Latest news with #WestArabia


Arab News
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Mastercard names Saud Swar as country manager for KSA
Mastercard has announced the appointment of Saud Swar as country manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant. The appointment strengthens Mastercard's leadership team in the West Arabia division, underlining the company's commitment to serving as the region's technology partner of choice. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Swar will lead and manage Mastercard's operations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Palestine, deepening local market knowledge and engagement, and advancing efforts to connect and power an inclusive digital economy. 'We are very pleased to see Saud Swar take another important step forward on his professional journey with this exciting appointment,' said Adam Jones, executive vice president, division president of West Arabia, Mastercard. 'Saud will no doubt play a pivotal role in advancing our work to empower the people and communities we serve across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Palestine with even greater access to a more accessible, secure and transformative digital economy. We look forward to him stewarding us to more success in the region.' Swar said: 'I am excited to begin this new chapter with Mastercard, making the most of my experience to complement and build on of the team's achievements ... I am looking forward to working closely with our partners to unlock new opportunities, drive growth and create impact across the division and wider region.' Swar has more than 17 years of experience working in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Mastercard, Swar spent all his professional career at American Express, initially joining the company as a new product development specialist in 2008, gradually rising the ranks to serve as the chief business officer — MENA for American Express Middle East. He holds a bachelor of science in computer engineering from the University of Bahrain and completed an executive MBA at London Business School.


Zawya
18-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mastercard strengthens its local leadership team in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant
Saudi Arabia, Riyadh – Mastercard has announced the appointment of Saud Swar as Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant. The appointment strengthens Mastercard's leadership team in the West Arabia division, underlining the company's commitment to serving as the region's technology partner of choice. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Saud will lead and manage Mastercard's operations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Palestine, deepening local market knowledge and engagement, and advancing efforts to connect and power an inclusive digital economy. 'We are very pleased to see Saud Swar take another important step forward on his professional journey with this exciting appointment,' said Adam Jones, Executive Vice President, Division President of West Arabia, Mastercard. 'Saud will no doubt play a pivotal role in advancing our work to empower the people and communities we serve across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Palestine with even greater access to a more accessible, secure and transformative digital economy. We look forward to him stewarding us to more success in the region.' Saud Swar, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant, Mastercard stated, 'I am excited to begin this new chapter with Mastercard, making the most of my experience to complement and build on of the team's achievements... I am looking forward to working closely with and our partners to unlock new opportunities, drive growth and create impact across the division and wider region.' Saud has over 17 years of experience working in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Mastercard, Saud spent all his professional career at American Express, initially joining the company as a New Product Development Specialist 2008, gradually rising the ranks to serve as the Chief Business Officer – MENA for American Express Middle East. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Bahrain and completed an Executive MBA at London Business School. About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.


Zawya
21-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
85% of Egyptian SMEs adopt digital payments: Mastercard Confidence Index
Egypt - Small and medium-sized businesses in Egypt are quickly adopting digital payments to improve efficiency and financial stability, according to the latest Mastercard SME Confidence Index. The report shows that 85% of SMEs in Egypt now accept digital payments, moving away from cash to enhance security, simplify transactions, and build credibility. 'As digital transformation accelerates, SMEs are unlocking new opportunities through digital payments and financial inclusion. Their ability to adapt and grow in a rapidly evolving business landscape reflects the strength of an ecosystem that prioritizes access to finance, digital enablement, and sustainable growth,' said Dimitrios Dosis, president Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard. Business owners say digital payments help them access funds faster, reduce fraud risks, and make it easier to pay suppliers and employees. Despite challenges like rising costs of goods and services, which 70% of SMEs identified as a major concern, many are investing in digital solutions to cut costs and improve productivity. About one in three SMEs plan to seek credit not just to stay afloat but to expand their businesses and strengthen their finances. Strategic partnerships are also key to business growth, with 45% of SMEs recognizing the value of working with private sector companies to access financial tools, technology, and market insights. To support this shift, Mastercard has teamed up with MaxAB, a major B2B marketplace in Egypt, to help businesses embrace digital payments. This partnership provides contactless payment solutions, reducing reliance on cash while improving security and efficiency. 'Mastercard is committed to supporting this transition by providing advanced payment technologies, strategic partnerships and tailored financial tools that empower SMEs to thrive in an increasingly digital economy,' said Adam Jones, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (