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MasterCard Turns Attention to Mobile Transactions

BARCELONA, Spain -- MasterCard Inc. is expanding its MasterPass electronic payment program with the addition of MasterPass in-app payments, which enable consumers to make secure purchases within a mobile app.

In-app payments eliminate the need to store payment card credentials across numerous mobile apps, according to Purchase, N.Y.-based MasterCard. In addition, the technology enhances the capabilities of the browser-based MasterPass environment and provides consumers with one secure direct relationship with their bank.

"MasterPass in-app payments is the latest offering from MasterCard to address the specific needs of the digital ecosystem. We’re creating great experiences for consumers across all channels and all devices, and enabling merchants to reach new consumers in ways not possible in the pre-digital world," Ed McLaughlin, chief emerging payments officer at MasterCard, said during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

MasterCard debuted MasterPass at last year's Mobile World Congress event. The digital service was created to allow consumers to use any payment card or enabled device for an enhanced shopping experience. MasterPass supports near-field communication-enabled devices, QR codes, tags and mobile devices used at the point-of-sale.

"We’re also developing a framework to make all payments using MasterPass as [secure] or more secure than anything we can do on cards today, ensuring that consumers can benefit from the highest possible levels of security," McLaughlin added.

In related news, MasterCard also announced that it is furthering its mobile payment presence by purchasing C-SAM Inc., a provider of mobile wallet and on-device software and services. This acquisition will allow MasterCard to speed the development and deployment of mobile wallets and payment solutions globally, including the MasterPass platform, according to the company.

C-SAM has powered many commercial mobile payment services, including Isis in the United States.  MasterCard and C-SAM have had a global strategic partnership since 2012.

"Consumers today are living digital lifestyles, shopping in new ways using a range of new products and devices, said McLaughlin. "Bringing C-SAM’s mobile expertise into MasterCard will help us launch a wider range of mobile and virtual solutions better and faster -- bringing convenience and choice to consumers, while adding value to our expanding partnerships with telecoms, governments and merchants."

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