Bankard IQ Net Income Upswing Ninefold

May 7, 1999 PSE CIRCULAR FOR BROKERS NO. 1008-99 Bankard IQ Net Income Upswing Ninefold Bankard, Inc. reported an unprecedented growth in net income during the 1st quarter of 1999. Year on year, 1st quarter net income of P22.2 million is 9 times better than the same period last year of P2.4 million. This was largely brought about by the company's continuing reduction of its non-performing loans (NPLs), improved operating efficiency, and strong brand equity in the market. For the rest of 1999, Bankard, Inc. will continue to move toward advanced-technology card products via the full conversion of its local card to the multifunction smart card Bankard MFI, and the revitalization of its Bankard One and Bankard E-Cash programs. Bankard E-Cash, in particular, will be aggressively utilized for rewards for loyalty under the Smart Money Program. In addition, applications in public pay phones and mass transit systems are being planned for. Bankard Visa has been relaunched in the second quarter using a more advanced service delivery backbone via the SEMA Group of Hong Kong. llcd Nearing completion are new systems provided by the SEMA Group, an integrated-backroom-solutions service provider for card companies worldwide, and Fair Isaac, an international developer of advanced credit-scoring technology. This May, the company has also transferred to its new office headquarters at the Robinson's-PCIBank Tower along ADB Avenue in Ortigas Center. The new offices, occupying four floors beginning on the 28th, feature better integrated spaces for more efficient work flow for increased productivity, and state-of-the-art equipment for faster delivery of service. The new systems backbone and premises is a step forward towards the company's vision of bringing world-class service quality to its cardholders. Bankard, Inc. offers its cardholders 10 benefit maximizers that are the firsts in the credit card industry. These are: o Bankard One launched in 1995, it's the world's first installment smart card that needs no signature, no card verification, no charge slip, and choice of up to 30 months installment term. o Bankard E-Cash launched in 1996, it's the country's first reloadable electronic cash card for small, everyday payments in supermarkets, gas stations, movie houses, fast-food outlets and audio/video shops. o Bankard Card Protection Program (BCPP) launched in 1988, it's the first unique lost-card protection program. It now also includes travel and purchase damage protection. o Bankard TicketCharge launched in 1994, it's the first to offer ticket reservations via phone for ballet, theater, concerts in Manila and the West End. The Bankard TicketCharge Performing Arts Season, an annual event, is a creative showcase unequaled by other credit card companies. o Bankard Credit Shield launched in 1994, it's the first to offer credit protection to the cardmember in case of temporary or permanent unemployment. o Bankard Airmiles launched in 1996, it's the first credit card air-mileage program that lets cardmembers travel for free or at huge price-offs to any choice destination in the world and serviced exclusively in-house by Bankard Travel Services. o Bankard InterActive launched in 1997, its the first telephone interactive and automated voice response system of its kind in the credit card industry to serve cardholder requests and inquiries 24 hours a day. o Bankard Webzine launched in 1998, it's the country's first online magazine published by a credit card company to its cardmembers. It also accepts an online customer service e-mail and card-application service, and soon an online payment facility for utility bills, periodical subscriptions and others. o Bankard SmartMoney launched this year, it's the first loyalty program using electronic cash card. o Bankard WorldPhone soon to be launched this year, it's the first call card offered to cardholders that allows them to make local and international calls at significantly reduced rates. This unmatched track record of offering "firsts" is in line with Bankard's commitment of putting its cardholders ahead of the rest.