the co-branded cards are expected to target a wide consumer base, from urban professionals to emerging Tier 2 plus spenders looking for secure, flexible, and reward-heavy payment tools.

    The timing couldn’t be sharper. With India’s digital transaction volumes already scaling new highs and festive spending season underway, the Zaggle-Mastercard alliance is poised to capture both consumer trust and transaction value.

    By the numbers:

    ●    Agreement duration: 22 September 2025 – 30 September 2030

    ●    Nature: Domestic prepaid card co-branded with Zaggle on Mastercard’s network

    ●    Structure: Internationally awarded, domestically executed

    ●    Consideration: Mastercard incentivising Zaggle for launch and promotion

    As fintech partnerships continue to blur the lines between consumer convenience and financial innovation, Zaggle’s latest move signals that the prepaid card is no longer the poor cousin of credit, it’s a rising star. With Mastercard in its corner, Zaggle isn’t just playing the payments game; it’s aiming to rewrite the rulebook.

  • Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has strengthened its leadership bench with the appointment of Latika Taneja as head of corporate communications, corporate affairs and CSR. In her new role, she will be responsible for shaping the company’s brand narrative, deepening stakeholder trust and advancing its agenda of purposeful and sustainable growth.

    Taneja brings more than two decades of experience in building reputations for multinational corporations across energy, financial services, technology and insurance. She joins Hero MotoCorp from Shell, where she spent over three years leading corporate relations across government affairs, communications and sustainability. Prior to that, she held senior mandates at Mastercard, including director of public policy and government relations for South Asia and head of corporate communications.

    Her earlier career spans stints at DuPont, where she managed external and leadership communications across South Asia; Alcatel-Lucent India, where she developed integrated marketing campaigns; and MetLife, where she ran corporate communications for India. She began her career at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, supporting clients on insurance and financial services.

    Hero MotoCorp said Taneja’s appointment reflects the company’s sharpened focus on long-term value creation, stronger governance and broader stakeholder engagement as the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation.

    Known for her passion for policy, partnerships and sustainability, Taneja has consistently worked at the intersection of communications, corporate affairs and social responsibility. Her remit at Hero MotoCorp will include aligning the brand’s voice with its strategy for an evolving global mobility ecosystem, while reinforcing its reputation with regulators, partners and customers.

    The company added that her leadership will play a critical role in energising its ESG commitments, strengthening corporate responsibility initiatives and amplifying Hero MotoCorp’s global brand positioning.

  • Thomas Cook unveils gee-whiz multicurrency travel card for Indian globetrotters

    Thomas Cook unveils gee-whiz multicurrency travel card for Indian globetrotters

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook India today launched its revolutionary borderless prepaid multi-currency travel card, crafted specifically for India’s burgeoning overseas holiday market amid record-breaking foreign travel spending.

    The card—unveiled in partnership with Mastercard and Visa—arrives as Indian travellers splashed out a staggering $17 billion on overseas travel in FY 2024, marking a 25 per cent year-on-year surge. Industry projections suggest this figure could rocket to $55.4 billion by 2034.

    This first-of-its-kind eco-friendly travel card, made from recycled plastic, supports 12 global currencies and offers cardholders seamless spending power across more than 70 million merchant establishments and three million ATMs worldwide.

    “We’ve built this card to address the evolving needs of India’s leisure segment,” said Thomas Cook India executive vice-president of foreign exchange Deepesh Varma. “It offers smooth multi-currency access, worldwide acceptance, and exclusive travel benefits—all with the reliability and security that our customers demand.”

    Security features include embedded chip and pin technology, complimentary insurance cover up to Rs 7.5 lakh, and free emergency cash assistance if the card is lost or stolen.

    The borderless travel card also packs a punch with exclusive perks, including:
    * Free airport lounge access at select international airports in India
    * Complimentary porter services
    * A free international sim card
    * 25 per cent off select global attractions
    * Reward points redeemable for Thomas Cook holidays, flights and hotels

    Mastercard senior vice president for South Asia Anubhav Gupta  highlighted the changing landscape: “Today, the number of Indians travelling abroad in a single quarter is comparable to annual numbers from just 10 years ago.”

    The timing of the launch—at the start of India’s key travel booking season—appears strategic as Thomas Cook seeks to reinforce its position as “India ka Forex Specialist” while tapping into the growing demand from tier two and three cities.

    Visa India  country manager Rishi Chhabra called the new offering “a joint commitment to financial inclusion and delivering unparalleled convenience to Indian globetrotters.”

