Mastercard Introduces Crypto Credential for Seamless P2P Transactions in UAE, Kazakhstan

• Mastercard has launched Crypto Credential in the UAE and Kazakhstan to simplify crypto transactions.

• The solution ensures secure transactions by verifying both the sender’s and recipient’s wallet compatibility.

Mastercard has launched its Crypto Credential solution, which will make it easier for people in the UAE and Kazakhstan to use cryptocurrencies. This launch enables the users to send and receive digital assets through easily memorable names instead of complicated blockchain addresses, making it easier to incorporate crypto.

Crypto Credential is one of Mastercard’s efforts to strengthen the security of digital asset transactions. Through cooperation with regulated exchanges like CoinMENA in the UAE, Fuze in Dubai, and ATAIX Eurasia in Kazakhstan, the solution is designed to enable the verification of transactions and ensure that both transacting parties have met certain verification standards. It also checks that the recipient’s wallet can accept the transferred asset.

It ensures that crypto users have a certain degree of confidence in the service, which checks the transaction details, including Travel Rule data and metadata sharing. Mastercard believes simplicity is key in crypto transactions to help boost trust among consumers and businesses.

“We are excited to see Mastercard embracing blockchain technology,” said Talal Tabba, CEO of CoinMENA. “Innovations like Crypto Credential are key to making digital assets more user-friendly, especially for those transitioning from traditional finance.”

How Mastercard Crypto Credential Works

The adoption of Crypto Credentials begins with the user’s validation in accordance with the Mastercard guidelines. After successful validation, users are given a unique alias that can be utilized on any supported exchange for transferring and receiving cryptocurrencies.

When a transfer is initiated, the system verifies if the recipient’s alias is active and if the wallet of the recipient supports the given digital asset. If not, the sender is informed, and the transaction is stopped to avoid the loss of the funds. This mechanism ensures security and ease of use since users are shielded from mistakes and deceit.

Initially, the pilot phase will cover only peer-to-peer transactions. Nevertheless, Mastercard plans to use Crypto Credentials in several services in the future. Some of the possible applications are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), ticketing, and other new payment applications based on the market’s needs and legal frameworks.

A Broader Expansion Across Regions

Mastercard Crypto Credential is not only available in the UAE and Kazakhstan. It is part of a greater implementation strategy for the company’s commercialization plans in markets across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. This expansion enables the user to transfer digital assets not only within these regions but also across blockchains and types of assets.

The new initiative has garnered support from industry leaders. Arutyun Poghosyan, CEO of ATAIX Eurasia, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are incredibly excited to implement Mastercard’s Crypto Credential technology. This partnership strengthens our position in the crypto space.”

In addition to the Crypto Credential, Mastercard has also collaborated with JPMorgan to create innovative B2B cross-border payment flows. CNF has earlier covered that the partnership links Mastercard’s MTN and JPMorgan’s Kinexys Digital Payments and is beneficial for businesses, according to CNF. This partnership leverages a single API to streamline foreign transactions, and minimize the time that is usually lost in crossing borders and other barriers that have hitherto slowed down global trade.