Small Business and Digital Transformation

As businesses face a surge of first-party fraud, Mastercard is widening the availability of its First-Party Trust technology to merchants.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is among the top 15 global preferred destinations for tourists traveling between June and September this year. This is one of the many insights revealed in Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven journeys, the annual Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report on consumer spending in the travel economy.

Mastercard, the global technology company in the payments industry, returned to Jamaica for its "Mastercard Day," reinforcing its commitment to fostering the region’s digital transformation. In collaboration with government entities, financial institutions, and digital enablers, the milestone event unlocked emerging trends shaping the future of payments in Jamaica and the Caribbean, with a focus on empowering SMEs.

New Mastercard whitepaper reveals key trends and financial inclusion opportunities for small retailers across Latin America and the Caribbean

The Saint James Municipal Corporation and Mastercard have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to foster digitalization as a catalyst for financial inclusion in the municipality. This partnership will enable the Saint James Municipal Corporation to leverage Mastercard's expertise, cutting-edge solutions, and innovative programs to enhance the development and prosperity of the city.

Mastercard and Feedzai, an AI solution provider in financial crime prevention, today announced they are joining forces to make it easier for more banks to identify and stop scams, protecting consumers and businesses globally.

Mastercard released the whitepaper “The New Era of Financial Inclusion in Latin America” that highlights how fintechs have been a key driver of financial inclusion within the region. The report draws insights from interviews with fintech companies and consumer surveys to spotlight fintechs’ latest impact on the region’s financial inclusion journey, from access to continued usage.

Mastercard has partnered with Sympla, the leading events platform in Brazil, and Yuno, a global payments orchestrator based in Latin America, to bring its Payment Passkey Service to the region and accelerate secure online checkout for shoppers. Beginning in January, Sympla and Yuno will be the first partners in the region to offer this innovative solution to their customers, followed by a wider roll out.

By the end of the decade, Mastercard plans to phase out manual card and password entry in favor of smiles and fingerprints globally, paving the way for a future where numberless cards are the default

Mastercard brings together two icons of the new generation of Latin music, Argentina’s Maria Becerra and Venezuelan American Elena Rose, in a unique collaboration that amplifies women’s voices in music and celebrates the passions that bring joy to our life.

Mastercard today announced that Gustavo Arruda has been named chief economist for the company’s Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. Based in São Paulo, Arruda will be responsible for analyzing macroeconomic trends through the lens of the consumer and deliver actionable insights on economic issues for customers, partners, and policymakers.

To kick off the tournament, Mastercard launched its latest video, “Giving Back,” with Lionel Messi, the Argentinian football legend and a brand ambassador since 2018.

This solution enables Latin American banks, fintechs, retailers, and telcos to improve the digitalization of remittances, reducing costs, strengthen financial inclusion and enhance the consumer’s user experience.

Mastercard, the global technology company in the payments industry, hosted its first-ever "Mastercard Day" in Jamaica, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to foster the region’s digital transformation.

Remittances play a key role in strengthening financial inclusion in the region, boosting economies, and alleviating poverty –often serving as an essential source of income for people in low- and middle-income communities. In Latin America, remittances have grown faster than those at the global level.

Mastercard, global leader in technology in the payments space, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kiki Del Valle as the Division President for North Latin America, encompassing key regions such as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This strategic move reinforces Mastercard's commitment to sustained growth in an ever evolving and competitive landscape.

As fraudsters increasingly exploit technology to try to thwart banks and their customers, Mastercard is adopting generative AI techniques to enhance the protections that keep consumers – and the entire payments network – safe.

The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) released its “Economic Outlook 2024”, an annual report revealing key themes that will define the economic landscape throughout the year.

“It’s a privilege to work with such a world-renowned, prestigious brand with the distinct purpose of connecting everyone to priceless possibilities," Quintero said

Mastercard and First Atlantic Commerce, a leading online payment gateway and fraud management solutions provider, have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance financial inclusion and safe digital payments across Central America and the Caribbean.

