Mastercard unveils AI-driven threat intel to fight payment fraud

Insider Spotlight: 

• Mastercard launches its first threat intelligence platform for payments
• Combines cyber insights from Recorded Future with Mastercard’s fraud data
• Aims to help banks and payment providers detect and prevent fraud faster
  
  

Mastercard has introduced Mastercard Threat Intelligence, the first threat intelligence solution designed specifically for payment systems. 

By merging Mastercard’s global fraud data with Recorded Future’s cyber intelligence, the platform enables financial institutions to anticipate and prevent cyber-enabled fraud with unprecedented precision.

Why it matters

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting payment systems, yet fraud and cybersecurity teams often work in silos. 

According to Mastercard’s data, 67 percent of Asia-Pacific (Apac) fraud executives only learn of data breaches after financial losses occur, while 83 percent of regional banking leaders cite the lack of real-time cyber threat integration as a major frustration.

Matthew Driver

EVP-services of Asia-Pacific at Mastercard

“Payment fraud is no longer just a payment system issue—it’s a cybersecurity challenge that directly impacts an organization’s bottom line,” Matthew Driver, executive vice president of services of Asia-Pacific at Mastercard, said in a press release on Oct. 30, 2025 . 

“Mastercard Threat Intelligence bridges communication gaps, enabling fraud and security teams to work together seamlessly to stop fraud before it happens,” he added.

The big picture

Apac’s financial institutions have been at the front lines of cyber-enabled fraud. The new platform introduces an integrated, intelligence-led approach that replaces fragmented systems with unified fraud defenses. 

“Asia Pacific is seeing a surge in cyber-enabled fraud, and the need for integrated intelligence has never been more urgent,” said Aditi Sawhney, Mastercard’s senior vice president of Security Solutions, Asia-Pacific.

Zoom in: What it offers

The solution delivers real-time detection and actionable intelligence, including:

• Card testing alerts to block fraudulent transactions before losses occur.

• Digital skimming analytics to uncover and disrupt card data theft.

• Merchant and ecosystem reports that flag risks and emerging threats.

The bottom line

Following Mastercard’s acquisition of Recorded Future, the rollout underscores its strategy to unify fraud prevention and cybersecurity. Market testing has already led to the takedown of malicious domains linked to $120 million in payment fraud. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma