HRH Premier inaugurates region's first biometric payment system

Manama, Mar. 12 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has stressed that Bahrain’s provision of the necessary banking infrastructure has entitled it to be a permanent leader in financial technology at the level of the region. While inaugurating the first biometric payment system in the region, HRH Premier said that the government has focused on making Bahrain a distinguished regional financial and banking hub, and has succeeded in that, noting that the challenge is how to maintain the kingdom’s distinction in light of the fierce competition witnessed by the financial and business world, in which there is no place for those who do not always seek innovation and distinction. "We are proud of our financial and banking institutions which are always keen to be front-runners in adopting technological innovations in the banking services. Our pride increases when our citizens are at the helm of these firms, and their leadership contributes to achieving local, regional and international success, and reflects Bahrainis’ outstanding capabilities and creativity," HRH Premier said, calling for the need to continue adopting innovative solutions and the latest methods so that Bahrain always remains a leader. The Prime Minister made the statements while receiving, at the Gudaibiya Palace today, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Rasheed Mohammed Al-Maraj, along with several financial and banking leaders, in the presence of a number of officials. During the meeting, HRH Premier inaugurated Eazy Financial Services’ launch of the "Eazy" financial network, which is the region's first biometric payment network which provides payment through fingerprints. HRH Premier extended deepest congratulations to the banking sector in the kingdom for the inauguration of the advanced and unique financial network, noting that the move will boost the kingdom’s financial and banking sector, and place it among those of countries with advanced financial technology. The Prime Minister affirmed that since many years, the kingdom has been keen on establishing a solid system for the banking sector, which, he said, has provided it with all requirements of development and progress, and has become a leading financial and banking centre in the region. HRH Premier highlighted the importance of continuous efforts to develop and modernise the banking sector and keep abreast of all innovations so that such a vital sector flourishes and increases its role in supporting the national economy, praising the sector’s outstanding ability to cope with all global developments, which has reflected positively on the level and quality of the banking services delivered to the citizens and residents. HRH Premier expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to Eazy Financial Services company and those in charge of it, as well as to those who have contributed to its efforts to launch its pioneering biometric payment network which, he said, will open up new horizons for the kingdom in the banking industry, wishing every one success. CBB governor, Al-Maraj, extended, on behalf of the audience, sincerest thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising such a momentous event in the history of the financial and banking sector in the kingdom. He asserted that HRH Premier is the first supporter of the banking sector, and thanks to his sound directives and constant support, the sector has attained innumerable successes, as proved by specialised regional and international economic reports. Ithmaar Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Abdulrahim, lauded HRH Premier’s support for Islamic banks, noting that the launch of the "Eazy" financial network will bring about a quantum leap in the financial and banking sector in the kingdom, and contribute to enhancing the level of services through connecting them to modern technology. Chief Executive of Al Baraka Banking Group (ABG) and Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB)’s board chairman, Adnan Ahmed Yousif, extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for patronising the launch of "Eazy" financial network, which, he said, reflects his constant support for the sector so as to be able to serve the national economy to the fullest, announcing that ABG will join the "Eazy" network, the second bank to do so after Ithmar Bank. Chief executive officers at Eazy Financial Services, Jamal Ali Al Hazeem and Nayef Tawfiq Al Alawi, extended deepest thanks to HRH Premier for inaugurating the new financial network, which, they said, reflects his unlimited interest in the banking sector, being among the main tributaries of the national economy. They pointed out that the "Eazy" financial network will enable participating banks to provide banking services through fingerprints, without using plastic cards or mobiles.