To learn more about the main methods and factors that consumers consider when making a payment, as part of the Mastercard LAC Innovation Forum, Mastercard presents its new research that investigates the payment behaviors of consumers in 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mastercard reaffirms its passion for the growth of latin music and its long-term commitment to generate greater inclusion in the industry and, in collaboration with the Latin Recording Academy®, announces the new generation of artists who will be part of the Fellowship Program.

Mastercard’s new borderless payments report reveals consumers globally are setting up side hustles and considering working or living abroad, prompting the acceleration of cross-border payments.

Future opportunities for the Caribbean fintech ecosystem were debated today as leaders from the technology, financial services and government sectors gathered at Mastercard’s first Fintech Summit in the Caribbean. Meeting in The Bahamas, attendees participated in several sessions that explored ways to advance financial inclusion while encouraging innovation of safe and convenient digital payments.

The tracks will be livestreamed during The Mastercard Artist Accelerator Showcase Presented by Billboard on Thursday, July 27 at 3 p.m. ET

Mastercard is a driving force behind financial inclusion and growth, dedicated to implementing initiatives and forging strategic partnerships for a more prosperous and sustainable society. The company's efforts have had a positive social impact across the Caribbean, raising over USD 800K in donations and serving as inspiring examples on World Population Day.

Mastercard keeps fostering sports in the Caribbean as it continues sponsoring all Cricket West Indies (CWI) Men's and Women's Home Internationals and Super50 Cup games for a third consecutive year. As part of its sponsorship, Mastercard will use its assets to help cardholders get closer to the games and athletes they love.

Mastercard announced today the launch of the Multi Token Network (MTN), a set of foundational capabilities designed to make transactions within digital asset and blockchain ecosystems secure, scalable, and interoperable – ultimately enabling more efficient payment and commerce applications.

Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc (CAB), the representative body and recognized voice for banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean.

Mastercard released a new report, The State of Financial Inclusion post COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean: New Opportunities for the Payments Ecosystem, demonstrating the mainstream adoption of digital financial products and services across seven Latin American countries.

The docuseries premieres today, ahead of the UEFA Champions League final, which will be held on June 10th at Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium.

New insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute reveal that consumers are taking advantage of a more traditional travel ecosystem in 2023, prioritizing leisure travel and pioneering new corridors around the world.

Mastercard today announced the appointment of Andrea Scerch as President of its Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) business.

The first use case test of the solution will focus on enabling transfers between U.S. and LAC corridors

Borderless rails, credit for the underbanked and the proliferation of payment acceptance options are only three of the trends that will define the coming economy, which will be more automated and fast, but more conscious as well.

The Mastercard Artist Accelerator combines the power of blockchain with the timeless passion for music and a first-of-its-kind curriculum for both artists and fans.

Beyond Payments - Mastercard Launches new suite of solutions dedicated to women entrepreneurs

Three Central American artists were selected to inspire the “En Sus Manos” (In Her Hands) digital art collection, which will support gender equality initiatives in Central America.

Research reveals regional explosion of the name ‘Leo’, proving that love for the footballer extends far beyond the pitch

Throughout March, Mastercard Latin America's social networks will feature stories of passion and inspiration from outstanding women, such as coach Evelina Cabrera, singer Gigi Ojeda, and crypto-artist @SoyFira to celebrate International Women's Day.

Brazil is among the top 10 markets for Binance globally becomes the second country in the region to release the product

Strengthening the brand’s commitment to football, its fanbase, and diversity and inclusion, Mastercard announces the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with CONMEBOL (Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol) for four more years, through 2026.

The Mastercard Artist Accelerator will harness Web3 technologies on the Polygon blockchain, forging new territory by connecting artists with mentors and fans in an exclusive development program.

It is becoming increasingly clear that security and regulation are key to ensuring interoperability between digital currencies and fiat money.

Mastercard Trust Center offers free online access to trusted cybersecurity research, education, resources and tools that enable owners to feel more secure and better equipped against cybercrime.

