HNB showcases Club Elite Mastercard experience with Maldives preview

HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte delivering the welcome address at the Club Elite Metal Mastercard preview event in the Maldives

HNB PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, recently hosted an exclusive experience event in the Maldives to highlight the lifestyle benefits of its invitation-only the Club Elite metal Mastercard. The curated two-day program brought together over 40 affluent customers, offering a firsthand glimpse into the privileges and premium service ecosystem that the Club Elite card represents. 

Held at SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Hilton Curio Collection property, the event reflected HNB’s commitment to engaging its most valued clientele through personalised and memorable experiences. Guests enjoyed a blend of fine dining and leisure activities, mirroring the card’s global benefits and luxury lifestyle positioning. 

This event marked the first in a series of planned touchpoints aimed at creating deeper, experience-led connections with HNB’s private banking segment. 

Launched in Sri Lanka in February 2025, Club Elite is the country’s first-ever Mastercard World Elite metal card. Crafted in metal and equipped with dual Tap and Pay functionality—unlike most metal cards that offer contactless payment on only one side—the HNB cards support contactless transactions on both sides. Designed exclusively for HNB’s ultra-high-net-worth customers, the card combines cutting-edge technology with premium lifestyle access, offering services ranging from global concierge assistance to luxury travel upgrades, elite golf access, and curated retail partnerships. 

Commenting on the occasion, HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte said: “Club Elite signals a new chapter in premium banking—defined by access, discretion, and elevated experiences. This event allowed us to engage with our most valued clients and showcase the lifestyle privileges that come with Club Elite. Our commitment is to deliver value, trust, and seamless global integration for clients who expect the highest standards.” 

Cardholders enjoy access to Mastercard’s Priceless Specials platform, as well as exclusive privileges with local partners, including Cinnamon Holidays, ITC Ratnadipa, Galle Face Hotel, LOVI Ceylon, Tiesh, among others. They also receive upgrades with global hotel groups through GHA Discovery, complimentary green fees at 48 premier golf courses across Asia-Pacific, and private event invitations tailored to their interests. 

Mastercard Country Manager – Sri Lanka and Maldives Sandun Hapugoda said: “The Club Elite experience in the Maldives is a perfect reflection of what Mastercard stands for— privileged access, meaningful engagement, and elevated living. We’re delighted to collaborate with HNB in crafting a journey that goes beyond transactions, delivering experiences that are refined, relevant, and deeply personal to each cardholder.” 

The production and personalisation of the Club Elite metal cards were handled by IDEMIA, a global leader in identity technology and payment solutions. The card features dual-interface contactless payment capabilities while maintaining a sleek, tactile finish for ease of everyday use. 

IDEMIA SVP – APAC and India Payment Services Romain Zanolo stated: “We are proud to partner with HNB and Mastercard to set new benchmarks in premium banking, offering clients a lifestyle companion that redefines exclusivity. This collaboration underscores IDEMIA’s leadership in high-end payment solutions and reflects our shared commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s payments landscape.” 

HNB’s Club Elite offering also includes a dedicated service team and personalised financial guidance for its elite clientele.