Press Releases

June 2024
June 25, 2024

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.

June 10, 2024

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.

May 2024
May 21, 2024

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.

April 2024
April 11, 2024

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.

March 2024
March 21, 2024

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.

March 12, 2024

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.

February 2024
February 1, 2024

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.

January 2024
January 8, 2024

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.

2023
December 12, 2023

“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

December 6, 2023

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.

November 29, 2023

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.

November 9, 2023

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.

November 1, 2023

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.

August 25, 2023 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

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.

July 24, 2023

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

July 10, 2023

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.

June 29, 2023

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.

June 28, 2023

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.

June 12, 2023

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.

June 12, 2023

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.

May 29, 2023

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

May 15, 2023

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.

May 9, 2023

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

April 28, 2023

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

April 19, 2023

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.

April 12, 2023

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.

April 11, 2023

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

March 31, 2023

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.

March 7, 2023

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.

March 7, 2023

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

January 30, 2023

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

January 25, 2023

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.

January 6, 2023

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.

2022
December 1, 2022

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

November 30, 2022

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.

November 30, 2022

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

November 29, 2022

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

November 28, 2022

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

October 17, 2022

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

October 4, 2022

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

September 29, 2022

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.

September 22, 2022

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.

September 20, 2022 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

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

August 31, 2022

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.

August 31, 2022

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.

August 4, 2022

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.

August 3, 2022

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.

June 22, 2022 | Digital Payments

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

May 18, 2022

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.

May 17, 2022

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

May 4, 2022

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.

April 20, 2022

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.

April 5, 2022

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

March 21, 2022

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.

March 8, 2022

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.

2021
December 6, 2021

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.

November 24, 2021

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.

November 24, 2021

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.

November 23, 2021

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

November 18, 2021

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

November 11, 2021

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

November 10, 2021

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

November 1, 2021

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

October 15, 2021

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

October 11, 2021

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.

October 6, 2021

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.

September 13, 2021 | Digital Banking

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

August 12, 2021

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

August 2, 2021

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.

July 27, 2021

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

July 26, 2021

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.

July 22, 2021

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.

June 23, 2021

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.

May 18, 2021 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Sokin partners with Mastercard to extend payments partnership to LATAM

May 17, 2021 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

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.

May 4, 2021 | Digital Payments

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.

May 3, 2021 | OPTIMISM

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.

April 22, 2021 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

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.

April 7, 2021

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.

March 18, 2021

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.

March 17, 2021

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.

March 10, 2021 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

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.

March 3, 2021

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.

February 23, 2021 | Digital Payments

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.

February 17, 2021 | Digital Payments

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.

January 29, 2021

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.

January 21, 2021 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

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.

January 20, 2021

After a successful launch in Europe, Mastercard announced today the expansion of its new interactive business intelligence platform Market Trends in Latin America and the Caribbean. The new platform provides a comprehensive view of payments insights, competitive intelligence and industry trends for banks and financial institutions across Europe and now the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region.

January 12, 2021 | COVID-19

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.

2020
November 19, 2020

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.

November 18, 2020 | COVID-19

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.

October 29, 2020

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

October 29, 2020

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

October 22, 2020 | FINANCIAL INCLUSION

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.

October 20, 2020

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

October 8, 2020

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.

September 17, 2020

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

August 12, 2020

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.

July 8, 2020

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.

July 8, 2020

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.

June 30, 2020

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.

June 25, 2020

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

June 15, 2020

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.

May 19, 2020

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

May 6, 2020

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

April 30, 2020

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.

April 16, 2020

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.

April 13, 2020

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

March 31, 2020

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

March 27, 2020

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.

March 10, 2020

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.

February 27, 2020

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.

January 22, 2020

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.

January 17, 2020

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