Strategic initiative seeks to broaden protection for merchants while improving the consumer e-commerce experience

The Belle Block™ is a Mastercard-led initiative to focus on education, conversation and building for the future.

After a 2-year virtual journey, Mastercard will bring together payment industry experts and customers face-to-face in a forum to discuss payment industry trends

New Crypto SourceTM program extends Mastercard’s safe, secure and trusted services

Mastercard Crypto Secure™ to bring a new level of trust to crypto purchases across global network of 2,400 exchanges

Amidst an ever-changing and unprecedented global economy, the choices consumers make in what, where and when they spend today may help reveal where we are headed next. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s “Shifting Wallets” report looks at how consumers across the world are holding tight to habits that offer convenience, experience or both.

The Strive Community announced the inaugural grant recipients from its Innovation Fund. A total of $1 million was awarded to enterprises developing innovative, scalable solutions to strengthen small businesses’ digital capabilities.

As world leaders convene for the 77th United Nations General Assembly, CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America, and Mastercard brought together their respective commitments to further accelerate digital transformation in Latin America

Mastercard appoints Laura Cruz as President for Division North and Caribbean, effective September 1, 2022. She will be reporting to Carlo Enrico, President, of Mastercard Latin America and Caribbean (LAC). The new appointment expands Laura’s current responsibilities as Mastercard’s Division President for Mexico and Central America and now adding the Caribbean to her remit.

The new appointment expands Laura’s current responsibilities as Mastercard’s Division President for Mexico and Central America, and now adding the Caribbean to her remit.

The country is the first in Latin America to have the product, the card is in beta phase and will be widely available in the coming weeks.

Bogotá, Colombia announced the launch of the 24-Hour cities network in collaboration with the City of New York, and City Possible, pioneered by Mastercard.

The digital payments revolution that began during the pandemic is consolidating and driving Latin American interest in cryptocurrencies.

If the same trends continue in the Latin America and Caribbean region, an estimated 120 million more passengers in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) will fly this year, compared to last year.

Mastercard unleashes new era of biometric payments to enhance the check-out experience.

Galileo Financial Technologies, a subsidiary of SoFi Technologies, Inc. and Mastercard announced the formation of a multi-year strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation and improve access to financial opportunities for the underserved in Latin America and Caribbean.

Committed to restoring 100 million trees by 2025, Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition adds 4 new zones in Latin America, for a total of 15 worldwide, to its planting efforts, which were already in force in Australia, Brazil and Kenya, adding a total of 18 key reforestation areas in the world, with the greatest potential to cause a positive impact on climate change.

Bitfy and belo join the global portfolio of fintechs supported by Mastercard Start Path Crypto, a program that reflects Mastercard’s commitment to building an innovative and inclusive payments ecosystem

The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs 2021 reveals the challenges that female entrepreneurs still have to face and the key aspects that need to be addressed to boost the role of women in a sustainable and inclusive recovery.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Mastercard is organizing a virtual technology education marathon in which girls from 17 countries throughout the region will participate through allied schools and institutions.

As consumers enter the digital economy in growing numbers, a study conducted by Mastercard with Kantar Consulting revealed that cybersecurity has become top of mind for them.

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) today announced it has acquired Arcus FI, an alum of the company’s Start Path program, to help support the delivery of bill pay solutions and other real-time payment applications across Latin America.

Mastercard will look to strengthen its position as a significant supporter of the local gastronomy scene with the launch of its Gastronomy Week. The program, a continuation of the company's M by Mastercard campaign, will bring the premium restaurant dining experience into Mastercard cardholders' homes.

