Mastercard adds cyber-defence to SME finance

Mastercard has launched a new business credit card for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America and the Caribbean that comes with built-in cybersecurity tools, reflecting growing concern over cyber-threats as firms adopt digital payment and commerce systems.

The upgraded card includes services called My Cyber Risk and Identity Theft Protection, which provide SMEs with vulnerability assessments of internet-facing systems, a risk rating, and alerts for compromised credentials such as email addresses, bank accounts or identity data. Mastercard said the move responds to feedback from small-business owners, aiming to help merchants manage increasing risks as they digitise operations.

Researchers and fintech analysts note that many SMEs are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks - nearly half of small businesses globally report having been attacked at least once - and often lack the resources to respond adequately. This new card is designed to offer protection without requiring SMEs to have deep technical expertise or hire dedicated cybersecurity staff.

For SMEs, the package could deliver real value: access to credit, protection from cyber threats, and support for digital transformation - all bundled in one tool. For Mastercard, it represents a shift in strategy: from simply providing payment infrastructure to offering broader business-support services. This may help attract small businesses seeking integrated finance and security solutions in an increasingly online economy.