    The card represents Thomas Cook’s latest innovation in its prepaid portfolio, which already includes Study Buddy for students and EnterpriseFX for business travellers.

  • Infinite Reality secures $3 billion investment to drive immersive technology innovation

    Infinite Reality secures $3 billion investment to drive immersive technology innovation

    MUMBAI:  Immersive technology and digital media innovation firm Infinite Reality (iR)  has closed a landmark $3 billion equity investment from a private investor specializing in global technology and real estate. The funding underscores confidence in iR’s vision for the next generation of the internet, leveraging extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI).

    The investment positions iR as a major player in the rapidly growing immersive technology sector, projected to reach nearly $1 trillion by 2030. CEO John Acunto emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering businesses and creators with tools to craft immersive digital experiences while retaining full ownership of their data and customer relationships.

    “This fundraise validates our mission to build an immersive platform that powers the next era of the web,” said Acunto. “Our customers can now seamlessly transition from 2D websites to immersive spaces, optimising their operations and unlocking new revenue opportunities.”

    IInfinite Reality plans to leverage the funding for continued expansion, including acquisitions, partnerships, and product development. Key recent milestones include:

    * The significant expansion of iR’s MENA presence through partnerships with both public and private sectors. This rapid growth is highlighted by multiple high profile collaborations, including the development of advanced digital twin technologies for practical applications such as interactive training and safety demonstrations for the UAE ministry of finance, as well as the recent unveiling of the digital twin of the DMCC Crypto Centre. The momentum will continue to build with upcoming prominent projects across the region including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and beyond, encompassing initiatives with government entities, tourism authorities, and premier real estate developers.

    *  The $450 million purchase of Dubai-based Landvault (now iR Enterprise) which has built over 1.2 million square feet of virtual experiences for countless high-profile brands including Mastercard, Standard Chartered, Hershey, a Cannes Lion-winning Heineken campaign with Dentsu, groundbreaking activations with Hershey in Decentraland, and the innovative World of Women experience in The Sandbox.

    * The closing of multiple acquisitions, including the $250 million acquisition of the Drone Racing League, the $75 million purchase of Ethereal Engine, Action Face, and Stakes. These deals strengthened iR’s capabilities in computer vision and spatial web technology, gaming, robotics, and more.

    * Continued work with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, including the launch of the FIM SGP-VERSE app, the world’s first socially interactive and fully immersive speedway experience with features such as customisable camera streams, an exclusive pit reporter feed and on-demand video content. 

    In addition, iR is advancing its Florida innovation hub, transforming a former Superfund site into a state-of-the-art headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster the region’s technological leadership.

    Co-founder Amish Shah noted that the investment, secured as equity without debt, allows iR to execute its vision without restrictions. “This partnership provides us with unparalleled resources to grow through innovation, acquisitions, and global market expansion.”

    Infinite Reality’s iR Studio, a no-code immersive SaaS platform, will see further enhancements to democratise access to XR technology. By combining AI and proprietary tools, the company aims to make immersive digital experiences accessible and scalable for brands and creators worldwide.

  • RBL Bank launches #FurtherAndBeyond campaign with IndianOil and Mastercard

    RBL Bank launches #FurtherAndBeyond campaign with IndianOil and Mastercard

    Mumbai: RBL Bank, in partnership with IndianOil and powered by Mastercard, launched the IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA credit card, accompanied by the ground-breaking #FurtherAndBeyond campaign. This initiative is designed to position the card as a champion of mobility, addressing the challenges of rising fuel costs that impact daily commutes and occasional getaways. The card targets individuals who are constantly on the move and seeking new experiences, presenting itself as an enabler for worry-free travel.

    What sets this launch apart within the BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sector is its innovative approach to blending financial services with experiential marketing. The campaign’s theme, ‘Further & Beyond,’ embodies the spirit of exploration and pushing boundaries. To promote the card, social media influencers known for their passion for travel, embarked on a thrilling 750 km road trip from Chandigarh to Leh-Ladakh, documenting their journey and showcasing the card’s real-time benefits at various petrol stations and pit stops. The journey was extensively documented and shared on social media, showcasing the card’s real-time benefits and its role in enhancing the travel experience. So far, over 150 plus content pieces have been created, reaching an audience of 20 million as part of this campaign.

     

    The one-of-its-kind launch event, set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, embodied the theme of exploration and discovery. The celebration featured traditional Ladakhi performances that enriched the experience by immersing attendees in the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. Leaders from RBL Bank, IndianOil, and Mastercard elaborated on the card’s vision and inspiration. The grand unveiling of the card, inspired by the symbolic significance of Buddhist prayer wheels, underscored themes of prosperity and new beginnings.

