Brand Usage Policy

‍

1. Purpose

This Policy defines the rules and best practices for the proper use of the Akua, Mastercard®, Visa®, and other brands represented by Akua Ops LLC and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with official brand guidelines and preserving the integrity, reputation, and consistency of institutional communication.

‍

Akua is authorized to operate as a licensed acquirer of Mastercard® and Visa® for the processing and settlement of payment transactions.

‍

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, business partners, sub-acquirers, service providers, representatives, marketing agencies, and merchant establishments affiliated with Akua.

‍
It covers all types of brand usage, including:

‍

  • Marketing, advertising, and institutional communication materials;
  • Digital platforms (website, apps, social media);
  • Contracts and commercial communications;
  • Physical materials, displays, and point-of-sale (POS) signage.

3. General Brand Usage Guidelines

3.1 Authorized Use

The use of Akua, Visa®, and Mastercard® brands is only permitted:

‍

  • When previously approved by Akua’s Marketing, Compliance, or Legal team;
  • In accordance with the official brand identity guidelines provided by the brands, including the Mastercard Brand Center and Visa POS Brand Guidelines.

4. Mandatory Requirements

4.1 Use of Official Files

All usage of Mastercard® and Visa® logos must exclusively use the official files provided by their respective Brand Centers.

‍

Any alteration of the artwork—including colors, proportions, elements, typography, or positioning—or creation of unauthorized versions is prohibited.

‍

4.2 Colors and Allowed Versions

  • The Mastercard Symbol must be reproduced in full color at acceptance points and in digital card representations.
  • Grayscale or solid versions may only be used when technically necessary, as permitted in the Brand Center.
  • Reproductions must strictly follow the RGB, HEX, CMYK, and PANTONE color values defined by the brands.
  • The Visa® logo must be presented in its original colors without distortion of proportions, maintaining adequate contrast against the background.

‍

4.3 Trademark Notice and Symbols

At the first prominent mention of “Mastercard” or “Visa” on a page, communication, or material, the corresponding trademark symbol (™ or ®) and brand attribution statement must be included, as follows:

‍

“Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.”

‍

“Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.”

‍

4.4 Clear Space, Size, and Contrast

  • All brand usage must respect the minimum clear space and minimum reproduction size specified in the Brand Guidelines.
  • Backgrounds must always ensure sufficient contrast for perfect legibility and brand integrity.
  • Materials that do not meet these requirements will not be approved.

‍

4.5 Parity Between Acceptance Brands

When displayed together (e.g., Visa + Mastercard), the brands must have equal prominence in size, color, frequency, and positioning, without indicating preference, exclusivity, or hierarchical relationship.

‍

4.6 Point of Interaction and POS Materials

  • Acceptance brands must be displayed at customer interaction points, such as entrances, cash registers, payment terminals, and digital screens.
  • Akua must ensure that merchants and sub-acquirers use official decal stickers provided or approved by the brands.
  • Printing, redesigning, or independently reproducing stickers and signage is prohibited.

‍

4.7 Digital Representation and Wallets

When brands are represented digitally (e.g., online checkout, digital wallets, apps), usage must follow the full-color format and official visual specifications from the Brand Center, without distortions or graphic reinterpretations.

‍

4.8 Approval and Escalation

  • Any usage not explicitly covered by the brand guidelines (such as co-branded campaigns, animations, videos, or new media formats) must be submitted for prior approval by the brand representative and Akua’s Brand Compliance Officer.
  • Records of all approvals must be kept for a minimum of five years.

5. Responsibilities

  • The Compliance, Legal, and Marketing departments are responsible for supervising compliance with this policy and pre-approving any material containing brand logos.
  • All sub-acquirers, ISOs, and business partners must sign a contractual clause acknowledging and complying with these rules.
  • Periodic audits will be conducted to verify correct brand usage in marketing materials and affiliated establishments.

6. Specific Prohibitions

It is strictly prohibited to:

‍

  • Modify, distort, or stylize the brand logos;
  • Display the brands in unauthorized political, promotional, or sponsorship contexts;
  • Use the brands in materials that suggest corporate affiliation, endorsement, or co-branding without express authorization;
  • Allow third parties to use the brands without a formal contract and written permission.

7. Consequences of Improper Use

Improper use of the brands may result in:

‍

  • Contractual sanctions and suspension of usage rights;
  • Fines and penalties imposed by the brands;
  • Termination of contracts with the partner or merchant;
  • Notification to regulatory authorities, where applicable.

8. Review and Update

This policy must be reviewed annually or whenever there is an update to the Mastercard or Visa brand guidelines.

9. Contact

Questions or brand usage requests should be directed to: compliance@akua.la

10. Legal Notes

Mastercard® and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

‍

Visa® is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.

‍

All other trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.

Case Study
replay