Industry partners unite to accelerate financial inclusion, strengthen financial literacy, and improve access to financial opportunities for the underbanked

Trinidad & Tobago has partnered with Mastercard to implement solutions that drive financial inclusion, support small businesses, and enhance digital transformation readiness in the country

Mastercard Developers enables fintech companies of all sizes and stages to co-create and innovate

Partnership aims to transform education with a more seamless, secure and inclusive testing experience

Mastercard accelerates its decarbonization timeline, committing to reach net zero by 2040; Carbon Calculator gains strong adoption throughout Europe and in Latin America

The IDB Becomes the First Multilateral Partner to Join Mastercard’s City Possible Network, Offering Technological Solutions to Increase Economic Growth

International Day of the Girl is celebrated on October 11th, and Mastercard joins the celebration with the participation of 2,000 girls in its Girls4Tech™ program in Latin America and the Caribbean. Globally, they total one million.

To shed light on the impact the global health crisis – and ongoing recovery – has had on small businesses globally, today Mastercard released Recovery Insights: Small Business Reset.

New innovation will allow cardholders to gain access to more detailed purchase information in their banking app

Mastercard opens door to startups around the world looking to grow platforms across open banking, predictive financial modeling for small businesses, smart rental payments and beyond

Findings from Mastercard’s inaugural Experience research reveal that people recognize the value of self-enrichment and are willing to invest time and energy in experiences that leave them feeling uplifted long after the moment ends.

Mastercard announced today a new Start Path global startup engagement program dedicated to supporting fast-growing digital assets, blockchain and cryptocurrency companies.

In a challenging year for the global economy, the Start Path Empodera business acceleration program, an initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and MasterCard, announced the women-led, high-impact Colombian startup winners of the second edition of the program.

Private and public sector unite to support a collaborative virtual platform, which aims to offer digital skills courses to 3.8 million women and create more than one million economic opportunities for women in the region throughout the next three years.

As part of the agreement, the companies will introduce new credit card solutions and benefits that meet the evolving needs of frequent travelers—digitizing the travel experience with personalized, contactless, and secure technologies—and consists of two implementation phases.

Sokin partners with Mastercard to extend payments partnership to LATAM

If you’ve been thinking more and more about saving money during the past year, you're not alone. While the pandemic has upended our personal finance habits, small changes in our routine can make a big difference. A new initiative in Latin America supported by Mastercard, Mercado Libre, the IDB’s Retirement Savings Laboratory, and Common Cents Lab, a financial behavior research lab at Duke University, seeks to use behavioral science to help entrepreneurs and SMEs.

As stores closed and social distancing took hold, retailers worldwide moved their businesses online, embraced e-commerce and explored the potential of new ways to pay. More than a year later, research from Mastercard shows that the adoption of new payment technologies is rising, and consumer appetite for new, fast, and flexible digital experiences continues to grow.

At Mastercard, we embrace the opportunity to partner with fintech companies to help drive inclusion at scale and deliver solutions focused on doing well and doing good. Today we are pleased to welcome six scaling startups to our award-winning Mastercard Start Path program, from companies building blockchain-based payments solutions with the aim of humanizing finance to startups designing sustainable lending platforms to close the small business credit gap in emerging markets.

In Panama, Mastercard has emerged as a strategic ally in the development of the government's digitization agenda, providing its knowledge and extensive experience as an innovative leader in payments, digital infrastructure, security, and solutions for cyber fraud.

For retailers, restaurants and other businesses large and small, being able to sell online provided a much-needed lifeline as in-person consumer spending was disrupted.

Mastercard has joined the Inter-American Development Bank and other companies from the private-sector in the "Women Growing Together in the Americas", a program to encourage women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean to integrate their businesses into foreign trade and regional value chains.

Mastercard is announcing the expansion of the Engage platform, providing customers with easy access to a growing network of qualified technology and fintech partners that can quickly deploy Mastercard Digital First solutions. They enable customers to provide entirely digital payment experiences for consumers, from acquisition and card usage to management and engagement, with a physical card option.

Mastercard has teamed up with payment processing technology company, Dynamics Payments, to launch an application (app) which will increase financial inclusion for the Caribbean region. This comprehensive solution is expected to result in a marked increase in credit and debit card usage in the coming years. The app will be available in three Caribbean markets: Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

As part of International Women’s Day, Mastercard continues its mission to support future women in technology and their entrepreneurial success by educating the next generation of leaders with its Girls4Tech program and providing digital and financial security tools to women-owned businesses across the region.

