Latest news with #ManishGautam
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nasser Bdeir appointed as Visa's new Country Manager for Oman
Oman, Muscat,: Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has announced the appointment of Nasser Bdeir as Country Manager for Oman, effective May 25. He is based out of Visa's Riyadh office, the company's regional headquarters for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. Nasser succeeds Manish Gautam, who was in the role since 2019 and has now transitioned to Visa's regional HQ in Riyadh to manage Visa Commercial Solutions one of Visa's strategically important business across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. With Visa since 2013, Nasser assumes his new role after leading key markets and functions in the GCC – including Head of Financial Institutions and managing leading banks, driving growth and innovation for merchants and fintechs, and market development. Before Visa, Nasser spent 5 years with Banque Saudi Fransi. Nasser Bdeir, Visa's Country Manager for Oman, said: 'I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead our operations in an exciting market such as Oman. I am looking forward to working closely with our clients to introduce new payment innovations that benefit Omani consumers and businesses. We are deeply committed to supporting the Oman government's cashless agenda and creating an inclusive, resilient digital economy where everyone, everywhere in Oman can participate and be empowered by the benefits digital commerce offers.' Ali Bailoun, Visa's Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, said: 'We are excited about Nasser's appointment as Visa's Oman Country Manager. He brings proven leadership skills as well as a strong understanding of Visa's business in Oman and deep experience from the wider region. I am confident Nasser will further deepen our local partnerships to deliver more value for our clients and partners, and make significant contributions to the Oman government's digital commerce agenda.' The Oman government has established a progressive regulatory framework to enable the growth of the Sultanate's digital economy. Despite progress with the economy's digital transformation, around 25% of Oman consumer transactions are still in cash, according to Visa's recent Where Cash Hides research. For Visa, this represents an opportunity for the Oman payments industry to further drive financial inclusion and digitize commerce in the Sultanate. As the payment landscape continues to evolve and diversify, Visa is committed to the government's cashless agenda by continuing to support its partner banks and new entrants with its payment innovations as well as its global network of 4.6 billion cardholders and more than 150 million merchant partners.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa names new country manager for Oman
Visa has announced the appointment of Nasser Bdeir as Country Manager for Oman, effective May 25. He is based out of Visa's Riyadh office, the company's regional headquarters for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. Nasser succeeds Manish Gautam, who was in the role since 2019 and has now transitioned to Visa's regional HQ in Riyadh to manage Visa Commercial Solutions—one of Visa's strategically important businesses across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. With Visa since 2013, Nasser assumes his new role after leading key markets and functions in the GCC, including Head of Financial Institutions and managing leading banks, driving growth and innovation for merchants and fintechs, and market development. Before Visa, Nasser spent 5 years with Banque Saudi Fransi. Bdeir said, 'I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead our operations in an exciting market such as Oman. I am looking forward to working closely with our clients to introduce new payment innovations that benefit Omani consumers and businesses. We are deeply committed to supporting the Oman government's cashless agenda and creating an inclusive, resilient digital economy where everyone, everywhere in Oman can participate and be empowered by the benefits digital commerce offers.' Oman has established a progressive regulatory framework to enable the growth of the Sultanate's digital economy. Despite progress with the economy's digital transformation, around 25% of Oman consumer transactions are still in cash, according to Visa's recent Where Cash Hides research. For Visa, this represents an opportunity for the Oman payments industry to further drive financial inclusion and digitize commerce in the Sultanate. Visa is committed to the government's cashless agenda by continuing to support its partner banks and new entrants with its payment innovations as well as its global network of 4.6 billion cardholders and more than 150 million merchant partners. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
19-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Consumers in Oman taking precautions to secure payments: Survey
