MasterCard on Monday announced a 22 percent increase in gross dollar volume for MasterCard premium credit and charge programs in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa region for the quarter ending on 30 September 2010 versus the same period in 2009. The strong increase in transaction value was bolstered by a 14 percent growth in the number of MasterCard-branded premium cards issued in the region.
The solid growth momentum cuts across MasterCards premium card segment, which includes World MasterCard, Titanium MasterCard and Platinum.
"With the continued rise in affluence and wealth in this region, we see consumers becoming much more discerning and unique in their demands for goods, services and experiences that matter to them and their lifestyles. MasterCard has a razor sharp focus on staying ahead of affluent consumers’ evolving lifestyle needs and aspirations through our ongoing research and analysis. This gives us the added insight to work successfully with card issuing financial institutions to create distinctive, tailored card programs that meet cardholder demands. By underscoring the resonance and impact that MasterCard’s premium card programs are having with consumers across Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, these latest growth figures tell us that we are on the right track," said Porush Singh, senior vice president & group head, Core Products, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.