Mastercard launches new consulting groups for open banking, digital currencies, and ESG

Mastercard is expanding its payments-focused consulting service with new practices dedicated to open banking, crypto and digital currencies, and environment, social & governance (ESG).

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The Open Banking arm is designed to help businesses maximize open banking opportunities. Mastercard’s consultants use data-driven insights, advisory, and product development services aligned with Mastercard’s Data Responsibility Principles.

The Crypto and Digital Currencies practice helps banks and merchants cover a range of digital currency capabilities, from early-stage education, risk assessments, and bank-wide crypto and NFT strategy development to crypto cards and the design of crypto loyalty programs.

The ESG group helps clients better understand what ESG means for their businesses to transform these insights into actionable strategies that bridge purpose and profit.

It’s all part of Mastercard’s Data and Services practice, which includes more than 2,000 data scientists, engineers, and consultants, serving customers in 70 countries around the world. Data & Services is expanding its team to add more than 500 college graduates and young professionals.

“Payments are just the beginning,” Raj Seshadri, president of Data & Services at Mastercard, said. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with our customers across banking, fintech, retail, travel, and other sectors, helping them understand and navigate every challenge and opportunity thrown their way. This evolution of consulting is in recognition of the changing world and of our changing business. It’s about helping customers navigate today’s challenges and anticipating what’s next.”