Mastercard, a leading technology company in the payments industry, today brings its customers Apple Pay, a safer, more secure and private way to pay that helps customers avoid handing their payment card to someone else, touching physical buttons or exchanging cash while using the power of iPhone to protect every transaction.

Bahamians received even greater flexibility in how they shop and pay using the country’s digital currency, the first of its kind. Under a new program from Mastercard and Island Pay, the Bahamas Sand Dollar prepaid card gives people the option to instantly convert the digital currency to traditional Bahamian dollars and pay for goods and services anywhere Mastercard is accepted on the Islands and around the world.

The company’s new Country Manager, Estanislau Bassols, brings more than 23 years of professional and leadership experience across diverse industries.  He will report to João Pedro Paro Neto, President, Mastercard Brazil and the Southern Cone.

Mastercard and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have partnered under the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative to launch Start Path Empodera, a business accelerator focused on promoting womenʼs entrepreneurship and financial inclusion in Colombia.

To help governments and businesses of all sizes find a path forward following the challenges of 2020, the Mastercard Economics Institute released Economy 2021, an outlook of what’s to come in economies around the world and in Latin America.

A survey conducted by Mastercard and Americas Market Intelligence (AMI) in thirteen countries across the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, including Jamaica, shows how consumer habits have changed, how the demand for financial services has increased, and how companies will have to adapt to the novel digital ecosystem generated by the pandemic.

A survey conducted by Mastercard and Americas Market Intelligence (AMI) in thirteen countries across the Latin America and Caribbean region shows how consumer habits have changed, how the demand for financial services has increased, and how companies will have to adapt to the novel digital ecosystem generated by the pandemic.

New partnership brings authenticity to supply chains, tracing more than 24 commodities, such as coffee, sorghum and grain, in Latin America and North America

87% of shoppers in Latin America and the Caribbean will make an effort to spend money in their local communities to help independent stores bounce back; Local loyalty driven by lockdown; bounce in spending in green grocers, cafes and bars, and beauty salons

According to the latest research conducted by Americas Market Intelligence in Partnership with Mastercard, early government subsidies have been critical to increasing access to the banking system.

Four partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to support planting 100 million tree

The survey shows results about the essential aspects of Latin Americans' live after quarantine. The new Mastercard campaign seeks to support consumers and small businesses as they return to a new normal.

Bancolombia, Banco Galicia, Citibanamex, Mercado Libre, and PayPal Commit to Accelerate Business Recovery and Inclusive Growth Efforts in the Region

Mastercard has announced the expansion of its Accelerate fintech portfolio, adding new companies to its startup engagement program Start Path and more technology partners to its Engage network.

Mastercard announced today it is beginning technical preparations to bring Click to Pay online checkout – based on the EMV® Secure Remote Commerce industry-standard – to Brazil and Mexico.

Mastercard has introduced its Small Business Digital Acceleration Platform, a resource for small business owners looking to expand their business digitally. The platform provides small companies a pathway to expand their online presence, protect their online operations, and adapt to the new business environment.

Study shows consumers worldwide opting for touch-free, secure and seamless ways to pay. Consumers in Latin America plan to continue shopping online for the foreseeable future.

RiskRecon, a Mastercard company, is providing LAC small businesses free cyberhealth assessments to help them identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their systems.

Today, Mastercard announced the extension of its partnership with Facebook to offer a new and innovative way for Brazilians to send and receive money from friends and family on the WhatsApp application.

New digital experiences include regional ambassadors in Gastronomy, Sports and Arts throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The Tourism Insights Platform will illuminate 360-degree travel trends from search to in-market spending for Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica.

Consumers cite simplicity, cleanliness and speed through checkout experience as contactless payments booster. Mastercard champions effort to raise limits for contactless payment transactions across Latin America & Caribbean.

