Emerging Markets Payments (EMP) announced the expansion of its agreement with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited.  Since 2010, EMP has been providing FCMB processing services. However, the company said from this year, the agreement includes issuing services as well.

Under this agreement, EMP commenced issuance of Nairadebit cards for FCMB as well as continuing to provide processing services.

“Over the years, EMP has been able to support partner banks to achieve their business strategy by providing solutions that render cardholders a seamless, convenient and secure payment experience,” Chief Executive Officer of EMP Africa, Murat Ozulku, was quoted as saying in a statement.

"We believe that expanding FCMB’s card offerings with EMP will provide cardholders with more tools that best cater to the needs, encouraging them to take advantage of the various benefits of electronic payments,” he added.

Speaking on the development, Executive Director, FCMB, Mr. Nath Ude said, “EMP’s position as an industry leader is undeniable. As a premier financial services group, FCMB partners the best of the best for the benefit of our customers. I’m pleased to say that EMP is most certainly among the best in the business. We’re looking forward to our next phase of growth together.”

According to him, the debit cards can be applied for at any of the FCMB branches across Nigeria.

"FCMB Naira debit cards can be used to complete transactions through all POS terminals and ATMs that accept debit cards in over 210 countries and with over 30 million merchants across the world," he added.

With EMP handling the issuing and processing on behalf of FCMB, the bank’s clients enjoy being a part of an efficient, reliable network that processes more than six transactions a second and acquires billions of dollars’ worth of transactions a year. To ensure optimum security of transactions, EMP conducts its processing services through Verified by Visa and Secure Code, and provides 24/7 technical support. EMP also adheres to a very high standard when it comes to client services, as the company is a leader in EMV Chip cards, with many of their strengths and successes coming in that area of business. Moreover, EMP provides processing services for all the major card schemes including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Union Pay.