    This spectacular product launch serves as a reminder of how the card is always ready to fuel your next journey with significant cashbacks and benefits, turning each ride into an adventure. The #FurtherAndBeyond campaign reflects the bank’s dedication to unveiling new travel possibilities and rewards. This initiative reaffirms their commitment to innovation, inspiring the spirit of freedom and exploration to chase new horizons.

  • Noise collaborates with Airtel Payments Bank and Mastercard to launch new way to pay

    Noise collaborates with Airtel Payments Bank and Mastercard to launch new way to pay

    Mumbai:  Airtel Payments Bank collaborated with Noise, a smartwatch brand, and Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments space, to unveil A New Way to Pay. The entities have come together to launch the Bank’s Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch aimed at revolutionizing contactless payments, to redefine and make contactless payments accessible to a larger consumer base. Bringing the power of, Tap and Pay to every wrist, the initiative will empower users to unlock the full potential of smart wearables and democratise convenient financial solutions, enabling users to stay ahead of the curve and enjoy the benefits of the future of payments.

    These smartwatches, developed by Noise and enabled by Airtel Payments Bank will boost Tap and Pay capabilities, and enhance the experience for users by bringing the convenience of contactless payments through the smart wearables. The smartwatch will empower Airtel Payments Bank’s customers to do more with their wearables, making it a one-stop solution for their daily lifestyle needs. The new smartwatch is now available to be purchased at Rs 2,999.  

    Customers who have a savings account with Airtel Payments Bank can purchase this smartwatch from the Airtel Thanks App. Customers who are new to the bank can order the smartwatch immediately by opening a bank account digitally on Airtel Thanks App. They can then activate the watch by linking it to their savings bank account via the Thanks App in just one minute. Once linked, users can immediately commence making payments by simply tapping the watch on Point of Sale (POS) machines with the Tap and Pay facility. A customer would be able to make payments between Rs 1 to INR 25,000 per day using the Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch.  

    The smartwatch has been conceptualized and meticulously crafted by Noise, India’s leading smartwatch brand, celebrated for offering a perfect synergy between state-of-the-art technology and functionalities that enhance a convenient lifestyle. Equipped with an array of health and productivity features and industry-forward innovation, the smartwatch is designed with an appealing 1.85-inch square dial to enhance the user experience further by enabling contactless payments directly from the wearable.

    The smart watch’s NFC chip supported by the Mastercard network will further empower people to do more with their wearable, making the smartwatch a one-stop solution for all their lifestyle needs. The NFC chip-enabled smartwatches are designed to seamlessly support contactless payments at retail outlets, POS terminals, and various other touchpoints, making financial transactions more inclusive and convenient for all.

    Speaking on the launch, Airtel Payments Bank COO Ganesh Ananthanarayanan said, “Urban digital customers now have a seamless solution for on-the-go digital payments through our partnership with Noise and Mastercard. The Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch revolutionizes how customers engage in contactless payments, offering unparalleled convenience. With this innovation, customers can effortlessly make transactions without the hassle of carrying extra cards or using their phones for small payments. Our collaboration with Noise reflects our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of urban digital consumers. By integrating contactless payment capabilities into wearable technology, we empower customers with greater freedom and flexibility in their daily transactions. This smartwatch is the first wearable device that the bank has launched. The Bank will be coming up with more options and innovative payment solutions to enhance the digital banking experience, ensuring convenience and security for our valued customers.”

    Speaking on the partnership and the innovation in the Smart Watch, Noise co-founder Amit Khatri said, “At Noise, innovation is our driving force, guiding us to constantly meet evolving consumer needs. We are thrilled to partner with Airtel Payments Bank. It marks a significant stride in redefining the smart wearable experience, exemplifying our potential to disrupt and bring forth yet another industry-forward innovation: Tap and Pay functionality in smartwatches. Through the Tap and Pay functionality powered by NFC chips on the Mastercard network, we aim to simplify the payment process and enhance convenience by unlocking a new way for users to interact with their devices. From conceptualization to bringing the idea to life, the Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch, born from this partnership, reflects on our commitment to delivering meaningful innovation that ensures that every interaction with our product upgrades and enriches their lives.”

    Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Mastercard division president of South Asia Gautam Aggarwal said, “Today’s aspirational consumers are always on the lookout for unique multifaceted solutions that are quick, easy, efficient, and convenient. Contactless technology is a digital catalyst for a new set of consumer experiences. Mastercard has been partnering with the world’s leading global brands in the wearable segment to bring contactless payments to life. The company is delighted to collaborate with Airtel Payments Bank and Noise to jointly power the launch of this innovative smartwatch, which will act as a comprehensive lifestyle solution. Backed by Mastercard’s promise of safe and secure transactions, it will provide users with an enhanced and secure payment experience.”

    While helping users unlock contactless payment functionality on the Smart Watch, which is equipped with Bluetooth calling capability, and boasts a long-lasting battery life of up to 10 days. Additionally, the SmartWatch offers access to a collection of 150 cloud-based watch faces and supports 130 different sports modes. With an IP68 water resistance, it can withstand water exposure. The watch features a 1.85-inch TFT LCD with 550 nits brightness and is available in both black and blue colour options. Furthermore, it includes a Stress Monitor feature to help users track and manage their stress levels effectively. Additionally, the SmartWatch features SpO2 Monitoring, enabling users to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels for better health insights and tracking. It is available in black, grey, and blue colour options.

    The smartwatch is just the start of this long-term partnership between Airtel Payments Bank and Noise, and the brands are working together to come up with the next phase of innovations on wearables, empowering India with Smart Payment Solutions. 

  • Microsoft’s Prerna Korla is the new Mastercard Director-Communications Asia Pacific

    Microsoft’s Prerna Korla is the new Mastercard Director-Communications Asia Pacific

    Mumbai: Prerna Korla recently joined Mastercard as Director – Communication, Asia Pacific dated January 4, 2024. She is a seasoned professional with 13 years of experience in the communication and public relations domain.

    According to her LinkedIn post, she wrote, “Stoked to kick-off the new year with what promises to be a ‘priceless’ journey at Mastercard as Director, Communications, Asia Pacific”.

    Before joining Mastercard, Korla had an inspiring journey and had prolonged experience with positions at Microsoft and Uber, serving as Senior Communications Manager and Consumer Communications Lead for India and South Asia.

    She specialises in stakeholder-centric corporate and brand communications, executive and leadership communications, change communications, issues and crisis management, strategic planning for key brand milestones, and content writing for businesses and business leaders.

     

  • Mastercard’s ‘Har Fan Hai Priceless’ campaign enhances fans’ experience at the ICC World Cup

    Mastercard’s ‘Har Fan Hai Priceless’ campaign enhances fans’ experience at the ICC World Cup

    Mumbai: At the heart of Mastercard’s sponsorship of ICC Men’s Cricket World  Cup 2023 lies a very carefully curated theme centred around its cardholders and India’s innumerable cricket fans. Titled ‘Har Fan Hai Priceless’ (every fan is priceless), the campaign brings fans several tangible benefits, such as the opportunity to watch the match from a prime spot in the stadium, avail of complimentary VIP tickets, experience post-match awards ceremony from the field, book tickets before they are open to all through a pre-sale window, and a lot more.  

    The company has invested significantly in cricket in the last year. The ‘Har Fan Hai Priceless’  campaign aims to enhance the experience of cardholders and strengthen the brand in India.  

    Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia, Mastercard, explains, “Mastercard is committed to providing its cardholders unforgettable experiences during cricket’s biggest festival. When fans see the company consistently investing in the sport to create memorable moments for them, it adds to brand affinity and enhances card usage. Mastercard has always brought people closer to their  passions, be it sports, travel, or culinary among others.”

    As part of ‘Har Fan Hai Priceless’ campaign, Mastercard brought the coveted World Cup trophy to its customers, partners, and employees across several Indian cities. The company has also put together a carefully curated list of experiences to make this World Cup memorable for its cardholders. 

    Some of the key experiences include:

    Mastercard Experience Box: Eight selected Mastercard cardholders get to watch the match from the comfort of a sofa which is strategically placed in the stadium for the best view of the field.  

    Mastercard Beyond the Boundary Experience: Two Mastercard cardholders get to watch the two teams taking part in the National Anthem from the boundary. Additionally, they get a VIP ticket each along with a chance to take a selfie with the coveted World Cup trophy.  

    Mastercard Flagbearer Program: Ten children of Mastercard cardholders get to be on the field with the National flag ahead of the National Anthem. Additionally, they get a complimentary match ticket.  

    Mastercard Match Day Experience: One Mastercard cardholder gets a VIP ticket along with the opportunity to watch the post-match awards ceremony from the field.  

