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Tag: MasterCard

  • Mastercard drops name to rely on logo

    Mastercard drops name to rely on logo

    MUMBAI: Mastercard has announced the dropping of its name from the brand mark in select contexts. It has shared that the Mastercard Symbol, of interlocking red and yellow circles, will now stand on its own across cards. The mark will be accepted at all retail locations both in the physical and digital worlds, and major sponsorship properties.

    The decision has been taken keeping in mind the continuous evolvement of the consumer and commerce landscape. The brand believes that  the Mastercard symbol, which has been the hallmark of for more than 50 years, represents it better than one word ever could, and the flexible modern design will allow it to work seamlessly across the digital landscape.

    Mastercard chief marketing and communication officer Raja Rajamannar said, “Reinvention in the digital age calls for modern simplicity and with more than 80 per cent of people spontaneously recognising the Mastercard symbol without the word 'MasterCard,' we felt ready to take this next step in our brand evolution. We are proud of our rich brand heritage and are excited to see the iconic circles standing on their own."

    Partner at Pentagram Michael Bierut said, “We live in a time where, increasingly, we communicate not through words but through icons and symbols. Mastercard has had the great fortune of being represented by two interlocking circles, one red, one yellow, since its founding in 1966. Now, by allowing this symbol to shine on its own, Mastercard enters an elite cadre of brands that are represented not by name, but by the symbol: an apple, a target, a swoosh. Mastercard's two interlocking circles have always represented their commitment to connecting people. Now, that commitment is given greater presence by Mastercard's status as a symbol brand."

  • Consumer Electronics Show 2019: A ringside view

    Consumer Electronics Show 2019: A ringside view

    LAS VEGAS: CES. Billed as the world’s largest consumer electronics show which brings in about 180,000 visitors who queue up and walk miles visiting 4,000 plus exhibitors who are showing  off the latest in tech over 2.5 million square metres of exhibition space.

    Yes, you heard it right, 2.75 million feet and it is spread over three zones Tech east, Tech South and Tech West. But the three zones cover the masssive Las Vegas Convention Centre (LVCC) and several other glitzy gambling marquee properties such as MGM Grand, The Venetian, Sands Expo, Palazzo, Aria, Rennaisance, Westgate, Mandalay Bay, and what have you where exhibitors will be flogging their wares in order to strike deals for the new tech they are show casing. Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, it will be held from 8-11 January.

    Of course, a stellar line up of conferences has been drawn with several global leaders lining up to speak. Among those who will be delivering official keynote:

    •     LG Electronics president & chief technology officer  I.P. Park
    •     CTA president &  CEO Gary Shapiro and CES executive vice president Karen Chupka
    •     IBM chairman, president &  CEO Ginni Rometty
    •     Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg
    •     AMD president & CEO Lisa Su
    •     U.S. secretary of transportation Elaine L. Chao
    •     AT&T Communications CEO John Donovan and MediaLink chairman & CEO Michael Kassan

    Now one may ask why is indiantelevision.com going to town about CES by attending and sending out reports on it?

    Well for one tech, telecom and media are converging – the lines between traditional television, streaming media, IoT are increasingly becoming finer with players crambling to get a centre spot in the consumers mind and a big share of his  or her wallet. Telcos, media companies, broadband service providers, entertainment, news and sports, broadcasters, OTT providers, cable TV operators, DTH providers, are forging alliances or acquiring or merging with each other – even in tech slowlane driving India.

    Then CES has a special zone for media, entertainment, advertising and brands in the Aria area where one can bump into leading brands and CMOs on the Story Tellers stage,  including IBM’s Michele Peluso, Unilever’s Keith Weed and Proctor and Gamble’s Marc Pritchard, MasterCard chief markerting and communications officer Raja Rajamannar, and Cadillac CMO Deborah Wahl. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, senior executives from broadcast, pay TV and OTT tech solutions providers will be discussing the future of video. Immersive media has a string of conferences and keynotes lined up giving us an update on the progress in this segment.

    There is a glaring focus on esports where Twitch global content development and emerging markets general manager Kendra Johnson,  Razer global esports director David Wan Tat Tse and Immortals exec chairman Noah Whinston will be talking about the role that technology has to offer this exciting exploding segment.

    Clearly, giving our readers a ringside view of technology for media and entertainment from an Indian perspective is what we are setting out to do at CES in the harsh and punishing town of Las Vegas,  Last night when we landed in Vegas it was chilly and raining cats and dogs. This morning as this report is being filed, the skies are mostly clear with a few clouds, and the sun is shining bright.

