New Mastercard center to combat growing cyberthreats
Mastercard has launched its Cyber Resilience Center, an initiative that brings together key players from the financial sector to foster collaboration and support shared goals in building a secure commerce and payment ecosystem in the Kingdom. This is Mastercard's first initiative in the Middle East, extending the company's global network of cyber resilience centers, which includes locations in Europe and the US.
Riyad Bank has joined as the first partner and will collaborate with Mastercard on training programs, risk evaluations, and the adoption of global cybersecurity standards.
The center marks a pivotal milestone in reinforcing the Kingdom's cybersecurity infrastructure, enabling stronger collaboration to protect its fast-evolving digital economy.
With cyberthreats becoming more sophisticated and persistent, the center will provide a platform to equip organizations with the tools, expertise, and strategies needed to detect, prevent, and respond to risks in real time. It will also serve as a catalyst for expanding local cybersecurity talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
At the heart of the initiative are three core pillars:
•Education and training: supporting the development of local cybersecurity talent by working with financial institutions to introduce certifications in Arabic and host knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Standards and best practices: building trust in the digital ecosystem by setting measurable cybersecurity benchmarks and enabling institutions to track progress through clearly defined improvement targets.
•Risk assessments and readiness: enhancing preparedness through cyber defense exercises, scenario planning, and threat-casting workshops to anticipate and mitigate evolving risks.
Mastercard's Cyber Resilience Center aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to the Kingdom's commitment to secure digital transformation, improved public services, and a robust environment for technology-led innovation. Mastercard has invested $10.7 billion in cybersecurity innovation over the last six years, assessing evolving threats, protecting customers and enhancing trust across the digital ecosystem. According to the 2025 Digital Trust Insights Survey, 55 percent of Middle East organizations plan to prioritize digital and technology risk mitigation over the next year, compared to 53 percent globally.
'At Riyad Bank, safeguarding customer trust is central to everything we do. In a rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape, our collaboration with Mastercard through the Cyber Resilience Center is a testament of our proactive approach to cybersecurity. This partnership enables us to further strengthen our defense frameworks, accelerate the adoption of global best practices of global security, and fortify security in the Kingdom's financial sector. We remain committed to delivering a secure, seamless, and trusted banking experience for every customer,' said Ibrahim A. Al-Sulobi, SVP, head of cyber and information security department at Riyad Bank.
'We live in an ultra-connected world where cyberthreats are becoming more targeted and complex, even as the need for trust and assurance increases.' said Adam Jones, EVP, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.
The launch of the Cyber Resilience Center in Riyadh reflects Mastercard's commitment to staying ahead of emerging risks and helping our partners do the same.
We're proud to work with Riyad Bank to help advance a secure ecosystem in the Kingdom, and ensure that people, businesses, and institutions in Saudi Arabia are protected through world-class capabilities,' said Adam Jones, EVP, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.
The Cyber Resilience Center will further position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in digital security and strength, ensuring its financial sector remains a trusted foundation for innovation and long-term economic growth. Mastercard will continue to expand and enhance its cybersecurity capabilities through innovation and acquisitions. Last year, Mastercard acquired Recorded Future, the world's largest threat intelligence company. The acquisition strengthens trust and enhances security within the digital payment ecosystem.
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