Business Club

AMMAN — Bank al Etihad and INVESTBANK have announced that their respective Boards of Directors have approved a strategic merger under which Bank al Etihad will acquire 100% of INVESTBANK’s share capital. The acquisition will be carried out through a capital increase by Bank al Etihad, with all newly issued shares allocated to INVESTBANK shareholders in exchange for transferring full ownership of their shares to Bank al Etihad. This move sets the stage for the formal merger of INVESTBANK into Bank al Etihad (the surviving entity), in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.

This merger marks a major milestone in Jordan’s banking sector, creating a unified institution with significantly enhanced capital and operational strength. Following the completion of the transaction, Bank al Etihad’s capital will increase to JOD 325.2 million, with total equity reaching approximately JOD 1 billion. Combined total assets will rise to nearly JOD 11 billion, positioning Bank al Etihad among the largest national banking institutions.

The transaction represents a significant achievement and is aligned with the Central Bank of Jordan’s strategy to encourage mergers that create stronger, more resilient financial institutions, particularly given the vital role banks play in supporting the national economy.

This step is part of a well-considered strategic vision aimed at reinforcing the bank’s local presence and driving regional expansion. The newly formed entity will benefit from greater operational flexibility and wider geographic reach, enabling it to access new market segments and grow its customer base both locally and regionally. It will also be well-positioned to deliver integrated financial services that meet the evolving needs of individuals and businesses.

Both banks reaffirm their commitment to retaining employees, recognizing the essential role of human capital in sustaining success and maintaining institutional balance. They are dedicated to fostering a stable work environment that empowers talented professionals to thrive in this new phase.

Basem Salfiti will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board, while Fahmi Abu Khadra will assume the role of Vice Chairman (subject to board approval). Muntaser Dawwas will be appointed CEO, pending approval from the Central Bank of Jordan. Her Excellency Nadia Al-Saeed, the current CEO, will continue in her role until the transition to the next phase is complete.

The merger will be presented to the general assemblies of both banks in separate extraordinary meetings scheduled for June 25, 2025. This step will initiate the completion of all formal procedures, pending the necessary regulatory approvals from the relevant authorities, notably the Central Bank of Jordan, the Ministry of Industry and Trade / Companies Control Department, and the Jordan Securities Commission.

AMMAN — Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has announced that cardholders in Jordan can add their Visa cards to Google Wallet.

Starting today, Visa cardholders ofArab Bank, InvestBank and Al Rajhi Banking and Investment Corporation (Al Rajhi Bank Jordan) can add their Visa cards totheir Google Wallet on Android and Wear OS devices, allowing payments to be made wherever contactless options are accepted.This integration supports the strong demandfor digital payment options in Jordan, offering locals and tourists alike with the convenience of using their mobile phones for contactless payments.

Security isthe cornerstone of Google Pay as it is based on tokenization, a security-enhancing technology that replaces sensitive cardholder credentials, such as a 16-digit primary account number (PAN), with a token number. Tokenization helps reduce fraud & improve card authorization rates.

Mario Makary, Vice President and Country Manager, for Visa in Levant, commented: “We are excited to show our continued commitment to enhancing Jordan’s digital payment ecosystem through this partnership with Google. Digital wallets are on the rise with mobile phone penetration in Jordan reaching82.3% in early 2025 .With rapid growth within the contactless payment market driven by the shift towards cashless transactions, this is another great option for Jordanians as well as visitors to enjoy the same seamless and secure payment experience worldwide.”

“Google Pay provides a fast, easy and safe way for users to pay with their Android phone or Wear OS device,” said Ben Volk, Vice President and General Manager, Google Pay and Google Wallet. “Users can simply add their debit and credit cards to the Google Wallet app and feel confident that their financial information is safe and secure when they’re making a purchase.”

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.

With so much conflicting information in the market, it's crucial to understand if trading aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.
CFI Financial Group’s pioneering Trading Transparency+ initiative offers the clarity and tools for responsible decision-making.

By Ziad Melhem
Chief Marketing Officer, CFI Financial Group

In an era where access to financial markets is easier than ever, trading has become a popular avenue for many seeking to build wealth or diversify their portfolios. Yet, with the rise of online platforms, traders are increasingly faced with an overwhelming volume of information, advice and predictions, much of it conflicting or misleading. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but the reality is that trading is not for everyone – and even for those it suits, it’s important to approach it with a clear, well-informed mindset.

At CFI Financial Group, we believe the first step in successful trading is understanding whether it aligns with your personal goals and risk tolerance. This is where Trading Transparency+ (TT+) comes in – not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a helpful initiative designed to help individuals assess their readiness for the markets.

An overload of information

One of the most common challenges traders face today is the sheer volume of conflicting information available. While some online platforms promise instant wealth, others promote complicated strategies without explaining the inherent risks. For many, this ‘noise’ leads to confusion, missteps and, at times, significant financial loss. The fast-paced nature of the market can further cloud judgment, particularly for those new to trading.

That’s why transparency matters. Understanding what you’re getting into and having a clear sense of whether trading aligns with your goals is essential for making informed decisions. Trading Transparency+ provides resources and tools to help users do just that.

A simple reality check

One of the more straightforward features of TT+ is the Trading Reality Check tool, available for free on our website (www.cfi.trade/en). This tool offers individuals a chance to evaluate their approach to trading by asking a series of practical, self-reflective questions. It’s not about dissuading anyone from trading, but rather helping them assess whether their current strategy aligns with their broader financial aspirations.

Through this simple process, individuals can identify gaps in their understanding or recognise areas where their approach may be unsustainable or misaligned with their goals. While it’s not a definitive answer, it offers a reality check – an honest tool for self-reflection.

How education leads to responsible trading

Trading is a complex activity and success isn’t guaranteed. It requires knowledge, patience and a solid understanding of the risks involved. The Trading Transparency+ programme is designed to help individuals make more informed decisions by providing educational content on key trading concepts. Topics such as risk management, the realities of market behaviour and the differences between trading and investing are covered through webinars, articles and videos.

We are committed to offering a balanced, fact-based approach to trading education. The goal is to help traders understand the realities of the market and assess whether it fits within their financial picture. After all, sometimes the best decision is to not trade – or at least not to trade certain products or markets that may not align with personal goals or risk tolerance.

Making the right decision

The purpose of Trading Transparency+ is not to promote a specific product or strategy but to help people make better, more informed decisions about whether trading is right for them. By offering insights, resources and self-assessment tools, we aim to cut through the confusion and provide clarity in a crowded, often noisy space.

At CFI, we believe in the importance of transparency and education in any financial journey. The mission of TT+ is simple – to help individuals assess whether trading fits with their goals and whether it’s a suitable financial tool for them. For some, that might mean focused research into the markets with the right knowledge and tools; for others, it might mean stepping back and reassessing their approach. Whatever the outcome, the decision will be better informed.

Clarity, not sales

We aren’t here to sell anyone on trading. Instead, our focus with Trading Transparency+ is on providing the resources that enable individuals to make thoughtful, responsible decisions about their financial futures. Ultimately it’s about understanding the broader context of trading – how it fits into your financial goals, your risk profile and your long-term aspirations.

In a world of endless chatter, clarity is a powerful asset. At CFI Financial Group, we are committed to offering transparency, education and tools to help you make the right decision – whether that decision is to engage in trading or pursue another path entirely.

Note to Editor: 

About CFI: CFI Financial Group, established in 1998, is MENA's leading online trading broker with over 25 years of experience. Operating from key locations like London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cape Town, Baku, Beirut, Amman, and Cairo, CFI provides seamless access to both global and local markets. Offering diverse trading options across equities, currencies, commodities, and more, CFI delivers superior conditions, including zero-pip spreads, no commission fees, and ultra-fast execution.

The company offers intuitive and advanced solutions for traders of all experience levels. CFI fosters financial literacy through multilingual educational content and inspires excellence through partnerships with global icons like AC Milan, FIBA WASL, and MI Cape Town cricket team, as well as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. With Seven-Time Formula One™ World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton as Global Brand Ambassador, CFI reflects a shared commitment to innovation and success while supporting cultural and community initiatives worldwide.

For more information: www.cfi.trade

Media Inquiries: Cecilia Natalia Hage, Global PR & Communications Manager, [email protected]

AMMAN — Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and manufacturers of hygienic paper products, is proud to announce that it has received its first-ever CDP SME Climate Score. This recognition marks a key milestone in FHH’s commitment to sustainability, transparency, and climate action.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a global non-profitorganization that helps companies measure, disclose, and manage their environmental impact through the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system. The score evaluates key sustainability areas, including carbon emissions, energy usage, climate risks, and overall sustainability strategies.

Fine Hygienic Holding has achieved a C rating—the second highest grade awarded this year by the CDP—underscoring the company’s dedication to tracking and reporting its environmental footprint. This milestone reflects FHH’s progress in climate transparency and accountability, laying the foundation for further improvement.

Commenting on the achievement, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Engineer Maen Tabari, stated: “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. As a manufacturing group we recognize that environmental responsibility is integral to our mission. This score motivates us to continue enhancing our sustainability efforts, reducing our carbon footprint, and driving meaningful change for the future. We are at the forefront of the industry, continually raising the bar and never hesitating to go one step further in innovation and excellence.”

FHH remains committed to integrating sustainable practices across its operations and will continue advancing its environmental initiatives in the years ahead. The group has been recognized with numerous awards and certifications, including the prestigious Excellence in Sustainability Environmental Certificate from CHEP, a global provider of supply chain solutions, as well as the EcoVadis Silver Rating.

• Visa has signed a two-year contract with award-winning football coach and former Barcelona captain Pep Guardiola to celebrate the power of Small Steps in achieving greatness
• Football fans stand a chance to attend meet-and-greets, win signed items, and watch a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match with the legendary football manager

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in payments, has announced a new partnership with legendary football manager Pep Guardiola. As part of the two-year collaboration, Visa cardholders and football fans in the region will have the opportunity to benefit from exclusive experiences that will be offered through banking partners.

The widely celebrated coach, known for his leadership of prominent football clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, joins Visa on a mission to provide unparalleled experiences to fans in the region. Visa cardholders will have access to meet-and-greet events, attend a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match alongside Guardiola, and win items personally signed by the history-making manager.

Pep Guardiola commented: “Today, I’m proud to join Visa on a mission to delight football fans. Visa and I share a common goal of crafting unforgettable experiences. In the world of sports, we are always striving to create memorable moments that can last a lifetime – and I look forward to doing just that through this partnership.”

Tarek Abdalla, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), stated: “We are delighted to join forces with Pep Guardiola, a giant of the game, who is admired around the world for redefining how football is played and building some of the most successful teams of the modern era.”

Abdalla continued: “Pep embodies the power of small steps, demonstrating that consistent, incremental progress can lead to monumental achievements. His philosophy aligns perfectly with Visa’s mission of helping individuals and businesses move one step closer to who they want to be”.

Guardiola, hailed as one of the greatest football managers of all time, has helped secure six Premier League titles at the helm of Manchester City. He holds the record for the most consecutive league victories in La Liga, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League, and is the only manager in history to win the European treble twice in the men’s game.

As a leader in digital payments, Visa aims to empower individuals, merchants, and businesses to take a step closer to their own goals and ambitions, providing innovative solutions, impactful initiatives, and a comprehensive suite of products and services that enable global aspirations—one tap, swipe, or click at a time. Just as Guardiola’s success is built on small, consistent steps, Visa believes that every small step can lead to significant achievements, helping individual and businesses reach their dreams and aspirations.