Muscat - A new study commissioned by Visa reveals a rise in consumer awareness and proactive security measures for digital payments in Oman. The ninth annual Stay Secure study, which surveyed 5,800 adults across 17 diverse CEMEA markets, found that 98% of consumers in Oman now actively take precautions to secure their online transactions, showcasing increased savviness as digital payments gain momentum. While over half (59%) of surveyed consumers in Oman acknowledge their vulnerability to scams, the increased adoption of security measures and preference for stronger authentication indicate a positive shift in consumer behavior since the last edition of the Stay Secure study in 2023. Consumers are now actively spotting red flags and verifying the legitimacy of online interactions, showing a marked increase in awareness. Other key insights emerging from the research bode well for the continued acceleration of digital payments in Oman, with over three-quarters (76%) of all respondents stating that they mostly or completely trust digital payments. Eighty-three percent (83%) of surveyed consumers anticipate that they will increase their use of digital payments over the next year. "The digital payments landscape is evolving rapidly, and consumers across Oman are embracing its convenience while becoming more vigilant about security," said Neil Fernandes, Visa's Head of Risk for Middle East and North Africa. "Consumer education is our best defense against fraud, and industry collaboration makes this possible. As scams grow more sophisticated, the battle for security never stops. Consumers increasingly trust partners who take tangible steps to protect them.' 'We are delighted to launch Visa's latest Stay Secure research for Oman which underscores the important role retailers and financial institutions play in building and maintaining consumer trust in digital payments. Our latest research provides valuable insights that can inform industry strategies to enhance consumer trust protect the payments system and support the Oman government's efforts to grow the digital economy," said Manish Gautam, Visa's Country Manager for Oman. Falling for Scams. With growing reliance on digital payments, scams continue to proliferate. Over half (59%) of consumers in Oman have fallen for a scam, with 6% being victims on multiple occasions. For example, 73% have been approached by someone requesting them to transfer money on their behalf. Despite this, only 38% admit to being primarily responsible for falling victim to a scam, while 55% believe others are to blame. While 51% of surveyed consumers in Oman have some degree of confidence in their ability to spot fraud, 99% worry their family or friends might fall for a scam. Eighty-one percent (81%) believe that Gen X digital payment users are most likely to get scammed online. Consumers are highly wary of suspicious text messages or emails, recognizing these as potential scams designed to steal their money. The biggest red flag for fraud is a request to reset passwords or account information due to a data breach, with 60% of respondents ranking it as one of the top three most suspicious messages. Nearly all (98%) surveyed consumers in Oman take measures to secure their payments. Fifty-six percent (56%) decline to respond to emails asking them to transfer money on someone else's behalf, while 52% refrain from sharing card or account credentials. Forty-six percent (46%) have set also up text message alerts that notify them of any account transactions. Consumers in Oman use a variety of digital payment methods, the most common being mobile payments (60%), bank transfers via mobile banking apps or platforms (56%), and card payments (55%). Sixty-five percent (65%) of the respondents find digital payments quicker and simpler than other methods, and 60% appreciate that they allow payments anytime, anywhere. Mobile payments are also seen as one of the most secure digital payment methods. Meanwhile, peer-to-peer (P2P) payments are used by 43% of adults in Oman, yet only 7% consider them the easiest payment option. This highlights an opportunity to improve the user experience and simplify the process for greater adoption. As digital payments gain traction, retailers, banks, and payment processors can build trust by requiring users to confirm purchases via texted codes or links and displaying trusted security badges. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the consumers in Oman feel safer when they must confirm their identity through a text code, while nearly half (47%) value visible security icons.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa unveils Women SMB Index results, highlighting digitalization progress
Women entrepreneurs in Oman prioritize securing digital transactions through advanced security measures and employee awareness and training; Women business owners see a need for more innovative products and stronger customer acquisition strategies. Muscat, Oman: Visa (NYSE: V), a world leader in digital payments, has announced the results of its first Women SMB Digitalization Index for Oman. The findings reveal that women-owned businesses in Oman excel in leveraging AI and new technologies to grow and secure their business. However, gaps remain in product innovation and customer acquisition. The index assesses businesses based on five key indicators, including online presence, digital payment acceptance, payment security awareness, customer engagement, and customer retention. Manish Gautam, Visa's Country Manager for Oman said, 'Our Women SMB Digitalization study highlights that women-owned businesses in Oman tech and business savvy and eager to expand. However, 38% of respondents cite the development of innovative products and services as their primary challenge, while 33% see a need for better payment acceptance training, and 32% emphasize the importance of enhanced customer acquisition strategies. Visa remains committed to working with our local partners to offer the necessary tools, mentorship, and resources women business leaders need to be successful and support the Omani government in building an inclusive, resilient digital economy.' Key findings of the Women SMB Digitalization Index: Raising Capital. Access to funding remains a critical challenge for women entrepreneurs as they navigate financial constraints and investment priorities. The survey reveals that women-owned businesses in Oman primarily rely on bank loans (38%), venture capital (37%), and angel investors (36%) to establish their businesses. To support business growth and key projects, Omani women entrepreneurs seek funding from various sources. The most common approaches include assistance from friends and family (35%), additional bank loans and credit (33%), venture capital (32%), and reinvesting profits (29%). Technology Adoption. Women entrepreneurs in Oman are actively embracing digital advancements to enhance their businesses' efficiency, security, and customer experience. Surveyed women entrepreneurs understand the impact of AI in business, using the technology in payments and billing (60%), sales and marketing (57%), product development (55%), and supply chain management (55%). 