    Yet CES can be rewarding for many. Ask the many hopefuls who keep inserting coins into the slot machines at the various casinos for hours on end. And yes some do hit minor rewards if not the jackpot. We are hopeful that you will too. 

  • Irrfan Khan promotes Digital India in new Mastercard campaign

    Irrfan Khan promotes Digital India in new Mastercard campaign

    Aimed at accelerating the country’s shift from cash to digital payments, Mastercard has launched ‘KhulGayiLife’, a new marketing campaign. The campaign will further strengthen the company’s digital payments efforts in the metros with an increased focus on the tremendous opportunity that sits within the nation’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

    Commenting on the launch of #KhulGayiLife, Manasi Narasimhan Vice-President, Marketing and Communications said “Mastercard has always been at the forefront of creating a trusted payment gateway and is leading the effort to build a digitally empowered socio-economic ecosystem. We have been supporting the Indian Government’s agenda of establishing India as a cashless society through our technology solutions, partnerships and investments in the country. To further accelerate the acceptance of digital payments, we have launched #KhulGayiLife, our latest marketing campaign. Through this, we aim to reach out to consumers across metros and tier 2 and tier 3 cities over the next few months. We are confident that this campaign will bring forth the true potential of digital payments thus establishing Debit Cards as a safe and secure payment option.”

    The Indian economy has traditionally been cash dependent. However, demonetisation and government incentives for adopting digital payments have triggered an all-time high awareness about various alternative payment systems and exposed various cash users to the ease of using digital systems. Mastercard is fully committed to government initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and Skill India. The #KhulGayiLife campaign showcases the convenience of using digital transactions across internet banking, mobile wallets, debit cards, mobile and QR codes etc and for everyday uses such as tolls and transits, for utility bills, grocery, fuel, among others. The publicity strategy is aimed at mass audiences across all cities.

    The campaign film has been created by leading advertising agency McCann. Bollywood superstar Irrfan Khan has also been signed on as face of the campaign as he truly typifies the modern face of Tier 2 India. A creative TVC that is already on air and has the actor creating personal connections with consumers as the campaign runs its course to increase preference for debit cards across audiences in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

  • Irrfan Khan is Mastercard’s first Indian brand ambassador

    Irrfan Khan is Mastercard’s first Indian brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: American brand Mastercard has roped in Indian actor Irrfan Khan as its new brand ambassador.

    The actor has already put India on the global map with the kind of films he has been doing internationally and is now set to be the first ever Indian actor to be named as the card’s ambassador.

    Irrfan has also shot for the Mastercard ad campaign in the Pink City of Rajasthan that will be rolled out soon.

    Mastercard connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Irrfan’s credibility, versatility, wide appeal and authenticity are hard to rival and that resonates with Mastercard’s value which empowers its customers to access a world of unlimited opportunities. Being a self-made man, his connection with the masses makes him an ideal choice to be the brand ambassador.

    Mastercard is said to be encouraged by the ‘Digital India’ initiative that recommends Indian consumers to make digital payments in their daily lives and is looking to tap Bollywood film launches as part of its marketing campaign.

    Earlier this month, Mastercard roped in Manasi Narasimhan as vice president for its marketing and communications.

  • Manasi Narasimhan is marketing & comm VP at Mastercard

    Manasi Narasimhan is marketing & comm VP at Mastercard

    MUMBAI: Manasi Narasimhan has been appointed as the new vice president for marketing and communications at payments and technology company, Mastercard.

    In her new role, Manasi will be responsible for driving Mastercard’s marketing & communications strategy for South Asia region. She will work closely with key regional and global teams to deliver core business values and brand equity for Mastercard and also oversee the development of strategies and campaigns for Mastercard’s advertising, sponsorships, promotions, as well as digital and consumer marketing initiatives across the region.

    Mastercard country corporate officer India and division president, South Asia Porush Singh says, “Manasi brings a wealth of consumer marketing experience to Mastercard. Given her extensive experience and stellar track record in leading transformational campaigns, Manasi is well-placed to drive the growth of the Mastercard brand.”

    In her previous stints, Manasi has worked with Godrej Industries as vice president strategic marketing for over four years. She was also part of the Masterbrand campaign that emphasised the use of mobile and received global applauses including the EMVIES award.

