Mastercard Collaborates with Microsoft for More Connected Cities

Combining data and experience platforms to benefit global cities and citizens

NEW YORK CITY, NY – May 9, 2018 – At Smart Cities New York, Mastercard today reaffirmed its commitment for more connected and inclusive cities, highlighting a new collaboration with Microsoft. The two global leaders for urban development will bring together their respective payment, data analytics and cloud technologies to create a global exchange, allowing cities to use economic insights in more integrated and efficient ways.

In today’s dynamic and complex world, mayors, policy makers and urban planners need quick and meaningful understanding of the economic health and vibrancy of their city. The insights derived from this new collaboration will help city agencies better understand root causes of issues and more effectively tackle long-standing urban challenges such as traffic congestion or economic development.

In addition, Microsoft intends to join City Possible, a global initiative pioneered by Mastercard to co-create and scale urban solutions through a united private sector.

“Today’s urban challenges are best solved through collaboration”, comments Miguel Gamiño Jr., executive vice president for global cities at Mastercard. “From access to basic services such as transport and affordable housing to engaging arts and culture – locals and tourists expect that cities make good use of resources that already exist and harness emerging technologies. That’s why today we invite public and private sector leaders to join us in making tech truly work for people.”

Trudy Norris-Grey, managing director, Microsoft CityNext adds: “Microsoft CityNext is helping cities implement solutions that address their most pressing needs and harness the next generation of innovation by leveraging cloud computing, AI, and other technologies. Our collaboration with Mastercard is an important step toward our goal of empowering cities to be more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive.”

The two companies are currently engaged through Chicago-based City Tech in a two-city pilot to model the impact of planned and unplanned events and inform data driven policy interventions. Typical use cases include major cultural events and infrastructure investments as well as adverse weather and traffic incidents.

Other areas where Mastercard will work with Microsoft include:

• Identifying opportunities for Mastercard technologies and solutions to be applied in Microsoft’s CityNext program, aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of smart communities around the world.

• Considering demand management solutions for areas such as transportation, tourism and energy, with the potential to deliver significant infrastructure savings to cities.

• Together with their partners, exploring additional ways for more cities to allow people to pay for transit fares with the payment devices they already carry. 

On May 8 - 10, Mastercard is participating in Smart Cities New York, an annual gathering of urban and business leaders from around the globe.

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.