MasterCard 2009 Annual Report Download - page 5

www.mastercard.com 3
payment portfolios across banking channels. In 2009, Swiss Bankers Prepaid
Services Ltd., whose Travel Cash Maestro prepaid cards are issued in more
than 120 countries, signed on, as did Travelex Group, the world’s largest
issuer of foreign currency prepaid cards.
Globally, our network supports 1.6 billion MasterCard- and Maestro®
-
branded cards, which are now welcomed at over 30 million locations around
the world and hundreds of thousands of sites online. Our world-renowned
brands drive value for fi nancial institutions seeking to increase usage,
merchants striving to attract customers, and consumers seeking greater
ease and convenience no matter where in the world they go.
In addition, we continue to leverage the power of our brands through
sponsorships, popular digital tools, promotions, and our award-winning
Priceless advertising campaign, which to date has run in 110 countries and
51 languages. These assets help drive affi nity and loyalty for MasterCard, as
well as for our customers and merchant partners.
Innovations That Expand the Field of Play
At MasterCard, we believe that combining our industry expertise with
the diverse insights of our global workforce and new technological
advancements is the most effective way to drive innovation. That’s why
we recently announced the establishment of MasterCard Labs, a new
research and development arm aimed at bringing innovative payment
solutions to market faster than ever before.
Drawing on talent from across the organization, MasterCard Labs allows
us to develop and test new ideas that keep us at the forefront of advancing
commerce globally. It also ensures that we meet the changing and diverse
needs of consumers in local markets. The unit’s fi rst initiative was the launch
of Open Application Programming Interfaces (Open APIs). By unlocking
previously proprietary payments and data services, Open APIs allow
third-party and independent software developers to create a new wave
of future applications.
These initiatives represent the latest chapter in our long tradition of
innovation that includes advances such as inControl, MoneySend®
, and
MasterCard PayPass®
, the industry’s leading contactless payments solution.
Around the world, PayPass continues to gain popularity with consumers
in cash-heavy, quick-pay environments. Already accepted in a number of
major mass-transit systems, PayPass continues to gain traction, with
programs and pilots launched in Istanbul, Liverpool, London, metropolitan
New York, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro. In addition, PayPass made its debut
in the Caribbean, as well as in Germany with Maestro, through the Payback
merchant network, representing Europe’s fi rst major merchant-funded
rewards and loyalty program. At this writing, there are now over 75 million
PayPass-enabled cards and devices in use — and more than 230,000
merchant locations that accept them worldwide.
MasterCard also continues to lead the way in advancing mobile phone-
based payments, which allow cardholders to use their phones as fi nancial
management tools. Our latest development is the MasterCard Mobile
Payments Gateway, a platform that enables banks and mobile operators to
deliver end-to-end solutions through our payments network.
Delivering Value
Direct to Consumers
We continue to strongly leverage our
brands, whether through sponsorships,
experiences, or new cardholder tools.
Some highlights:
•MasterCardMarketPlace.com:
As one of our e-commerce initiatives,
we launched MasterCard MarketPlace.
This exciting online shopping destination
powered by Next Jump offers discounts
and privileges from thousands of
merchants across the United States.
•A Host of MasterCard Apps:
We’ve launched powerful apps for iPhone®
and BlackBerry. One example is the
MasterCard ATM Hunter®App, which helps
consumers fi nd the nearest ATM while on
the go. ATM Hunter is available globally.
•Priceless Giftfi nder: Our partnership
with Amazon made it easy for consumers
to fi nd the right holiday gifts in 2009 while
managing their budgets online.
•Programa Surpreenda: Portuguese
for “surprise,” Surpreenda is an online
platform that offers consumers in Brazil
special rewards and card usage incentives.
•The Selection: Our pathway to Priceless®
moments for premium Russian cardholders
features tailored experiences and special
offers from luxury merchants at home
and abroad.
• Fashion: Across Asia, the Middle East,
Africa, and Latin America, we’re boosting
our fashion profi le and delivering
valuable offers to consumers through
special promotions and events, such as
the Asia Fashion Exchange.
•Sports and Entertainment:
Our sponsorship of popular sporting
events includes major golf and soccer
competitions — like the PGA TOUR® and
the UEFA Champions League. Furthermore
we sponsor Rugby World Cup 2011 and
Major League Baseball. Entertainment
sponsorships include high-profi le events
such as the GRAMMY Awards, the BRIT
Awards, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.