59% of women entrepreneurs in Oman are aware of cyber threats. More than half (54%) of respondents reported improved automation of tasks, leading to faster payment processing after integrating AI into their company payments. Additionally, 53% experienced enhanced fraud detection and prevention. Women-owned businesses in Oman actively use their business websites (56%), social media pages (49%) or mobile apps (40%) to sell products and services online. To secure digital transactions, women entrepreneurs in Oman prioritize advanced security measures (46%) and employee awareness and training (41%). Growth Priorities. Growth and skill development remain key priorities for women entrepreneurs in Oman, with many looking to expand into new markets. Half of respondents (50%) aim to enhance their business's social or environmental impact as a strategy for expansion. Four in ten (44%) surveyed women-owned businesses seek to explore new markets or industries. Many women entrepreneurs are interested in building stronger partnerships (38%) and expanding operations to reach more customers (37%). As women entrepreneurs focus on digital growth and business expansion, Visa remains committed to supporting them with tools, resources, and platforms they need to thrive in the digital economy. About Visa Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, in territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at About Visa, and @VisaCEMEA. Media Contact Anna Shulga Corporate Communications, GCC, Visa ashulga@
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman advances in digital payments, but 25% transactions still cash: Visa
Muscat – While Oman is at the forefront of digital payments, a quarter (25%) of transactions among consumers surveyed in the sultanate are still made in cash, according to the second edition of Visa's Where Cash Hides research report. Visa, a global leader in digital payments, conducted the survey across the GCC to examine cash usage trends and explore opportunities to further accelerate the shift towards digital payments. The research, based on a survey of 2,800 individuals across the region, looked into the overall frequency of, and motivations for, cash usage. It identifies cash-heavy categories and proposes simpler, more secure digital payment solutions for both consumers and local businesses. In Oman, peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions (42%) and everyday spending (28%) account for a significant proportion of cash usage. Within the P2P segment, tips (66%) were the top category where surveyed Omani consumers used cash, showing the biggest drop from 2023. This was followed by money exchanges between friends and family (53%) and property rent (24%). However, international money transfers through exchange houses saw an increase (23% in 2024 vs 14% in 2023), suggesting opportunities to advance secure, digital cross-border payments. Everyday spending – such as offline taxis (63%), farmers' markets (55%), and app-based taxis (33%) – are primarily where cash is used. Restaurants saw the most significant drop in cash usage (20% in 2024, down from 38% in 2023), indicating progress in digitising payments in these sectors. The main reasons respondents prefer cash for P2P transactions are habit (32%) and convenience (28%). For everyday purchases, the leading reasons cited are speed (31%) and acceptance (26%). According to Visa's report, efforts to introduce convenient and secure solutions, such as Visa Direct (for P2P, tips, other disbursements, and remittances), Click to Pay (for a better online checkout experience), and Tap to Phone (a low-cost acceptance solution for SMEs, freelancers, and taxis), will further promote digital payments and increase card acceptance in the identified categories. It said, 'Encouraging mobile and contactless payments also presents a pathway to increasing digital payment usage for everyday expenses. This requires educating both banked and unbanked populations about the acceptance and security of digital payments.' In a press statement, Manish Gautam, Visa's Country Manager for Oman, said, 'Despite progress with digital payment adoption in Oman, 25% of consumer transactions are still in cash. For Visa, this represents an opportunity to further drive financial inclusion and digitise commerce in the country. Our second edition of Where Cash Hides research highlights precisely where and how Visa, together with our partners, can help grow the digital economy. 'As a global leader in digital payments, Visa remains committed to supporting the Omani government's cashless agenda and enabling local businesses to create a better payment experience for everyone, everywhere in the Sultanate.' Despite cash usage, consumers' overall reliance on cash remains low. Nearly half (49%) of respondents reported that only 1-2 out of their last 10 transactions were in cash. Just 2% of respondents claimed that all 10 of their most recent transactions were made with cash. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
