From the earliest days of credit cards to the contactless and wireless payment options of today, MasterCard Worldwide has led the industry in driving this evolution. MasterCard, at the heart of commerce, brings insight and innovation into the payments process to make commerce easier, faster, more seamless, more meaningful and more secure. Uncovering new ways to provide value to its customers, MasterCard launched MasterCard Advisors in 2001, bringing innovative consulting services to customers and others within the industry. That same year, MasterCard completed a major upgrade of its state-of-the-art network, enhancing its ability to process transactions safely, securely and instantly the world over. By 2005, MasterCard had committed itself to a new, customer-focused strategy that aligned its advisory and processing capabilities with its long-standing role as a franchisor. This three-tiered business model crystallized the company’s positioning as a franchisor, processor and advisor, laid the groundwork for its transition to a more transparent governance model and initial public offering in 2006. Today and beyond, MasterCard Worldwide continues to provide a unique combination of expertise, industry-leading insight, and globally integrated resources that the company leverages to deliver value to constituents. MasterCard is committed to innovating and growing the range of products and services the company brings to market through our strong partnerships with our customers.