Zitouna is the first bank in Tunisia to introduce innovative services adapted to Islamic financial practices. The newly opened bank is also the first in the country to offer instant issuance and on-the-spot delivery of payment cards that enable its customers to use their new payment cards immediately.

The Dexxis Instant Issuance solution forms a part of Zitouna's marketing strategy to differentiate its offers while offering the same high security level and quality of service as in traditional large-volume personalization methods. Gemalto, in cooperation with local system integrator Bull Tunisia, has already installed the personalization stations, software and equipment, in ten Zitouna branches around the country.

The ability to immediately deliver a new payment card in the consumer's hands enables Zitouna to develop a preferred relationship with their customers. In particular, this customer proximity becomes a key asset in providing the unbanked with access to banking services. The Gemalto solution provides a simple and convenient means for consumers to open a bank account and leave the branch with their new payment card in-hand, ready to be used.

"We decided to implement an instant issuance solution in order to greatly facilitate our clients' subscription to a payment card," commented a Zitouna Bank spokesperson. "Zitouna is extremely satisfied with the level of support that Gemalto provided, enabling the project deployment in record time - less than two months!".

"As a brand new bank entering the Tunisian market, Zitouna naturally aims to offer top-level service to its customers," added Philippe Cambriel, Executive Vice President, Gemalto. "This project illustrates our capabilities and determination in accompanying our customers from A to Z, to ensure the full success of their new service rollout."