Bank of Beirut announced the launch of an innovative digital student initiative in collaboration with Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), Visa, and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) in line with its leadership in developing innovative banking solutions and its continued support for the educational sector in Lebanon.

The initiative aims to empower students with integrated digital financial services that connect them to the world and simplify their academic and daily lives.

This initiative comes within Bank of Beirut’s strategy to promote a culture of innovation and financial inclusion, through the introduction of a smart card that combines university identity with a digital banking card.

The card enables students to make secure payments locally and abroad, while also granting access to more than 150,000 benefits and services in 114 countries through the ISIC and Visa global networks.

Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) is one of Lebanon’s leading academic institutions, known for its forward-looking educational vision and international partnerships that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The university offers comprehensive academic programs that blend high-level scholarship with practical experience, preparing students to integrate efficiently into modern job markets.

In this context, Mr. George Aouad, Director - Consumer Banking Division & Branches Network at Bank of Beirut, said:

“At Bank of Beirut, we believe that investing in youth is an investment in the nation’s future. Through our partnership with NDU, Visa, and ISIC, we aim to equip Lebanese students with advanced digital solutions that accompany them throughout their academic journey and provide a modern, secure banking experience.”

As for NDU President Father Bechara Khoury, he emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating:
"Even amid the ongoing challenges facing our economy and financial sector, NDU, recognized for its wide range of academic programs, particularly in economics and digital economy, remains committed to working with institutions and initiatives that promote innovative perspectives in this area. The digital economy has become a key pillar of the global economic landscape, with cryptocurrencies representing one of its most notable developments. This collaboration with Bank of Beirut turns these initiatives from theory into practice and provides students with a valuable opportunity to engage in this emerging field while gaining both practical and academic experience, equipping them to become leaders who can apply this knowledge within the evolving digital economy”.

For his part, Mr. Mario Makary, Vice President and Country General Manager at Visa, stated:

“We are proud at Visa to partner with Bank of Beirut and NDU to launch an initiative that brings students closer to a world of opportunities. Our goal is to provide them with safe, easy-to-use payment solutions that enable them to confidently engage in the global digital economy.”

This collaboration between Bank of Beirut and NDU represents a forward-looking model for synergy between education and financial innovation. It reflects the joint commitment of both institutions to empower Lebanese youth with the digital tools and knowledge that open pathways to success in their academic and professional lives — reaffirming Lebanon’s role as a hub for innovation in education and financial technology.