MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microsoft, MasterCard to Provide Payment, Technology Support for Micro-Business Owners in Mexico

Microsoft Corporation, a US-based technology firm, and MasterCard, a US-based financial services corporation with operations in 210 countries, have announced a partnership through which they will seek to enhance information technology, communication and payments for small-scale merchants in Mexico. The partnership will focus on initiatives that facilitate electronic payments, encourage the use of properly licensed software and promote financial inclusion.

The partners will develop three projects: integrating financial products and technological solutions, working with the public sector to design and implement projects, and integrating MasterCard payment options into Microsoft platforms. In addition, the partners will offer small-scale merchants access to on-line training programs to develop their business management skills.

“Micro merchants are a very important segment in Mexico, representing 99.8 percent of the companies in our country,” said Antonio Junco, President of MasterCard Mexico and Central America. “Therefore, it is of utmost importance to provide them with innovative technological tools that allow them to be more productive and competitive and grow in the national economy.”

Founded in 1975, Microsoft offers software and related services to businesses and individuals.

By Mathew Cerf, Research Associate

About MasterCard

Headquartered in the US city of Purchase, New York, MasterCard is a payments and technology company that connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants and governments in approximately 210 countries and territories. As of December 2014, MasterCard reported total assets of USD 15.3 billion, and in 2013 reported 1.2 billion payment cards in circulation.

Sources and Additional Resources

[1] Finextra, “MasterCard and Microsoft partner to promote financial inclusion in Mexico

[2] YCHARTS, “MasterCard

[3] MicroCapital Universe Profile, “MasterCard

Did you know that MicroCapital publishes the MicroCapital Monitor newspaper each month? Find out more at http://www.microcapital.com/products-page/.

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