Verve, a Nigerian Pan-African and multinational financial technology and payment card scheme, over the weekend celebrated its ten years of operation as with the aim to build an African enterprise of global scale that the rest of world would be willing to embrace.
Mike Ogbalu III, managing director, Verve, reiterated said that at the time Verve was introduced, Nigeria was dominated by International card schemes, as such the need to have a domestic card scheme with better understanding of the needs of the Nigerian populace and Africans at large.
“Verve was created to cater to the need of Nigerians and offer real value to the Nigerian market. As a domestic card of African origin, with a better understanding of the African market, we have delivered this promise in 8 issuing African countries, and 21 African countries where our card is also accepted as well Verve Global card is accepted in 185 countries including U.S, U.K & Dubai. We have enabled seamless transactions across the African continent.
“Ten years after, we have become an international brand. Today, the Verve team, along with our partners, friends and the media, come together to celebrate ten years of resilience, innovation, determination and most importantly, the success of our business proposition, Verve Card.
“It is general knowledge that the global financial technology ecosystem is accelerating at a rapid pace and as Africans we cannot afford to be left behind, not just as users, but more importantly as innovators and enablers.
“That is why over the past years, we have evolved from being a domestic card scheme to a globally accepted brand giving Africans the opportunity to explore the world with an African key,” he said.
Also speaking, Mitchell Elegbe, group managing director, Interswitch, said, Verve has had its fair share of turbulent times which have helped the brand to earn its stripes and come this far.
“Verve card scheme started out as a small branch of the Interswitch family, over-time has grown into an independent company of its own with several product offerings in its portfolio.
“Behind this growth have been our people. They have remained resilient in the face of all the challenges, odds and seasons of doubt. They have trudged on, ensuring that objectives set are met, projects are delivered, relationship with partners are well nurtured & ultimately customers are satisfied.
“Today, the solutions and products Verve has brought to the marketplace so far demonstrate what can happen to any endeavour when met with the right people, opportunities and environment.
“I consider these first 10 years as years of consolidation & growth. We anticipate the next 10 years as years of massive investment in unprecedented customer service delivery. In the coming 10 years we will improve financial inclusion even more & make payment much more seamless and efficient,” he added.