Bank of Palestine obtained the certification of compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, and was considered the first Palestinian banking institution to obtain this certification that is mandated by the card brands and administered by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, which is located in the United States.
The certification ceremony was held at the bank’s headquarters in the city of Ramallah, whereby Mr. Rabee Barakat, the accredited auditor of PCI in the UK-based Sovereign Secure company, handed the certification to Mr. Rushdi Ghalayini, the General Manager of Bank of Palestine, in the presence of the representative from Cystack and several department and branch managers from Bank of Palestine.
Mr. Hashim Al Shawa, the Chairman of the Bank of Palestine Group, expressed his enthusiasm towards the bank’s receipt of this certification. He pointed out that the bank created a special strategy to protect its customers and the confidentiality of their information first and foremost. Al Shawa also expressed his appreciation towards the efforts undertaken by the bank’s team during the past 18 months to ensure the safety and security of bank customer information, pointing out that the certification obtained is added value to the achievements that the bank and its group of affiliated companies strive to achieve in the field of electronic services. According to Al Shawa, the bank provides its customers with the most appropriate tools that ensure the realization of its message to gain the trust of all customers through the provision of distinguished services that are in line with changes within the framework of its compliance with the principles of VISA and MasterCard, promote the protection of information of cardholders and provide them with secure payment channels and services.
Mr. Rushdi Ghalayini, the General Manager of Bank of Palestine, expressed his happiness about the receipt of this award and said that the bank is the first Palestinian banking institution to obtain one of such kind, and this reflects the bank’s compliance with the regulations for the protection and security of customer credit cards. He clarified that the comprehensive and accurate protection and security standards for electronic payment cards aim at preventing risks that may result in VISA and MasterCard data breach, by directing card users on how to deal with data safely and securely based on the highest quality globally recognized standards.
Ghalayini also stressed the importance of adopting a mechanism for continuous development in the field in order to protect the confidentiality of information of our customers’ cards. He pointed out that obtaining the PCI DSS certification will tremendously benefit Bank of Palestine and the electronic commercial market in Palestine through protecting the confidentiality of payment cards used by the bank and the electronic commerce sector. Finally, Ghalayini ensured the bank’s commitment to invest in the cutting-edge technology programs, keep up with all the developments related to the protection of bank customer information, and develop modern systems that contribute to the implementation of banking operations using electronic, computerized, safe and secure methods.
Mr. Rabee Barakat, the accredited auditor of PCI in the UK-based Sovereign Secure company, praised the efforts conducted by Bank of Palestine during the last few months, as well as investments made to ensure the safety and protection of information, and the continuous electronic services it provides to customers and other banks. Barakat congratulated the bank and stated that the certification was praiseworthy.
PCI DSS
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is an information security standard for organizations that handle branded credit cards from the major card schemes. It is located all over the world to ensure the implementation of safe and secure procedures. This certification assists in building customer trust and verifying the capacity of bank systems to store and process card data.