MasterCard (MA. U.S.) buys Ekata for 850 million U.S. dollars to advance digital authentication

MasterCard (MA. U.S.) buys Ekata for 850 million U.S. dollars to advance digital authentication

Digital identities are a fundamental part of MasterCard’s multi-tiered approach to security. In 2019, MasterCard launched a new framework to discuss how digital interaction should evolve and how digital identities will build trust, collaboration, and economic growth. This framework is now being used in many sectors, from education to travel to health care.




The purchase of Ekata will also enhance MasterCard’s digital identity and security framework. Ekata provides a range of authentication services to prevent fraud.

Ekata is headquartered in Seattle, with offices in Amsterdam, Singapore and Budapest. Ekata works with a wide range of global traders, financial institutions, travel companies, markets and digital currency platforms.



Ekata provides a unique rating system, data, and risk metrics to help enterprise customers make decisions and identify high-value consumers, businesses, and bad actors in real time when opening, paying, and using online accounts.

Rob Eleveld, CEO of Ekata, said that by becoming part of MasterCard’s identity system, Ekata will ensure a broader and more collective approach to the growing demands of the digital economy.