AMMAN — The Jordanian electronic payments company "MadfoatCom" announced on Saturday during a meeting at the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), attended by the CBJ governor and the company’s shareholders, that it has completed the onboarding of new strategic investors.

The new investors include Basata Holding from Egypt (acquiring a 25 per cent stake), the Social Security Investment Fund (7 per cent), the Arab Bank, the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, the Jordan Islamic Bank, and Jordan Kuwait Bank. 

These banks join the existing shareholder banks, Capital Bank of Jordan, Bank al Etihad, and Cairo Amman Bank, bringing the total banking sector ownership in the company to over 50 per cent.

Founded in 2011, MadfoatCom continues to operate and manage the eFAWATEERcom system under the supervision of the CBJ. 

The system, launched in the summer of 2014, connects banks operating in Jordan with billing entities through a single secure platform. 

It enables citizens to view their monthly bills from various service providers, check their amounts, and make electronic payments through multiple channels, including ATMs, online banking, and mobile payment applications provided by the company, banks, and electronic payment service providers.

Basata Holding is one of the largest electronic payment service providers in Egypt. The company offers a range of digital payment solutions and services through various payment channels and a nationwide network of point-of-sale terminals. 

Its offerings include bill payments, money transfers, collections, and mobile and e-wallet payments, as well as tailored collection solutions for merchants and customers.

MadfoatCom emphasised the significance of this investment in strengthening cooperation between the Jordanian and Egyptian markets, as well as in expanding its business operations. 

The company is particularly focused on growing in its existing markets and exploring new opportunities abroad, aligning with the strategic vision of its shareholders. 

The vision highlights the importance of digital payments and electronic transactions, which are poised for substantial growth and adoption in Jordan and beyond.

The onboarding of new shareholders was successfully facilitated with the support of New York-based Anniston Capital, Inc., Imara Asset Management, Al Tamimi & Co. Law Firm, and International Business Legal Associates, in collaboration with MadfoatCom’s internal team.

AMMAN — Orange Jordan started off the year on a "high note" taking a quantum leap in the customer experience arena with the launch of its first-of-a-kind application “Max it”, serving as an All-in-One super app. 

The launch took place during a press conference organised under the patronage of Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat, according to an Orange Jordan statement. 

This step while embodying “Orange is Here”, reveals the “one application for everything” concept to customers elevating their whole experience in unprecedented ways. The launch was announced during a press conference that was attended by the Orange’s executive management and media representatives.

The all-in-one new super app enables customers to manage My Orange, jood, Roamkit, Weinak, and Orange Money in one place. It was designed to serve the purpose of being their destination for the new features including multi-line management and the marketplace where customers can explore and purchase Orange’s products including the non-telco products, in addition to the reward feature.

CEO of Orange Jordan Philippe Mansour emphasised that this launch further solidifies Orange’s position as the "true responsible digital leader." The super app “Max it” will be reshaping the future of customers' experience as they will no longer need to download more than one application to manage their multiple requirements. Furthermore, Orange’s customers and other networks’ subscribers will be benefiting from the new application and its revolutionary features.

Mansour also expressed his pride in Orange’s vision that is coupled with the team’s continued efforts and the "global expertise" to transform the whole experience of the customers in Jordan. The result is nothing but a breakthrough in the digital scene.

Given Orange’s belief that the educational part should go hand in hand with the new products and services, it conducted a panel discussion on the sidelines of the press conference. Experts from Orange discussed the advantages of the application in detail and how customers can smoothly transition to it without affecting their current experience. They also shed light on the company’s future plans with regard to the application, in particular and the customer experience in general.

Max it, which embodies Orange’s spirit of innovation in Africa and the Middle East, has already been launched in several countries and will soon be expanded to other countries where Orange is present in the region.