The Competition Commission of Singapore Closes Its Inquiry into the NETS Affinity Programme

(Date issued: 19 Dec 07)

1. The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) today announced that it has closed its inquiry into the Network for Electronic Transfers Singapore (NETS) Affinity Programme (AP). 

2. Based on available information, the CCS has assessed that NETS AP does not infringe the section 47 prohibition of the Competition Act. 

3. Taking into account relevant factors such as the terms and conditions of the AP as well as the amount of discount offered by the AP, the CCS is of the view that the AP is unlikely to exclude NETS’ competitors.

4. The introduction of this discount scheme is likely to result in more merchants accepting NETS. Hence, consumers will have an added choice of using NETS at the stores of AP merchants.

5. Further, the CCS notes that the AP allows merchants to accept other forms of cashless payment, except that they will have to forgo the discount offered by the AP.

6. Notwithstanding the above considerations, the CCS may revisit the matter if a material change in circumstances arises with respect to the AP.

Notes to Editor:

1. The Affinity Programme is a voluntary discount scheme for merchants who have offered only NETS and no other cashless payment systems for 12 months before they join the AP and who intend to continue to do so thereafter.

2. Merchants who join the Affinity Programme are entitled to a discount of up to 25 basis points on the Merchant Service Charge paid to NETS. Merchants cease to be eligible for the discount should they decide to offer other forms of cashless payment. No other penalties are imposed for dropping out of the AP.

3. On 2 July 2007, the CCS commenced inquiries into NETS’ Affinity Programme, which was launched by NETS on 1 July 2007. The CCS subsequently received a complaint from the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) on the AP.

4. Informal inquiries are distinct from formal investigations undertaken by the CCS. Formal investigations are undertaken only when the CCS is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that there has been an infringement of the Competition Act.