A new study, “Digital Banking in Latin America” unveils the latest trends and best practices that are shaping the financial industry in the region before COVID-19 and well beyond.

The #apartbutunited campaign in Latin American and the Caribbean underscores the importance of unity under extraordinary times of social distancing.

Researchers at three institutions in the U.S. and U.K. receive grants to advance studies of repurposed drugs and novel antibodies in preventing COVID-19

Mastercard announced today it is championing a move to increase the contactless payment limits across Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region as people look for safer ways to pay in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and Mastercard today committed up to $125 million in seed funding to speed-up the response to the COVID-19 epidemic by identifying, assessing, developing, and scaling-up treatments.

Mastercard will sponsor the 2020 and 2024 edition of CONMEBOL Copa América for 13th and 14th consecutive edition. Additionally, it seeks to boost women’s talent in the region by sponsoring Women’s CONMEBOL Copa América for the first time.

Technology giant Mastercard announced today the launch of its Smart Islands program in the Caribbean, leading the journey towards developing smarter islands and cashless societies to strengthen economies throughout the region.

New report by Mastercard and CB Insights analyzes five trends on how new fintech startups are transforming the global market for underserved consumers and small & medium sized businesses in 2020

Mastercard announced the results of a new study that outlines the needs and expectations from online shoppers in the region, and what needs to be done for them to buy more frequently.

Mastercard announced that more than half of its transaction volume in the region is now ready to be tokenized, helping make digital payments offer simple, seamless and secure for consumers in the region.

Mastercard announced the launch of Accelerate, a global initiative that simplifies the way that Mastercard works with fintechs, giving them access to everything they need to grow quickly.

Mastercard today announced the launch of the Data Responsibility Imperative to advance a dialogue around how organizations can work together to close this gap, inviting others to join them in the effort.

Technology giant Mastercard officially opened its local office in Jamaica, in New Kingston, holding a press conference this morning to announce the milestone for the local market. Jamaica Country Manager Dalton Fowles announces Mastercard vision for the island.

Two Original Macaron Flavors - Passion and Optimism - Come to Life at The New York Times Food Festival as Mastercard Unveils the Latest Expression of its Multisensory Brand

Mastercard spends a decade exploring where people travel, sharing its insights about the top destination cities of today and tomorrow.

Mastercard and SAP announced a strategic partnership to introduce a best-in-class automated payments and reconciliation process to medium-to-large sized businesses in Colombia and Chile.

Nearly two-thirds of established companies are leveraging fintech capabilities for growth, according to a new survey from Harvard Business Review Analytic Services, sponsored by Mastercard.

Mastercard today announced that it will collaborate with Samsung to explore and deliver a better way for people to conveniently and securely verify their digital identity on the mobile devices they use every day.

Mastercard, one of the world’s most active sponsors of major sporting events is strengthening its commitment to women’s football. The move sends a powerful signal for gender equality in sports and demonstrates a continued focus on gender balanced marketing.

Empowered women, empower the world. Mastercard, ConnectAmericas for Women of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and INCAE Business School’s Latin American Center for Entrepreneurs (LACE), are launching the Virtual Accelerator digital training platform as part of their ongoing commitment to advance women entrepreneurs throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mastercard is making it easier for these companies to find qualified payment technology partners by expanding its Mastercard Engage platform throughout the LAC region.

Mastercard closed a partnership with Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) Mobile Security, a global leader in smart card manufacturing, personalization and payment solutions, to advance easier, faster and safer payments in the region.

Mastercard renews its sponsorship of CONMEBOL Copa America for the 12th consecutive edition and becomes first time sponsor of CONMEBOL Libertadores.

Mastercard debuts its sonic brand identity, a comprehensive sound architecture that signifies the latest advancement for the brand.

Opening new offices in Puerto Rico and Jamaica, and boosting operations in the Dominican Republic, are part of an ambitious strategy contributing to the company’s growth plans for Latin America