    Mastercard has also partnered with multiple merchants to provide exciting offers and deals on food,  merchandise, and a lot more during the World Cup. Further, cardholders get a 24-hour window to book match tickets before they are opened to the public. These experiences reiterate the company’s strong association with cricket and its commitment to fans. 

  • Mastercard releases World Cup anthem for 2011 triumph memories

    Mastercard releases World Cup anthem for 2011 triumph memories

    Mumbai: As the Indian cricket team continues its winning streak in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Mastercard has released a special anthem to enable millions of cricket fans across the country to relive the 2011 triumph.

    The anthem features World Cup-winning captain and Mastercard’s brand ambassador, Mahendra Singh Dhoni recalling the moments leading to the historic win 12 years ago at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. It shows scores of fans cheering for the Men in Blue as the team chased down Sri Lankan team’s 275-run target to lift the coveted trophy.  

    Powered by Mastercard’s iconic Sonic brand tune, the anthem has been designed on the theme of ‘Har fan hai priceless’ (every fan is priceless). It includes the former Indian skipper emphasizing that every cheer by cricket fans goes a long way in lifting the spirits of players. It further shows Dhoni remembering the moment when all Indian fans in the stadium began chanting ‘Vande Mataram’.

    “This anthem is a tribute by Mastercard to millions of India’s cricket fans who breathe life into the game. As ICC’s global partner for this year’s World Cup and a brand which has a strong connection with Indian cricket, Mastercard is committed to providing memorable opportunities and experiences to fans. The undying spirit and depth of emotions exhibited by fans in every match that India plays is simply priceless,” said Mastercard EVP and head of marketing and communications, Asia Pacific Julie Nestor.

  • Mastercard acquires title sponsorship rights for all BCCI international & domestic home matches

    Mastercard acquires title sponsorship rights for all BCCI international & domestic home matches

    Mumbai: Mastercard has announced its collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to broaden its strategic outreach to Indian audiences. During this association, Mastercard will be the title sponsor for all international (both men’s and women’s) matches played on home soil, domestic cricket matches such as the Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Ranji Trophy organised by the BCCI, and all junior cricket (Under 19 and Under 23) matches played in India.

    This sponsorship and the activities around it are aimed at enhancing Mastercard’s connection with cricket lovers across the country and beyond. For a brand that is invested in sponsorships worldwide with marquee properties like the UEFA Champions League, the Grammys, the Cannes Film Festival and the Australian and French Open tennis tournaments, Mastercard’s tie-up with the BCCI further enhances its portfolio of partnerships.

    BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said, “The BCCI welcomes Mastercard as the title sponsor for home cricket matches for the 2022–23 season. Along with the international home series, the BCCI’s domestic tournaments are crucial as they are a stepping stone towards making India a strong international side. The BCCI truly values Mastercard’s support in building Indian cricket.”

    “This sport is more than a passion point, it’s a way of life and we look forward to some innovative experiences for the fans via this partnership and delivering value to Mastercard through this collaboration,” he added.

    BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah said, “The BCCI is pleased to be associated with a global marquee brand-Mastercard.”We are in for an exciting period in Indian cricket as we have Australia and South Africa coming over for white-ball series before the T20 World Cup and Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy early next year, while domestic cricket has a packed calendar with the return of the Duleep Trophy and a full-fledged Ranji Trophy season. The 2022-23 season will witness a lot of action across age groups, and I am confident that this will be an enriching partnership.”

    Mastercard chief marketing and communications officer Raja Rajamannar said, “Cricket is a perfect amalgamation of sports and entertainment with immense potential to deliver priceless moments. Our globally recognised “priceless” platform offers us the unique opportunity to delight our cardholders, customers and partners worldwide. Cricket enjoys unparalleled popularity not just in India where it is a singular unifying force for the nation, but also in several countries around the world. It is therefore particularly relevant and opportune for us to have acquired the title sponsor rights for all home international and domestic cricket matches organised by the BCCI.”

    Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, who has been Mastercard’s ambassador for over four years, added, “Cricket has been my life and given me everything I have. I am thrilled that Mastercard is sponsoring all the home cricket matches of the BCCI, especially the domestic, junior, and women’s cricket. The Ranji and junior players of today will play for the country tomorrow and continue to embody the pride of 1.3 billion Indians.”

    According to the brand, Mastercard endeavours to enhance its strong international base of sponsorship assets across passion points with uniquely Indian ones. Mastercard has worked to amplify this passion area with the signing on of MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, as its brand ambassador over four years ago.