  • Cashless Bano India movement launched by NDTV & Mastercard

    NEW DELHI: ‘Cashless Bano India’, a campaign aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital forms of payments through an on-ground and TV campaign, has been launched to educate the masses about digital payment solutions and encourage its usage for everyday spends.

    This campaign launched by NDTV Mumbai and Mastercard will work with partners in driving behavioral change and spread awareness on the importance of digital payments to millions across the country.

    The campaign was launched through a high decibel panel discussion focusing on the need for a robust digital payments ecosystem in the country.

    Cashless Bano India would also extend to Tier-II and Tier-III cities through on-ground educative sessions aimed at reaching public-at-large as well as merchants with the support of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

    The panel discussion was attended by Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, ‎Mastercard Asia Pacific co-president Ari Sarker, CAIT general secretary Praveen Khandelwal, Sr. Fellow, Brookings & Former Government Chief Economic Adviser Dr. Arvind Virmani, former IMF Executive Director, IMF; Axis Bank executive director Rajeev Anand and Punjab National Bank MD and CEO Sunil Mehta and moderated by NDTV consulting editor Vikram Chandra

    Kant said, “The Government has been aggressively driving the push to a less-cash society, bringing a number of policy reforms and initiatives. The vision is to make India lead the world in the evolution of payment systems with technology paving the way. Initiatives like Cashless Bano India will further propel the efforts in bringing a behavioral change towards digital payments and further help in the penetration of digital payments to the last mile.”

    “With digitization becoming a part of our life in more ways than one, cashless payments are the future of our country. While the benefits of digital payments to the nation and to individuals are obvious, many roadblocks to speedy implementation still remain. This brain storming session with all stakeholders including the government, bankers, traders and the aam aadmi hopes to charter a blueprint for secure and simple cashless transactions to help build a better India”, said Chandra.

    “The digital payments industry in India is at an inflection point. Enablers like Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar, mobile penetration, and more recently demonetization have created a strong foundation for large scale adoption of digital payment systems in India. This is a long term story, which will require a combination of infrastructure, sleek user experience with highest standards of safety and security, last mile distribution and reach, together with the right policy initiatives, and significant marketing and communications efforts to build awareness on the benefits of a digital economy”, said Sarker. “Through our collaboration with like-minded partners like NDTV, we want to do our bit to realize the vision of a cashless India.”

    The panel discussion ended with Amitabh Kant, Vikram Chandra and Ari Sarker flagging off a bus, scheduled to travel across the five cities of Kanpur, Jaipur, Surat, Indore and Nagpur. This would be an extended on-ground activation of the campaign, whereby financial literacy and adoption camps would be conducted at the respective cities for traders and merchants.

  • OMA’s MobiSwipe to deploy 50k MasterCard-preferred & Visa-ready mPoS devices in ’17

    MUMBAI: In line with the government’s vision of Digital India and complemented with the RBI’s policies advocating non-cash transactions, MobiSwipe has announced that it will be deploying over 50,000 mPoS devices within the next three quarters of 2017.

    MobiSwipe is a part of the solutions offered by OMA Emirates and is currently being used by merchants across metros like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai as well as other cities like Coimbatore, Cuddapah, Sriviliputhur etc.

    The mPoS solution enables merchants to accept payments through Swipe and Chip debit and credit cards on the go via a smartphone or tablet loaded with the MobiSwipe app connected to the pocket sized card reader.

    While metros and Tier 1 cities have been steadily moving towards transacting minus cash, MobiSwipe is focused on Tier 2, Tier 3 and other smaller cities that are yet getting familiar with the concept. With nearly 1000 terminals already in operation, the company’s next target is the retail and e-commerce sector followed by financial institutions, banks, etc.

    OMA Emirates Group CEO Niranj Sangal said, “We see India as a huge opportunity for growth. We are strong advocators for digital payments. Demonetisation was a learning curve for all to understand how payments worked and urged consumers to look beyond cash payments.”

    “Avenues have opened for non-cash payments and today, there is more than just a handful of solutions available be it wallets, PoS, mPoS, internet banking, or Government initiatives like UPI and BHIM. We have already received a demand for around 20,000+ MobiSwipe mPoS devices over the last few months of commencing operations and are hopeful of supplying these within the following two months. Simultaneously, there is a demand for PoS devices as well, indicating that India is ready and has progressed to accept non-cash payments as a better alternative. We aim to set up at least 1,00,000 of our PoS terminals by year end,” said Sangal.

