Description.
Mastercard Incorporated is a technology company in the global payments industry that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, and businesses worldwide by enabling electronic payments through its payment network. Founded in 1966 and incorporated in Delaware, Mastercard went public on the NYSE (NYSE: MA) and generates revenue from transaction processing, data services, value-added solutions, and licensing, delivering $32.8 billion in net revenue in fiscal year 2025, up 16% year-over-year. Value-added services and solutions now represent nearly 40% of total net revenues, reflecting Mastercard's diversification beyond card processing into analytics, cybersecurity, loyalty, and open banking.
Mastercard operates the Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus payment brands across 200+ countries and territories, partnering with 14,000+ financial institutions and reaching billions of cardholders globally. The company is actively building blockchain and stablecoin infrastructure through its Multi-Token Network (MTN), enabling 24/7 interbank settlement with tokenized deposits and regulated stablecoins including USDC, EURC, PYUSD, and USDG. In March 2026, Mastercard announced the acquisition of BVNK for up to $1.8 billion to expand stablecoin infrastructure and connect on-chain payments with fiat rails. The company also launched its Crypto Partner Program in March 2026 with over 100 participants including Binance, Circle, Ripple, PayPal, MetaMask, and OKX.
Key Infrastructure.
Mastercard Payment Network
Core global payment processing network connecting financial institutions, merchants, digital wallets, and consumers across 200+ countries, enabling electronic funds transfers via Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus brands.
Multi-Token Network (MTN)
Permissioned blockchain layer enabling 24/7 interbank settlement with tokenized deposits and regulated stablecoins (USDC, EURC, PYUSD, USDG, SoFiUSD), connecting banks and fintechs for real-time programmable payments.
Mastercard Crypto Partner Program
Global initiative launched March 2026 with 100+ participants including Binance, Circle, Ripple, PayPal, MetaMask, OKX, and Solana to build stablecoin cross-border, B2B, and wallet payout solutions on Mastercard rails.
Engage Crypto Card Program
Mastercard platform enabling fintechs and crypto exchanges to launch branded Mastercard cards for crypto-to-fiat spending at 150M+ merchant locations worldwide, with support for self-custody and custodial wallets.
Start Path Blockchain Track
Growth-stage accelerator program that has worked with 400+ fintechs from 54 countries including Revolut, Razorpay, and Airwallex to scale payment and blockchain solutions on the Mastercard network.
Product Express
Fast-track card program enabling fintechs to launch card programs in days by handling licensing, onboarding, and partnerships through pre-certified partners.
Additional Features.
Tokenization Services
Tokenization replaces card numbers with digital tokens for secure payments, handling ~4B transactions monthly.
Fraud and Cybersecurity
AI-powered fraud detection, biometrics, and advanced encryption protect transactions across the global Mastercard network.
Mastercard Identity Check
3-D Secure adds extra online payment verification to reduce fraud and protect cardholders in e-commerce transactions.
Mastercard One Credential
Single digital card enabling multiple payment methods and funding sources based on user preferences.
Agent Pay
Agentic payments enable AI agents to autonomously execute transactions and manage programmable payment flows.
Mastercard Crypto Credential
Blockchain verification service allowing username-based peer-to-peer transfers instead of wallet addresses.