Mastercard is a global leader in the payments and financial technology industry, renowned for facilitating electronic payments and advancing digital commerce worldwide. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Purchase, New York, Mastercard connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. The company's mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. With over 29,000 employees as of 2023, Mastercard offers a wide range of products and services, including credit, debit, and prepaid card solutions, payment processing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The company is recognized for its innovation in contactless and mobile payments, as well as its commitment to financial inclusion and sustainability. Recently, Mastercard has expanded its footprint in open banking and digital identity, and in 2024, it announced new partnerships to enhance payment security and support the growth of real-time payments globally.