    He further added, “A section of merchants have already progressed to using mPoS devices from regular PoS due to convenience, cost and mobility. In smaller cities we understand that there is lack of knowledge about operations and costs. We are hoping to bring about a change in this outlook and are attempting to reduce the costs associated with such transactions while simplifying operations and processes making it a favourable choice for all. We attempt to create an eco-system where merchants can benefit and all parties are able to profit from the system.”

    The sign-up procedure for MobiSwipe is simple and requires a merchant to submit KYC and the merchant agreement form. After the necessary documentation, mPoS is handed over to the merchant. A merchant can link his existing current account with MobiSwipe and does not need to open a new account as a part of the on-boarding process. Real-time transactions are enabled and funds get transferred to the merchants account on a daily basis. MobiSwipe is available at a highly competitive price point with flexible payment options. It comes along with an Ingenico mPoS device which is PCI-DSS and PA-DSS Certified and is MasterCard preferred mPOS and Visa Ready Partner. MobiSwipe promotes paperless transactions, is a cost-effective solution as compared to PoS and is accessible via most Android smartphones. The custom web portal allows merchants to keep a record of the history, reports and other tools.

  • Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    MUMBAI: Utility and other companies are seeing more pronounced use of plastic money or online payments — the obvious choice of the connected world in the times of demonetisation.

    Since inception, DishTV has been open to e-payment. The company is in sync with the government’s demonetisation. It has witnessed over 65 lakh unique transactions through electronic payment till date.

    The service tax component on the above transaction was approximately Rs 2600 lakh. DishTV incurred a collection cost of four per cent on the tax. The tax is in addition to state entertainment tax and the license fee levied by MIB on DTH operators. Other distribution platform are not subject to license fee.

    As per industry estimates Rs 25000 crore of turnover escapes tax compliance in Cable TV services which results in loss of direct and indirect taxes to the tune of Rs. 8000 crore to the exchequer on annual basis. Demonetisation, timely implementation of digitisation and rollout of GST will bring in much needed transparency and ensure a level playing field.

    Not only the entertainment services, the transport services too are using plastic money. Popular digital payment solution, Ola Money can be used at over 25 major utilities including BESCOM, BSES, Reliance Energy and Indraprastha Gas. It is already being accepted by over 500 merchants across online payments and offline POS, outside the Ola platform. A maximum recharge of up to Rs. 20,000 is permitted on Ola Money wallet until 30 December, 2016.

    Ola Money announced that it has enabled cashless payments through its wallet for key utilities. By selecting the ‘Bill Payment’ option on the Ola Money app and selecting their utility provider, users can instantly pay their utility bills with one touch. The RBI recently increased the recharge limit on wallets like Ola Money from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 until 30 December to facilitate cashless transactions.

    Ola Money SVP and head Pallav Singh said, “We are proud to add 25 leading utilities to this list. We are coupling our experience in payment technology with our deep commitment to keep India moving towards a cashless economy.” Ola Money can be recharged using net banking debit cards or credit cards including MasterCard, VISA, American Express and RuPay.

    The department of telecommunications notification has extended the deadline for the acceptance of 500 rupee notes as legal tender for recharging prepaid phones for top-ups till 15 December, 2016. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) director-general Rajan Mathews said, “Despite initial teething problems, demonetisation will benefit the nation by driving increased digital transactions, promoting transparency, boosting tax collection and ensuring social equity..”

    Continuing the use of old Rs 500 notes as legal tender for prepaid mobile services is crucial because industry estimates indicate between 30 per cent and 50 per cent fall in demand as customers are still struggling with less cash in hand.

  • Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    Taxing e-ways cash in on utilities

    MUMBAI: Utility and other companies are seeing more pronounced use of plastic money or online payments — the obvious choice of the connected world in the times of demonetisation.

    Since inception, DishTV has been open to e-payment. The company is in sync with the government’s demonetisation. It has witnessed over 65 lakh unique transactions through electronic payment till date.

    The service tax component on the above transaction was approximately Rs 2600 lakh. DishTV incurred a collection cost of four per cent on the tax. The tax is in addition to state entertainment tax and the license fee levied by MIB on DTH operators. Other distribution platform are not subject to license fee.

    As per industry estimates Rs 25000 crore of turnover escapes tax compliance in Cable TV services which results in loss of direct and indirect taxes to the tune of Rs. 8000 crore to the exchequer on annual basis. Demonetisation, timely implementation of digitisation and rollout of GST will bring in much needed transparency and ensure a level playing field.

