Let us tell you our story
Curating a new world in an evolving era
Let us tell you our story
After commencing operations in 1996 as a travel-related service and payment card provider, we have since grown into an all-encompassing global luxury consultancy service. We have constructed a 360-degree offering which is tailored and bespoke to the needs of each member, who has 24/7 access to our dedicated in-house lifestyle team.
1996
SBS WORLD SERVICE (INSIGNIA), THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT AND TRAVEL COMPANY, IS FOUNDED
U/HNW clients in emerging markets predominantly the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and Eastern Europe are eager to travel the world. They require bespoke travel itineraries, providing them with information on where to stay, what to see, and how to navigate their surroundings. There is consequently the demand for a service managed by experts who can book holidays and plan experiences down to the most intricate details.
1997
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS IS FORGED
After gaining access to a host of exclusive events and designing world-class experiences for our clients, it becomes apparent that there is a gap in the market for payment card issuance. The unique financial environment of Eastern Europe and CIS countries results in clients not always having access to a traditional banking infrastructure to settle bills quickly and easily; there is a strong demand from our clients for a solution to these issues.
2000
SBS WORLD SERVICE (INSIGNIA) EXTENDS ITS PARTNER NETWORK
We expand our co-branded card programme to include Royal Bank of Scotland, Merrill Lynch, MBNA, and Danske Bank, as well as securing the Visa and Mastercard platforms. This allows us to design a range of cards that offer a suite of features, increasing the flexibility and range of client spending.
2001
SBS WORLD SERVICE (INSIGNIA) LAUNCHES ITS FIRST BRANDED CARD
Following the successful rollout of many partner-branded cards, we launch the Elite Card as our first branded premium payment solution. The card’s popularity paves the way for our portfolio of fully branded cards.
2002
LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE IS FOUNDED
Lifestyle Boutique is launched and builds upon the company’s existing travel operations to provide a full-service lifestyle management offering. The service is led by our robust client-servicing operations, composed of highly skilled specialists in travel, as well as lifestyle managers and experts in specific fields such as yachts, jets, wine, fine art, and jewellery.
2003
THE ROYAL CARD IS LAUNCHED
After analysing our core financial offering and the benefits tailored to our ultra-wealthy client base, we develop the Royal Card. This is the first of our cards to offer the benefit of a dedicated 24/7/365 Personal Assistant, available to serve the cardmember’s every requirement anywhere and everywhere.
2004
THE ELITE CARD IS UPDATED WITH THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY PROGRAMME
After recognising that the majority of our core clients have numerous dependants for whom they are financially responsible, we identify another gap in the market for electronic payment solutions and develop an innovative new programme to meet this need.
2005
THE GLAMOUR CARD IS LAUNCHED
As clients continue to enjoy the Royal Card, it becomes apparent that there is a demand for products and services tailored towards those leading the most glamorous lifestyles. While the Glamour Card is developed to reflect the benefits offered by the Royal Card, it also gives members effortless access to an exclusive world of fashion, delivered by the luxury experts working within Lifestyle Boutique.
2010
THE LABEL CARD IS LAUNCHED
Having identified purchasing patterns among members and their dependants, we recognise yet another market gap: a payment solution that covers frequent and extensive travel with high spending.
2011
INSIGNIA CARDS LIMITED IS FOUNDED
More than a decade after our first partnership with a payment card provider, we identify and seize the opportunity to take full control of our payment solution products.
2012
INSIGNIA CARDS LIMITED IS GRANTED A PAYMENT INSTITUTION LICENCE
We begin to supply our payment-card products to existing Insignia cardmembers, licenced under the regulations of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), which enables us to issue payment cards to clients directly.
2013
INSIGNIA OBTAINS PRINCIPAL MEMBER STATUS FROM VISA
Working with the largest payment service provider in the world enables us to increase the breadth and depth of the services we deliver. Principal Membership allows us to issue cards under Visa Infinite the most exclusive package offered by the payment network.
2014
THE PLATINUM PERSONAL AND BUSINESS CARDS ARE LAUNCHED
We create a pair of payment-card products — one for the individual and one for business — offering financial and lifestyle benefits that include a 24/7/365 lifestyle management service.
2015
THE SPORTING EVENTS APP, V-LOUNGE,ONLINE SHOPPING PORTAL, THE VOICE OF LUXURY ARE FINALISED & GO LIVE
Our clients’ demand for sporting-event tickets, mainly European football matches, motivates the development of our mobile app V-Lounge. This app allows clients to browse the world’s most prestigious sporting events and secure hard-to-obtain tickets and VIP access. Driven by a host of thriving digital retail and social platforms, a surge of interest in high-end fashion brands inspires us to create The Voice of Luxury, an online shopping platform.
2016
INSIGNIA EMBARKS UPON ITS FIRST WHITE-LABEL PROJECT AND LAUNCHES THE UNIVERSE CARD
After building a relationship with us while settling clients’ Insignia payment card accounts, the directors of Bordier & Cie become aware of both the quality of our account management and the exceptional capabilities of our Lifestyle Boutique service. We also launch the Universe Card to answer a specific need for privacy and discretion. The card withholds the bearer’s name offering confidentiality for individuals conscious of disclosing their identity.
2017
THE JEWELLERY CARD IS LAUNCHED
Following a concentrated period of increased market reach and findings from our expanded cardmember base, we developed a remarkable collection of art jewellery cards. Each Jewellery Card is unique, featuring a bespoke design brought to life by highly skilled lapidaries who embellish a solid 14-carat-gold structure with precious gems and natural materials to create magnificent statement pieces. The Jewellery Card comes with a plastic Black Card companion card which is also available as a standalone super-premium card.
2018
THE C BY INSIGNIA SUPER-PREMIUM CORPORATE CARD IS LAUNCHED
C by Insignia is a market-first corporate payment solution developed for top-tier executives. Created for businesses that demand an exceptional level of support for high-flying senior management, C by Insignia’s flexible suite of payment cards is underpinned by our high-end travel and lifestyle management service.
2019
INSIGNIA OPENS AN OFFICE IN NEW YORK CITY IN A JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP WITH CERTARES, A NEW HQ IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AND LAUNCHES ITS REWARDS POINTS PROGRAMME
Insignia officially launches a new office in New York City to serve the US market in a joint venture with Certares. This partnership aims to expand over the coming years into a global business servicing U/HNWIs. This comes after the exponential expansion of our loyalty points programme, Insignia Rewards. Towards the end of the year, Insignia opens its Dubai office.
2020
WE LAUNCH INSIGNIA CONNECT
In conjunction with our long-standing partner, Vodafone, we launch the Insignia Connect programme. Featuring heavily discounted mobile roaming rates, Insignia Connect also takes advantage of the Voice of Luxury platform and Lifestyle Boutique to create an all-encompassing mobile tech offering.
2021
INSIGNIA UNVEILS ITS NEW HEADQUARTERS
As a testament to our growth and global ambitions, Insignia's new headquarters in the vibrant city of Dubai is unveiled. This strategic location presents a compelling gateway to connect with the thriving market of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the region.
2022
A NEW BANKING APP AND METAL CONTACTLESS CARDS ARE INTRODUCED
Insignia introduces a cutting-edge mobile banking app, revolutionising how our members manage their finances. We also launch metal and contactless cards, offering enhanced security and convenience in financial transactions.
2023
INSIGNIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING SEVERAL EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND PRODUCTS
We launch Insignia Jets and beta-test the Wellness Card. We also unveil new cards and partnerships, including the Billionaire Card with Billionaire Society, Henley Global Citizens with Henley & Partners, and the Royal Polo Club Card with the Al Habtoor Group.
2024
OUR VISION OF A WORLD OF ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES REMAINS CRYSTAL CLEAR
Insignia plans to launch the Insignia Digital Bank and three card programmes, including the Gourmet, Fashion, and Global Soccer Card. We also plan to expand our regulatory portfolio with additional licenses in Europe and Asia, open four new offices in Miami, Monaco, Zurich, and Singapore and announce 12 exciting events to support global product launches.
Our values
Creative
Be unrivalled in everything you do, with ambition and passion. Delve deeper into details until you understand every aspect of the problem then face it with a creative solution. Logic, reason and quality prevail over everything else in decision making at Insignia.
Connected
Belong to a global community, working collectively as a united force to service some of the most elite clientele. Welcome and respect everyone, creating an inclusive and cross functional environment for all.
Dedicated
Insignia is all about results and making the impossible happen for our clients and our business. We believe in the importance of great work ethic and we will bet on people who have drive.
Exemplary
Love and understand your customers, keeping them front of mind. Exceed their expectations by delivering unforgettable experiences that will not only wow our clients but ourselves also.
Revolutionary
Disrupt the status quo and embrace innovation with a curious mindset. Make courageous decisions, searching for new ways to shape the future.
Our Vision
To become an unrivalled global leader in lifestyle management and financial services for both ultra/high-net-worth individuals
Insignia in the press
'Highly personalised and exclusive services to those who
want to experience the best life has to offer.'
'Inside the $225,000 Oscars 2020 Gift Bag'
'Move over AmEx, here are by invitiation credit cards that cost $200,000'
'When AmEx Black Just Won't Do: A Gem-encrusted Card for .001%'
'The service is like having an invisible companion'
'British lifestyle management company takes the sting out of travel and daily life elevating it all to a lovely new life form'
'When you're exorbitantly rich, you can afford not to fret over things like your 15th wedding anniversary - at least if you're an Insignia member'
