(NETE)’s Recent Acquisition Ranked by Nilson Report as a Top Merchant Acquirer

Unified Payments Jumps Ten Spots in Nilson Report’s Annual Rating

Net Element International (NASDAQ: NETE), a technology-driven group specializing in electronic commerce and mobile payment processing is pleased to announce that The Nilson Report has recently ranked Unified Payments as one of the Top Merchant Acquirers in the United States. Unified Payments continues its ascent by rising ten slots to the ranking of #53 in the most recent filing of The Nilson Report. The Nilson list represents 94 top merchant acquirers in the United States and includes companies such as Bank of America, First Data, Chase Paymentech Solutions, and many other reputed companies.

Unified Payments, which was recognized by Inc. Magazine as the fastest-growing private company in America in 2012, is a socially responsible leading provider of turnkey transaction processing services and payment-enabling technologies to small, medium, and large merchants across the United States. By utilizing the products and services offered by Unified Payments, merchants are able to accept traditional card present, mobile payments, card-not present payments, and other forms of cashless payments such as prepaid cards, stored-value cards, gift cards and closed loop network payments. Unified Payments, headquartered in Miami, utilizes a network of independent sales organizations and independent sales people, value-added resellers, associations and affinity partners coast to coast.

“We are excited to appear on the Nilson Report’s list of Top U.S. Acquirers and we are pleased with our dramatic jump in the rankings,” said Oleg Firer, CEO of Net Element, the parent company of Unified Payments. Adding, “We’re honored to be listed alongside high profile companies that are considered to be industry giants.”

Unified Payments anticipated the rise of consumer demand for the convenience of cashless transactions. By executing a series of strategic acquisitions and implementing creative sales plans it was able to exponentially grow its revenue base. At the same time it secured a leadership position in the industry by pursuing technological innovation including offering proprietary point of sale terminals that have state of the art technology — ultimately simplifying operations for merchants and lowering processing fees.

About The Nilson Report

The Nilson Report is a highly respected source of global news and analysis covering the credit, debit and prepaid card industries. The subscription newsletter provides in-depth rankings and statistics on the current status of the industry, as well as company, personnel, and product updates. David Robertson, Publisher of the Nilson Report, is a recognized expert in the field and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Over 18,000 readers in 90 countries worldwide value The Nilson Report to track industry trends and market information. More information is available at www.nilsonreport.com.

About Net Element International (NASDAQ: NETE)

Net Element International (NASDAQ: NETE) is a global technology-driven group specializing in electronic commerce, mobile payments and transactional services. The company owns and operates a global mobile payments and transaction processing provider, TOT Group, as well as several popular content monetization verticals. Together with its subsidiaries, Net Element International enables ecommerce and content-management companies to monetize their assets in ecommerce and mobile commerce environments. Its global development centers and high-level business relationships in the United States, Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States strategically position the company for continued growth. The company has U.S. headquarters in Miami and international headquarters in Moscow. More information is available at www.netelement.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “expected,” “plans,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, whether Net Element International or its business continues to grow. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Net Element International and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) Net Element International’s ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Net Element International’s ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with users of its payment processing services; (iii) Net Element International’s ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Net Element International’s ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Net Element International’s business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Net Element International’s business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Net Element International’s business; (x) Net Element International’s ability to protect its intellectual property; and (xi) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K and the subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Net Element International with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Net Element International anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Net Element International assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law.