    Not only the entertainment services, the transport services too are using plastic money. Popular digital payment solution, Ola Money can be used at over 25 major utilities including BESCOM, BSES, Reliance Energy and Indraprastha Gas. It is already being accepted by over 500 merchants across online payments and offline POS, outside the Ola platform. A maximum recharge of up to Rs. 20,000 is permitted on Ola Money wallet until 30 December, 2016.

    Ola Money announced that it has enabled cashless payments through its wallet for key utilities. By selecting the ‘Bill Payment’ option on the Ola Money app and selecting their utility provider, users can instantly pay their utility bills with one touch. The RBI recently increased the recharge limit on wallets like Ola Money from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 until 30 December to facilitate cashless transactions.

    Ola Money SVP and head Pallav Singh said, “We are proud to add 25 leading utilities to this list. We are coupling our experience in payment technology with our deep commitment to keep India moving towards a cashless economy.” Ola Money can be recharged using net banking debit cards or credit cards including MasterCard, VISA, American Express and RuPay.

    The department of telecommunications notification has extended the deadline for the acceptance of 500 rupee notes as legal tender for recharging prepaid phones for top-ups till 15 December, 2016. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) director-general Rajan Mathews said, “Despite initial teething problems, demonetisation will benefit the nation by driving increased digital transactions, promoting transparency, boosting tax collection and ensuring social equity..”

    Continuing the use of old Rs 500 notes as legal tender for prepaid mobile services is crucial because industry estimates indicate between 30 per cent and 50 per cent fall in demand as customers are still struggling with less cash in hand.

  • Salute heroes for women empowerment through HDFC

    Salute heroes for women empowerment through HDFC

    NEW DELHI:Cardholders from HDFC Bank can nominate their special hero who has been contributing towards the cause of women empowerment and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.

    This is part of a “#CelebrateHERoes” Priceless Surprises campaign by Mastercard in partnership with HDFC Bank in which Flipkart is the marquee retail partner. This is for the first time that Mastercard is inviting cardholders to give back to society through its collaboration with other partners.

    Mastercard Country Corporate Officer and Division President, South Asia Porush Singh said: “Women empowerment remains at the heart of Mastercard and with the launch of this campaign, we will further raise awareness and support the unsung heroes who are working towards this cause. Mastercard is excited to have partnered with HDFC Bank and Flipkart in celebrating this wonderful cause and rewarding our cardholders with Priceless Surprises.”

    “At HDFC Bank, we believe that by empowering women we can make a difference in the lives of an entire household and help create sustainable communities. This philosophy is embedded in a number of our businesses and projects that we undertake as a socially responsible corporate citizen. Through this campaign, which is closely aligned with our philosophy, we hope we can encourage even more people to be a part of this endeavor,” said Parag Rao, Country Head – Card Payment Products and Merchant Acquiring Services, HDFC Bank.

    Also speaking on the campaign, Flipkart Head- Category Design Kalyan Krishnamurthy said, “Flipkart has always believed in transforming commerce and adding value to customers in India through innovative modes of engagement. This initiative by Mastercard is a unique way to instill the thought of women empowerment and we are happy to partner with them and inspire millions of individuals who shop on Flipkart.

    As part of this initiative, Mastercard cardholders from HDFC Bank can submit nominations on impactful stories relating to a person or their hero making a meaningful difference to the lives of women in India.

    The participant who sends in the best nomination will stand a chance to win a grand prize of a free trip for two people to the United States of America and the nominee will get a grant of Rs 10 lakh. Seven more finalists will receive Flipkart vouchers of Rs 50,000 each. The gratification for the seven nominees will also expand to felicitate and recognize these leading heroes in everyday life through a reward of Rs 8 lakhs each to contribute to a cause of their choice.

    The campaign kicks off with the launch of a video showcasing actor-producer Anil Kapoor urging people to come forward and make that difference towards encouraging and supporting women in their own little ways. The video has been planned and created by McCann Erickson and produced by Sniper.

    Kapoor said, “I am excited to be part of this campaign. I am happy to celebrate the real heroes who make a difference in women’s lives for a better and empowered society. This is my chance to be part of Something Priceless.”

    Nominations can be sent on CelebrateHeroes@hdfcbank.com or on Mastercard Facebook page – with #CelebrateHERoes. The best nominations would be adjudged by a distinct panel of jury selected by Mastercard and HDFC Bank.