First Nation Bands to Benefit From Innovative Payment Solution

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - February 23, 2015) - Visa Canada, DCR Strategies Inc., and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) today announced a new AMC reloadable prepaid product for participating bands across Canada that will streamline payment distribution using direct deposit capabilities and provide band members with more convenient and affordable access to funds.

An optional mobile wallet will also be made available with the AMC Financial prepaid card that will allow band members the convenience of transferring funds from one family member to another and will provide money management capabilities as users can view their detailed transaction history on the app. A loyalty component will also be part of the overall product within participating First Nation communities.

"We're pleased to partner with DCR Strategies to bring a new payment system to our First Nation communities that will empower our citizens to securely receive payments from employment and other sources, and have immediate access to their resources and the e-commerce marketplace that so many Canadians take for granted," said Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. "The card's built-in loyalty will also help support our local economy and moving from cheques to electronic payments will help lower band operating costs."

"We developed a unique partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to understand the primary needs of the bands when developing the AMC prepaid card and mobile app. We're proud that the resulting payment solution will improve operational efficiencies, support local businesses, and provide a money management tool," said Diana Fletcher, President of DCR Strategies Inc.

The prepaid cards with built-in loyalty will be open loop, reloadable cards that can be used for deposits, ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, bill payments, and online shopping. Numerous bands have signed on to offer the AMC prepaid cards to their members with more bands expected to join. The AMC reloadable prepaid card is issued by Home Trust Company.

"As a leader in prepaid solutions, we are pleased that participating bands in the First Nations communities will have access to a secure Visa prepaid solution that will fit their needs and enable them to confidently manage deposits, everyday spending, and bill payments," said Rob Nicholson, Head of Commercial and Prepaid Product, Visa Canada.

Honoured wherever Visa is accepted, the AMC prepaid card will offer the security of Zero Liability, available on all Visa products, where cardholders are not liable for unauthorized use if their card is lost, stolen or if the card number is used fraudulently. Complete details about Visa's Zero Liability policy are available at www.visa.ca.

About the Assembly of the Manitoba Chiefs

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is a political organization that is comprised of membership of more than 60 First Nations in Manitoba. The AMC incorporated an investment company, AMC Financial and Executive Management Services Inc. (AMCFEMS), in 2014 to address gaps in financial service to First Nations communities and their members. AMCFEMS is a for-profit entity that will engage in a variety economic initiatives and provide own source revenues to the AMC. AMCFEMS is governed by a Board of Directors including highly qualified business and legal professionals.

About DCR Strategies Inc. | TruCash

DCR Strategies Inc., is an international leader in program management for Incentive-based Prepaid Cards, Debit Cards, Loyalty Products, Payroll and Government Solutions, along with the unique proprietary points-to-cash Loyalty Platform, TruCash. From flexible payment products to proven loyalty solutions, DCR Strategies Inc. (DCR) brings ideas and technology together to help satisfy the world's payment and affinity needs. Founded in 2002, DCR has grown to become a market leader in the prepaid and loyalty space servicing more than 30 global markets with hundreds of customers that reach millions of users all around the world. A thought leader in the prepaid space, DCR Strategies is also on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+.

About Visa

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world's most advanced processing networks -- VisaNet -- that is capable of handling more than 56,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead of time with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit corporate.visa.com and @VisaNewsCA.