Arab Bank has signed a cooperation agreement with Octo, a leading financial technology company focused on building digital banking experiences in Egypt; to issue a prepaid card. This agreement will provide consumers with greater access to secure, convenient, and modern financial solutions.
This collaboration aligns with Arab Bank's digital transformation strategy and efforts to expanding its digital footprint in Egypt through strategic collaborations with innovative FinTech companies and the adoption of cutting-edge financial technologies. The “Octo” Visa prepaid card from Arab Bank offers users a seamless experience for purchases, online shopping, and ATM withdrawals— all while being linked to Octo’s intuitive mobile application. Additionally, Octo’s prepaid card also allows access to instant money transfer services via Instapay, the national instant payments network.
Commenting on this collaboration, Ahmed Ismail Hassan, Country Manager of Arab Bank Egypt said: “Our strategic direction is firmly anchored in driving digital transformation and promoting financial inclusion through secure, regulated channels and Fintech cooperation. We are dedicated to advancing the banking experience in Egypt by delivering solutions that truly respond to the needs of our customers and support the ongoing development of the financial sector.” He added: “This collaboration with Octo directly reinforces the bank’s strategic objectives by introducing innovative financial services to the Egyptian market. Through this initiative, Arab Bank further demonstrates its commitment to innovation and strengthens its position as a pioneer in the industry”.
Karl Marco, CEO of Octo stated: ““This is a pivotal moment for Octo, through our collaboration with Arab Bank and Visa, and with Modupay as our third-party processor, we are giving people more control over their money with a fast, safe, and simple way to pay, spend, and save. Our goal is to make digital financial services as accessible as mobile apps—and this launch brings us one big step closer.”
Youssef Katamish, CTO of Octo, added: “We wanted to make managing money feel seamless. By teaming up with Arab Bank’s decades of experience, Visa’s global reach, and Modupay’s reliable processing, we have built a product that is fast, secure, and available whenever users need it.”
Ahmed Nafie, CEO of Modupay commented on this milestone, saying: "We’re proud to have been the technology partner behind the launch of Octo’s prepaid card. By leveraging advanced technologies and the latest innovations in payment solutions, we empowered Octo to bring a secure and scalable product to the market. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to driving digital financial inclusion and supporting visionary FinTechs in delivering next-generation payment experiences."
From her side, Malak El Baba, Vice President and Country Manager, Egypt at Visa commented on this launch: "At Visa, we are proud to be at the heart of the payments’ ecosystem, bringing together trusted partnerships and the power of innovation to transform financial experiences. We deliver world-class technology and secure payment solutions that inspire confidence and trust. These partnerships enable us to drive greater financial inclusion, opening doors for more Egyptians to participate in the digital economy. In Egypt, we are especially committed to empowering entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools, resources, and networks they need to thrive. Through initiatives like this, Visa continues to lead the way in fostering a vibrant, inclusive financial landscape where innovation fuels opportunity for all. Together, we are creating meaningful impact and shaping a future where everyone can seamlessly access the benefits of modern financial services.”
About Arab Bank
Established in 1930 and headquartered in Amman, Jordan, Arab Bank operates one of the largest global Arab banking networks, comprising over 600 branches. The bank offers a wide range of banking products and services designed to meet the needs of individuals, corporations, and other international financial institutions. These services cover various areas, including personal banking, corporate and financial institutions services, and treasury operations. Arab Bank also maintains a strong presence in key international markets and major financial centers such as London, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai, Geneva, Paris, Sydney, and Manama.
About Octo
Octo is a financial technology company based in Egypt, offering digital accounts, payroll solutions, and prepaid card services Serve millions of employees of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to get paid digitally on their card via Instapay, the national instant payments network. With a mission to make financial services more inclusive and intuitive, Octo empowers users to take control of their money and financial future.
About Modupay
Modupay is the leading payments tech enabler across the Middle East and Africa, empowering banks, fintechs, telcos, and non-banking financial institutions to build, launch, and operate payment products with greater flexibility and control. Formerly known as MDP, Modupay brings together card issuing, payment processing, digital payment solutions, data and insights, and compliance within a modular, scalable, end-to-end platform.
With more than 30 years of experience in the payments ecosystem, Modupay supports partners across the full payments lifecycle, from personalized card production to financial transaction processing and digital payments. Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, Modupay operates in more than 40 countries and is backed by a team of over 620 professionals, remaining accessible and close to its partners through dedicated, on the ground teams across key regional markets.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and 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.