Europe’s division of the technology leader Mastercard opens a long awaited local representative office in Skopje.
“Mastercard was the first card issued in the Republic of North Macedonia and in the past twenty five years, we have seen the country stand out as an innovative and forward-looking society on the Balkans, committed to digital economy development, top quality consumer UX and electronic banking services. Opening the local representative office is a natural evolution and eagerly awaited by our valuable partners in the Republic of North Macedonia.” said Vanya Manova, Country Manager for Mastercard North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania and Kosovo
We are proud that Mastercard has continuously invested in development of contactless NFC payments infrastructure and eco system, so that now we can celebrate 100% contactless POS acceptance in the country. Mastercard prides also on a remarkable footprint and relationship with all key stakeholders on the market. We are co-finder and main supporter of The Macedonian e-Commerce Association, striving for top quality of digital experience and peace of mind for the daily purchases of all Macedonian citizens. Opening the local representative office is a natural evolution and eagerly awaited by our valuable partners in the Republic of North Macedonia.” said Vanya Manova, Country Manager for Mastercard North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania and Kosovo.
One excellent example for local cooperation of Mastercard on Macedonian market is marked by the history of growth through the partnership with Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje since 1995:
“Back in December 1995, as a leading Bank in payment innovation and technology, Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje was the first bank that issued a card from an international brand – the branded Mastercard. The first ATM and POS in the country were also introduced by our bank in 1996, when the first digital payment was made.” said Kiro Chadikovski, MSc, Manager of Cards and Payment accounts Department, Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje. “During all these years, as the market tends to develop limitless possibilities in the field of banking, cards and digitalization, thanks to the solid collaboration, support and partnership with Mastercard, our bank keeps introducing new banking solutions maintaining the leading position in the field of digital transformation and card operations on the Macedonian market.”
According to Mastercard Trends research and analysis, card payments in the Republic of North Macedonia are growing by double digit on an yearly basis, the value of debit card payments nearly doubled since 2019.
Mastercard is pleased also to announce the appointment of Bartosz Ciolkowski as General Manager for Southeast Europe, North Macedonia among the ten markets of this constantly growing business region. In his new role, Ciolkowski will be responsible for implementing strategy for development of electronic payments and working with business and government partners. Ciolkowski joined Mastercard in 2005. He previously held the role of General Manager for Poland, where he significantly contributed to the dynamic development of the electronic payments sector through the introduction of innovative solutions and products, as well as the expansion of the acceptance network. He played a pivotal role in establishing Cashless Poland Foundation and in Mastercard’s investment in the Polish Payment Standard (PSP), the owner of BLIK.
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