Mastercard has rolled out its Crypto Credential solution in the region, marking its first step into Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA). The service aims to make sending cryptocurrency simpler and more secure for users in the UAE and Kazakhstan.

According to the announcement by the company, the new system eliminates the need for complex blockchain addresses by introducing simple aliases, enhancing the user experience and boosting trust in digital transactions.

Easing Blockchain Transactions

Mastercard Crypto Credential is designed to enhance and verify blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Read this Term interactions. By replacing complicated wallet addresses with easy-to-use aliases, the system reduces the chances of errors during cryptocurrency transfers.

Commenting about the new addition, Gaurang Shah, the Executive Vice President, Head of Core Payments, EEMEA, at Mastercard said: “As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to mature, we’ve been laser focused on developing innovative services and capabilities that help make crypto more accessible and secure, streamline the transaction process and enhance trust in the ecosystem.”

“In bringing Mastercard Crypto Credential to the EEMEA region, we’re delivering on our vision to increase and instill trust in blockchain technology while also transforming the way that people interact with digital assets.” Several prominent players, including CoinMENA, ATAIX Eurasia, and Intebix, have reportedly joined Mastercard's initiative in the region.

Additionally, Fuze, a provider of crypto-wallet-as-a-service, will extend the reach of this pilot program to more businesses and consumers. Once verified by an exchange under Mastercard’s standards, users receive an alias to send or receive funds. Before a transfer is finalized, the system validates the recipient’s wallet compatibility, protecting users from potential loss.

A Regional and Global Effort

The initial pilot focuses on peer-to-peer transfers, but Mastercard envisions broader applications in the future, including NFTs, ticketing, and other blockchain-based payments Payments One of the bases of mediums of exchange in the modern world, a payment constitutes the transfer of a legal currency or equivalent from one party in exchange for goods or services to another entity. The payments industry has become a fixture of modern commerce, though the players involved and means of exchange have dramatically shifted over time.In particular, a party making a payment is referred to as a payer, with the payee reflecting the individual or entity receiving the payment. Most commonl One of the bases of mediums of exchange in the modern world, a payment constitutes the transfer of a legal currency or equivalent from one party in exchange for goods or services to another entity. The payments industry has become a fixture of modern commerce, though the players involved and means of exchange have dramatically shifted over time.In particular, a party making a payment is referred to as a payer, with the payee reflecting the individual or entity receiving the payment. Most commonl Read this Term.

The UAE and Kazakhstan join regions like North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, where the Crypto Credential solution is already active. Mastercard plans a phased rollout for wider availability in the coming months. This expansion aligns with the company’s global push to bring greater trust and transparency to cryptocurrency transactions.

By working with local and international partners, Mastercard is shaping the future of blockchain technology and bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.

As the cryptocurrency landscape matures, initiatives like Mastercard Crypto Credential aim to transform how users and businesses interact with digital assets, ensuring safety and ease of use.