Latest news with #Mastercard

Barnama
an hour ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Mega Sale Campaign 2025 Returns Ahead Of Visit Malaysia 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's most anticipated retail celebration The Malaysia Mega Sale Campaign (MMSC) 2025, returns with greater fanfare starting today, offering nationwide promotions and experiences aimed at boosting tourism and retail spending in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Organised by Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with Mastercard, the campaign runs until July 31, featuring over 100 participants industry players and more than 150 curated activities, offering unbeatable deals, exclusive rewards, and culturally immersive experiences across multiple sectors -- from shopping and hospitality to wellness, entertainment and air travel. 'The nationwide initiative aims to stimulate tourism and retail spending, both domestically and internationally, in anticipation of the upcoming VM2026,' Tourism Malaysia said in a statement. Among the key highlights of MMSC 2025 is the Midnight Sales fiesta at AEON Mall Bukit Indah, Johor, on July 25 and 26, featuring exclusive offers, balloon drops, lucky draws, live performances and a vibrant food bazaar. The Miss SHOPia Happy Hour, offering flash deals and prizes with a minimum spend of RM300, will be held at Bintang Megamall (July 4-6) and Permaisuri Imperial City Mall (July 11-13), both in Miri, Sarawak. Other attractions include Spice and Soul of Malaysia, where visitors can savour traditional Malaysian cuisine while enjoying cultural showcases by participating hotels in the Klang Valley. Massive savings of up to 85 per cent await shoppers at participating malls and outlets nationwide, while the Spend and Win programme offers prizes worth up to RM250,000 including a JAECOO J7 SUV and a luxury staycation at DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur. For durian lovers, a special Durian Season Offer allows travellers to book a two-days, one-night hotel stay in Penang and enjoy 50 per cent off durian buffets along with an exclusive durian farm experience. Tourism Malaysia said the campaign is also supported by the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK Malaysia), Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MATFA) and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).


Globe and Mail
17 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Comcast Stock (NASDAQ:CMCSA) Slips Despite New Advertising Shift
Communications giant Comcast (CMCSA) is not the kind of operation to leave money on the table. So when it heard that a fairly large bloc of advertisers would be willing to spend more money if there were a way to better connect ad exposure to certain conditions, Comcast got right after it. Oddly enough, this was not good enough for some shareholders, who sent Comcast shares down fractionally in Wednesday afternoon's trading. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter A new project, in conjunction with Marpipe and Mastercard (MA), is going to bring a set of new tools to advertisers' hands. With 63% of advertisers in a Comcast Advertising study noting that they would spend more if there was '…more attribution connecting TV ad exposure to specific consumer actions or purchases.' Comcast needed to hear no more, and got to work. Now, Comcast advertisers will have access to new tools, including the Comcast Media Solution feature, which now has support from Mastercard to allow access to 'beta testing sales lift' using a range of categories from automotive to home services. It is, essentially, a change in the way we look at advertising performance on television. Plus, many of these features—which were formerly only available to large-scale national advertisers —will now make their way into the local market. 'Personalized, shoppable ads' also become more available, which should produce better outcomes for advertisers. Given the fragile state of linear television viewership these days, Comcast needs to get more out of the bit of viewership it has left. Pushing Digital With Kids Meanwhile, Comcast is also eager to help the next generation of digital pioneers get started, and is putting money behind that notion. It gave a $20,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, which will be put to the 'My Future' education program to enhance digital skills in the youth served therein. Given that there are over 40 such clubs in Delaware, the grant might not exactly reach very far. But the Boys and Girls Clubs were glad to get it all the same, with executive director of the Western Sussex Branch Jermane Duncan noting, 'Comcast understands the critically important role that digital skills play in accelerating career opportunities. This grant helps set our youth up for success both in and out of the classroom, and will strengthen our ability to support the next generation of leaders.' Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on CMCSA stock based on nine Buys, 10 Holds and two Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 8.77% loss in its share price over the past year, the average CMCSA price target of $41.44 per share implies 20.52% upside potential. Disclosure

Finextra
18 hours ago
- Business
- Finextra
Axis Bank introduces NFC-enabled smartwatch
In a strategic leap into wearable fintech, Axis smartwatch payments just became more seamless. 0 Axis Bank has launched an NFC-enabled smartwatch in collaboration with BoAt and Mastercard, transforming how consumers make contactless transactions on the go. Wave Fortune is designed to empower users with convenience, security, and a next-level smartwatch experience. Axis Bank cardholders can now securely tokenize and store their debit and credit cards on the WAVE Fortune Smartwatch via Crest Pay, boAt's official payment app and make contactless payments effortlessly. This feature, powered by Mastercard's tokenization technology and supported by the robust token requestor infrastructure of TAPPY Technologies, allows single-step payment of up to ₹5,000 on a POS device without entering card PIN, ensuring both speed and security. This launch further strengthens Axis smartwatch payments by integrating Mastercard's secure tokenization with BoAt's wearable design. Powered by Mastercard, the payment system allows users to securely tokenize and store their cards within the smartwatch strap for quick and seamless transactions. Axis Bank credit and debit cardholders on Mastercard and VISA networks will continue to enjoy the rewards and benefits of their linked card while making payments with the Wave Fortune smartwatch. Commenting on the partnership, Arnika Dixit, President & Head - Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said, 'At Axis Bank, we have been continuously working on innovation-led partnership models to offer innovative and secure digital banking solutions to customers. In this effort, we are delighted to have partnered with boAt to truly make payments on-the-go, seamlessly integrating contactless payments into people's day-to-day lives. Bringing in our expertise in tokenized contactless payments, 'Wave Fortune', a cuttingedge smartwatch will allow the users with the highest standards of safety and security, combined with a quick and convenient payment experience.' The rollout represents a leap forward in Axis smartwatch payments, making banking on the go both stylish and functional. Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, boAt, said, 'At boAt, we are always striving to push the boundaries of technology to enhance everyday convenience. Our partnership with Axis Bank brings secure, effortless payments to the wrist, making contactless transactions more accessible than ever.' Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard said, 'In the near future, payments will be gesture-based — integrated into our daily routines, with transactions occurring in a frictionless manner. Wearable devices, irrespective of the form factor, will play a key role in this evolution, offering quick and secure payment experiences. As a company committed to shaping this future of commerce, Mastercard is delighted to power the tokenization enabled smartwatch, empowering users to pay with their credit or debit cards


Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mastercard and enza collaborate to enable fintech innovation across Africa
Dubai, UAE: Mastercard and enza – a payment solutions company – have collaborated to connect fintech companies across Africa to the Mastercard network. This collaboration will enable fintech players to build propositions on the enza platform that serve both consumers and businesses with embedded Mastercard payment solutions capabilities. According to a report by the European Investment Bank, the number of fintech companies in Africa has nearly tripled since 2020. Many of these innovators focus on embedding payment services into broader solutions that tackle financial access, offering alternatives to legacy systems that often have a high cost to serve. Fintech companies in Africa will now be able to easily access the full suite of Mastercard services. The collaboration aims to reduce complexity and speed up time to market for emerging players building digital financial solutions across the continent. 'At Mastercard, we are focused on powering the fintech ecosystem by enabling access to our trusted global network. Through our work with enza, fintech innovators in Africa will be able to deploy embedded payment capabilities more efficiently – helping accelerate financial inclusion and the region's digital transformation,' said Mete Guney, executive vice president, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard. As part of the agreement, enza will host consumer and merchant accounts, manage integration with Mastercard's network, and ensure high levels of security and system availability. Fintech companies can configure pre-paid or post-paid accounts, and issue physical or virtual Mastercard cards. For businesses, enza will enable acceptance of Mastercard payments across in-store, online and in-app channels. 'enza is on a mission to make digital payments more accessible and affordable across Africa, helping to build a more financially inclusive continent that is ready and able to compete globally. Our collaboration with Mastercard leverages our existing relationship to more effectively serve the fintech community. Together, we will provide innovators with a platform capability that means they do not need to build this aspect of their proposition and can get to market with greater speed and security,' said Andrew Key, Executive Director, enza. Founded in 2023, enza is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with regional offices in Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria. The company's innovative payment infrastructure delivers the flexibility and agility needed to increase competitiveness, capitalize on new markets and develop new revenue streams through better serving consumer and business customers across Africa. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Now, Axis Bank users can tap and pay up to ₹5,000 via a smartwatch
Axis Bank customers can now make contactless payments through their smartwatch by tokenising their cards on the Crest Pay app, the bank announced on June 19, 2025. The new payment feature is available on the Wave Fortune smartwatch, launched in partnership with boAt and Mastercard. The wearable device, priced at ₹3,299 and currently selling at an introductory rate of ₹2,599, allows users to make tap-and-pay transactions without pulling out their phone or wallet. 'With Crest Pay and tokenisation, we're making secure contactless payments more accessible,' said a Mastercard spokesperson. The service works with both Mastercard and Visa cards issued by Axis Bank. The tap-and-pay feature uses tokenisation, replacing actual card details with a unique digital code stored securely in the smartwatch strap—making it safe from scammers, skimmed cards, and duplicate payments. Contactless payments through the strap The NFC payment feature is embedded in the watch strap itself. Once users add their Axis Bank credit or debit cards via the Crest Pay app, the card is tokenised—meaning it is converted into a secure digital version—before being stored in the strap. 'The smartwatch will allow the users with the highest standards of safety and security, combined with a quick and convenient payment experience,' said Arnika Dixit, president and head of cards, payments and wealth management at Axis Bank. Tokenisation is handled by Mastercard's system, while the backend infrastructure is provided by Tappy Technologies. Users can pay up to ₹5,000 per transaction at any compatible point-of-sale terminal without entering a PIN. According to Mastercard, wearable tech will soon become a standard way to pay. 'In the near future, payments will be gesture-based — integrated into our daily routines, with transactions occurring in a frictionless manner. Wearable devices, irrespective of the form factor, will play a key role in this evolution, offering quick and secure payment experiences,' said Gautam Aggarwal, division president for South Asia at Mastercard. Despite being wearable-based, cardholders continue to receive cashback, reward points, or any benefits linked to their original plastic cards. The smartwatch is currently available in an Active Black finish and can be purchased from the official boAt website. Other smartwatch payment options in India India has seen several NFC-enabled wearable launches over the past few years: Titan Pay Launched: October 2020 Titan partnered with SBI and YELDI Softcom to introduce Visa card payments through a chip in the watch strap. GOQii Smart Vital Launched: September 2021 Enabled NFC payments through a tie-up with YES Bank and Mastercard on GOQii fitness bands. Apple Watch (Apple Pay in India) Launched: May 2022 Introduced with limited support via HDFC Bank and Axis Bank for Mastercard and Visa users. Garmin Pay Launched: January 2021 Rolled out with contactless payment support for Axis and ICICI Bank cardholders using Mastercard and Visa. Each of these solutions uses a combination of tokenisation and embedded chips to enable secure, contactless transactions directly from wearables.