American Express (NYSE:AXP) was notified today that the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has granted preparatory approval for a clearing and settlement license in mainland China. American Express can now begin building a network business to process domestic, RMB transactions through its joint-venture in mainland China.
American Express has formed a joint-venture with Chinese fintech services company LianLian to build a network business that will enable charges on American Express branded cards to be cleared and settled domestically by the joint-venture. The joint-venture is registered as Express (Hangzhou) Technology Services Company (Express Company).
American Express Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Squeri said, “We are pleased to be the first foreign payments network allowed to build a network in mainland China. This is an important next step toward being able to bring the benefits and services of our global network to Chinese customers and expanding the ability of our global Card Members to use their American Express Cards in mainland China. We are also pleased to be working alongside LianLian, a long-term partner of American Express.”
LianLian Chairman Dixon Zhang said, “This is exciting news. LianLian will work together with American Express to seize this opportunity and do all the necessary preparatory work in accordance with relevant laws and regulations and with the guidance and assistance of the regulatory authorities.”
Express Company CEO Walter Liu said, “We are pleased that the PBOC has given us preparatory approval for a clearing and settlement license in mainland China. As a joint-venture, we will bring together the power of American Express’ global brand and network, and the local knowledge, resources and experience of LianLian.”
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.comand connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress,linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, InAuth, corporate card, business travel, and corporate responsibility.
ABOUT LIANLIAN
Lianlian is a leading fintech services company in China, providing industry customers with innovative fintech solutions and promoting economic growth based on its key strengths in mobile internet, block chain, big data, and artificial intelligence.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
Fritz Quinn
+011 852 2811 6638
william.f.quinn@aexp.com
Leah Gerstner
212-640-3174
leah.m.gerstner@aexp.com