
Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA: New Center Launched

Mastercard has officially launched its Cyber Resilience Center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), marking a significant step in bolstering regional cybersecurity. This initiative aims to foster collaboration within the financial sector, promoting shared goals for a secure commerce and payment ecosystem. The new center will play a key role in advancing Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA efforts, with Riyad Bank joining as the first partner to champion cybersecurity innovation and best practices in the Kingdom.
This is Mastercard’s first such center in the Middle East. It extends the company’s global network, which already includes centers in Europe and the United States. The initiative underscores Mastercard’s commitment to enhancing digital trust and security worldwide.
Advancing Cybersecurity with the Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA Hub
The launch of the Cyber Resilience Center in Riyadh is a pivotal milestone. It aims to reinforce the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity infrastructure. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the center will provide a vital platform. It will equip organizations with the tools, expertise, and strategies needed to effectively detect, prevent, and respond to risks in real-time. This proactive approach is central to the Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA strategy.
Furthermore, the center will act as a catalyst for expanding local cybersecurity talent. It will foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement across the financial sector. This focus on local skill development is crucial for long-term security in the region’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The center extends Mastercard’s global network of cyber resilience facilities. [Cybersecurity and trust
Core Pillars of the Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA Initiative
The Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA initiative is built upon three core pillars designed to create a robust security framework:
- Education & Training: This pillar focuses on supporting the development of local cybersecurity talent. Mastercard will work with financial institutions to introduce certifications in Arabic and host regular knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Standards & Best Practices: The center aims to build trust in the digital ecosystem. It will set measurable cybersecurity benchmarks. This allows institutions to track their progress through clearly defined improvement targets.
- Risk Assessments & Readiness: Enhancing preparedness is key. This involves cyber defense exercises, scenario planning, and threat-casting workshops. These activities help organizations anticipate and mitigate evolving risks effectively.
These pillars collectively contribute to a stronger and more secure financial environment in the Kingdom.
Riyad Bank Partnership: Strengthening Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA
Riyad Bank has become the first partner to join the Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA initiative. This collaboration will see both organizations working together on comprehensive training programs and risk evaluations. It will also focus on adopting global cybersecurity standards within the Kingdom.
Mr. Ibrahim A Al-Sulobi, SVP, Head of Cyber & Information Security Dept at Riyad Bank, commented on the partnership. He stated, “At Riyad Bank, safeguarding customer trust is central to everything we do. In a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, our collaboration with Mastercard through the Cyber Resilience Center is a testament of our proactive approach to cybersecurity.” He added, “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.” [MASTERCARD ECONOMICS INSTITUTE]
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030: Mastercard’s KSA Cybersecurity Commitment
The establishment of the Cyber Resilience Center aligns directly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It contributes to the Kingdom’s commitment to secure digital transformation. It also supports improved public services and a robust environment for technology-led innovation. Mastercard’s investment in cybersecurity innovation, totaling $10.7 billion over the last six years, reflects this dedication.
Adam Jones, EVP, Division President, West Arabia at Mastercard, emphasized this commitment. “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,” he said. “We’re proud to work with Riyad Bank to help advance a secure ecosystem in the Kingdom.” This highlights how the Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA program supports national goals. According to the 2025 Digital Trust Insights Survey, 55% of Middle East organizations plan to prioritize digital and technology risk mitigation, indicating a strong regional focus on this area.
Conclusion: A More Secure Digital Future for Saudi Arabia
The new Mastercard Cyber Resilience Center in Saudi Arabia, a key part of the Mastercard Cyber Resilience KSA strategy, promises to significantly enhance the nation’s cybersecurity posture. By fostering collaboration, promoting education, and implementing global best practices, Mastercard and its partners like Riyad Bank are paving the way for a more secure and trusted digital economy in the Kingdom.
Discover more about Mastercard’s commitment to cybersecurity and its innovative solutions for a safer digital world.