More consumers and small businesses than ever before are participating in the digital economy – yet significant gaps remain in expanding genuine financial health. Mastercard is taking the lead to help consumers and small businesses not only connect to the digital economy but also be empowered by it.
For Mastercard, insights are the key. This includes bringing together leaders across the financial ecosystem to share insights that support financial growth, as well as data-driven innovations like Mastercard Credit Intelligence, a new solution suite that gives lenders new insights that help expand access to credit for consumers and small businesses.
To dive into Mastercard’s latest announcements – and how they come to life in Latin America – we spoke with Kaushik Gopal, executive vice president of Business & Market Insights at Mastercard. Below is our conversation.
Mastercard just unveiled its new solution: Mastercard Credit Intelligence, which gives lenders new insights to assess potential borrowers. What makes this suite of solutions unique to Mastercard?
Mastercard has spent years developing our data capabilities, so we can help our customers – and in turn, the people and small businesses they support – be well-positioned for growth. Mastercard Credit Intelligence supports this by harnessing our trusted network and proprietary insights to deliver advanced analytics to lenders as they assess a consumer or a small business for a loan. With the applicant’s permission, it can analyze information like transaction types, categories and identity signals. When a lender pairs this with outside information like credit bureau or telco data, they can get a richer picture of the applicant and make a more informed decision. It’s a great example of how insights – data made intelligent – can fuel growth.
How do these additional insights support expanded opportunities for consumers and small businesses?
Simply put, access to credit fuels new opportunities. It can, for example, help an individual secure a mortgage and become a homeowner. For small business owners, we know that capital is crucial to continued success and expansion. We want to make more of these opportunities possible, and insights are the key to doing it. Particularly for those who may not have traditional credit histories, this broader view of spending can help uncover new pathways to securing a loan. More lending opportunities equates to new entrants into the digital economy – which grows the economy
How does Mastercard Credit Intelligence help support consumers and small businesses here in the region?
This solution is already being implemented here to support small and medium-sized businesses, in Brazil for example. According to our own estimates, businesses of this size make up 98% of all businesses and provide 60% of jobs, so data-driven solutions that help them grow have the potential to make a significant impact.
We’re also bringing our open finance capabilities to Latin America, including Brazil, with partnerships that bring tools like payment initiation, fast onboarding, credit insights and data aggregation to individuals and small businesses there. All of this equates to new opportunities to take part in the digital economy.
Mastercard recently launched The Global Financial Health Coalition. Can you share more about the Coalition and what gap it aims to address in the financial ecosystem?
Over the past decade, global account ownership has surged from just over half of adults in 2011 to nearly 80% today. This progress is remarkable, yet the World Bank’s Global Findex shows that 2.1 billion adults are still unbanked or underbanked. For many, joining the formal financial system hasn’t translated into genuine financial health. The Coalition was formed in response to the growing recognition that providing access to financial products isn’t enough. While access is a critical first step, true financial health means that individuals and small businesses can use financial tools confidently, build resilience, and achieve long-term stability.
The Global Financial Health Coalition includes members from all around the world, including Daviplata in Latin America. How are you working with members to advance financial resilience?
The Coalition brings together a diverse group of global leaders, including organizations like Daviplata, who are pioneering solutions that address regional and worldwide challenges. Our work is anchored in three guiding principles: ensuring people have access to the right financial tools, leveraging technology to safeguard users as they engage, and supporting their journey toward lasting financial well-being. By sharing insights and fostering innovation, we are committed to building trust in the digital economy and empowering people to thrive within it. We’re excited to work alongside financial institutions, NGOs, telcos, wallet providers, and industry experts to strengthen financial resilience for individuals and small businesses here in Latin America and worldwide
