Interview with Bernard Jackson, managing director of MCB Seychelles |12 May 2017

MCB Seychelles upgrades its Visa Debit Card

Bernard Jackson, managing director of MCB Seychelles, explains that the introduction of the bank's new Debit Card is an ambitious and innovative project, "allowing us to offer our customers the latest chip technology protection with secure online card usage. MCB continues to innovate towards opening up new possibilities for its clients while offering them peace of mind.”

Can you describe the MCB Group and state its vision?

Established in 1838, MCB Group is today an integrated banking and financial services player, offering tailored and innovative solutions through its numerous subsidiaries and associates. Building on its sound business model, the Group actively assists in the advancement of individuals and corporates through a growing presence in the Indian Ocean Islands and over the African continent. The Group is constantly reinventing itself to tap into the new and exciting opportunities regional development is offering.

For how long has the MCB Group been present in Seychelles?

In Seychelles, on March 25, 2003, the MCB Group achieved an important milestone by incorporating its local subsidiary. Three months later, MCB Seychelles took over the assets and liabilities of Banque Française Commerciale Océan Indien (BFCOI). BFCOI had, at the time, a solid track record in the Seychelles, having contributed to the economic development of the country through the financial assistance and high quality services extended to its clients.

14 years later, how do you assess your progress?

Today, MCB Seychelles is a leading commercial bank in the country, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of its valued customers both at personal and business level. MCB Seychelles has a network of four branches on Mahé, two on Praslin and one on La Digue. In addition, the Bank has invested in 17 ATMs located in different parts of the three islands, the latest ones recently installed at the Inter Island Quay and STC Hypermarket on Mahé.

And this year, MCB Seychelles is upgrading its Visa Debit card?

Yes, in line with its objective of continuous service improvement, this year MCB Seychelles will be upgrading its Visa Debit Card from a magnetic stripe card to a chip card. With this upgrade, MCB debit cards will be at par with the business and credit cards of the Bank, which are already equipped with chip technology. Chip technology will offer far better protection than magnetic stripes in particular against card skimming attempts. Additionally, customers will also be allowed to perform online transactions with added security features to prevent the fraudulent usage of cards.

When will this new service be available to your customers?

The Bank has opted for a phased approach for all its cardholders to switch to the new chip card over a period of six months. Towards creating the necessary awareness and ensuring a smooth transition, MCB Seychelles is currently finalising a comprehensive communication plan for the customers. A dedicated desk will be set up to facilitate the replacement of cards and clients will be advised through phone contact on the most convenient time to fulfil the necessary steps towards collecting and activating. The upgrade of cards will be done at no additional costs to the customer.