Mastercard to Acquire Ekata to Advance Identity Verification Efforts

Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, is going to acquire Ekata, a provider of global identity verification data.

Ekata expressed excitement on the announcement that Ekata has entered into a sale agreement to be acquired by Mastercard. Ekata is looking forward to joining the Mastercard family to continue providing global solutions that enable inclusive and frictionless experiences while, at the same time, ensuring customer privacy, control, and security.

Digital identity is a foundational part of Mastercard’s multi-layered approach to security. In 2019, the company introduced a new framework on how digital interactions should evolve, as well as how digital identity will build trust, collaboration and economic growth.

Ekata uses insights to deliver unique scores, data attributes and risk indicators that businesses then use to make more informed decisions. They help their customers identify good consumers and businesses and bad actors in real-time during online account opening, payments and variety of other digital interactions.

Ekata's identity verification data, machine learning technology and global experience integrated with Mastercard's fraud prevention and digital identity programs will help businesses confidently know who their customers are and, in turn, help those customers safely interact online. Mastercard and Ekata's integrated services will build on both companies’ commitments to ensure trust and the responsible use of data.

Ajay Bhalla, president of cyber and intelligence solutions at Mastercard said: “The shift to a more digital world requires real solutions to secure every transaction and instill trust in every interaction. With the addition of Ekata, we will advance our identity capabilities and create a safer, seamless way for consumers to prove who they say they are in the new digital economy.”

“The acceleration of online transactions has thrust global digital identity verification to the forefront as one of the biggest opportunities to build digital trust and combat global fraud,” said Rob Eleveld, CEO at Ekata, Inc.

“The right identity verification solutions enable inclusive and frictionless experiences while, at the same time, ensuring customer privacy, control and security. Becoming part of the Mastercard Identity family ensures a broader, collective approach to meeting the growing demands of the digital economy”, Rob added.

Not long before, Fazzaco has reported on Mastercard appointing Timothy Murphy as Chief Administrative Officer.