FinTech Magazine - August 2021 | Page 35

MASTERCARD
MASTERCARD EMPOWERS BLACK AND ETHNIC MINORITY-OWNED FINTECH
Mastercard has been focused on digitisation for many years , but , as Abrahams says , innovation is not a “ one and done ” affair , and as new technologies emerge , Mastercard is working to make the everexpanding universe of digital transactions safe , smart , and accessible . “ Our consumers need to pay when they want , how they want , to whom they want , and how much they want . We need to have the customer journey in mind , and we need to make sure they are safe throughout the transaction . Payments are a very sensitive part of life - people might take them for granted , but our money must always be protected .”
One of Mastercard Accelerate ’ s initiatives focused on inclusion , Start Path , is jump-starting Black and ethnic minority-owned fintechs around the world . Part of the company ’ s In Solidarity pledge , this programme strives to not only boost Black founders / CEO , but also help create new networks and elevate Black talent on the world stage . Michael Froman , Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth , recently told us : “ Driving financial inclusion is not new to Mastercard ; we ’ ve long realised that the only sustainable economy is an inclusive economy and we ’ ve been delivering programmes and partnerships over the last decade that have brought more than 500 million unbanked people around the world into the financial system .”
Find out more about Mastercard ’ s pledge to bridge the wealth and opportunity gap here .
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