Mastercard

2025 moved quickly, shaped by rapid advances in agentic commerce, the growing momentum of digital assets and changing expectations around how money moves. In this week’s edition of Inside the Circles, the Mastercard Newsroom looks back at the stories that defined the year — from the infrastructure and cybersecurity innovations enabling a trust and more instant economy, to on-the-ground reporting that traced how digital commerce is reshaping daily life around the world.    The edition also turns its attention to the people behind the progress. Profiles of Mastercard employee volunteers show how technical expertise and empathy are strengthening communities in St. Louis  and São Paulo and building cyber resilience for NGOs around the world. Elsewhere, find a final accounting of the holiday shopping season, footage from a drone display above Mastercard’s St. Louis Tech Hub, and a look ahead to 2026 — from new ways fans will engage with Formula 1 to the cultural and technological shifts expected to shape commerce. #AI #cybersecurity #innovation #commerce  

2025 marked significant progress for Mastercard Move—expanding global corridors and introducing innovations that make money movement faster, smarter, and more inclusive. In this article for Payment Expert, Pratik Khowala, Global Head of Transfer Solutions at Mastercard, shares insights on real-time payments, AI, and digital assets—and how scalable solutions are shaping the future of cross-border transactions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eN7QX6HZ #MoneyMovement #MastercardMove #PaymentsInnovation #CrossBorderPayments #FutureofPayments

Closing out 2025 with an amazing recognition: Mastercard has been named a top 10 company on The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 list of the 250 Best-Managed Companies, earning standout recognition for innovation and social responsibility. Check out the latest stories in the Mastercard Newsroom showcasing the products and services reshaping the future — and the people and communities we’re empowering along the way. https://lnkd.in/eyjBkaNm

Artificial intelligence is accelerating both sides of the battle — powering more sophisticated scams while also helping organizations detect threats faster and stop fraud at scale. From AI-driven card skimming to the surge in text scams, defenders are responding with smarter tools, earlier detection and new cross-industry collaboration. As threats evolve, so must the way we fight them. The year ahead points to more layered defenses, real-time intelligence and AI working continuously to keep people and payments safe. Read how new technology and teamwork are reshaping cybersecurity: https://lnkd.in/ebrNZpjN #AI #Fraud #Cybersecurity #CyberRisk #Technology

From Philadelphia to Dallas, American Airlines AAdvantage® Mastercard® cardmembers stepped inside Netflix House for a culinary experience that was all about access, atmosphere and unforgettable moments! The evening included VIP entry to Netflix House, access to immersive Netflix House Experiences like Stranger Things: Escape The Dark, Netflix RePLAY arcade, a multicourse dinner at Netflix BITES curated by a James Beard Award–winning chef and a signed menu marking the occasion. It’s just one of the many ways we turn everyday spending into extraordinary moments. Learn more about how the AAdvantage® Mastercard® unlocks experiences beyond travel: priceless.com/aa.

🎅✨ The Mastercard Santa Tracker is here! This holiday season, U.S. retail sales grew 3.9%, according to preliminary insights from Mastercard SpendingPulse, as shoppers mixed online and in-store magic to find the perfect gifts. Apparel, jewelry and dining out topped wish lists, making spirits bright across the country. Unwrap more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ecmgEdbM #HolidaySeason #HolidayTrends #Shopping

Across the city, holiday markets are drawing millions with mulled wine, handmade gifts and the simple pleasure of discovery. For shoppers, they offer memories that can’t be wrapped in a box. For small business owners, they provide a once-a-year chance to connect with people from around the world — face to face. In a city known for its scale, these markets capture something smaller and timeless: tradition, creativity and community, one stall at a time. Read more about the softer side of the season in New York City: https://lnkd.in/eKV_P8A3 #HolidaySeason #SmallBusiness

In 2025, AI has moved well beyond novelty, reshaping how businesses operate, how small entrepreneurs grow and how digital threats are fought. From agentic AI that can act on your behalf to tools helping small businesses save time and reach new customers to innovations expanding financial access and strengthening cybersecurity, the next phase of AI is already here. The question now isn’t whether AI will change how we work and transact — it’s how responsibly, securely and inclusively we can put it to work. Explore what’s driving the rise of AI in 2025 — and what’s coming next: https://lnkd.in/erhb22zM #AI #SmallBusiness #Cybersecurity #FinancialAccess

Business travel is transforming — shaped by new expectations, new technologies, and a greater focus on traveler wellbeing. Insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute show that business trips are getting longer and more spontaneous, and travelers are looking for smoother, more supportive experiences end to end. From real-time digital expense tools to airport lounge access, fast-track security, emergency assistance, and built-in travel protections, corporate travel programs are evolving to meet today’s needs. At Mastercard, we’re partnering across the travel and payments ecosystem to deliver smarter, more personalized journeys — supported by AI-driven assistance, seamless payments, and elevated traveler experiences worldwide. Discover how business travel is evolving in the latest Condé Nast Traveler article: https://lnkd.in/egZ6sxFr

2025 was a milestone year for contactless payments—and there’s no turning back. With 75% of Mastercard transactions now contactless, the future of payments is truly touch-free. From tapping to ride the subway to sending and receiving money digitally, contactless moments are reshaping how we live, move, and pay. Explore the momentum and what it means for the future of commerce in our latest blog. But first, we want to hear from you: What’s the first thing you now expect to be contactless? 👇 #Contactless #DigitalPayments #TapToMore #Mastercard