Mastercard has unveiled its Cyber Resilience Center, an initiative designed to unite essential stakeholders from the financial sector. This collaboration aims to support collective objectives in cultivating a secure commerce and payment ecosystem in the Kingdom. This marks Mastercard’s inaugural initiative in the Middle East, extending the company’s global network of cyber resilience centers, which includes locations in Europe and the United States.
Riyad Bank has joined as the first partner, collaborating with Mastercard on training programs, risk evaluations, and the implementation of global cybersecurity standards.
The center signifies a crucial advancement in strengthening the Kingdom’s cybersecurity framework, enabling enhanced collaboration to safeguard its rapidly evolving digital economy, according to a statement.
Addressing sophisticated cyber threats
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and persistent, the center will offer a platform to equip organizations with the necessary tools, expertise, and strategies to detect, prevent, and respond to risks in real-time. Additionally, it will act as a catalyst for the development of local cybersecurity talent, promoting a culture of ongoing learning and improvement.
At the core of the initiative are three essential pillars. The first is Education & Training, which focuses on supporting the growth of local cybersecurity talent by collaborating with financial institutions to introduce certifications in Arabic and hosting knowledge-sharing sessions. The second pillar, Standards & Best Practices, aims to build trust in the digital ecosystem by establishing measurable cybersecurity benchmarks that enable institutions to monitor progress through clearly defined improvement targets. The third pillar, Risk Assessments & Readiness, enhances preparedness by conducting cyber defense exercises, scenario planning, and threat-casting workshops to anticipate and mitigate emerging risks.
Mastercard’s Cyber Resilience Center aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s dedication to secure digital transformation, improved public services, and a robust environment for technology-driven innovation. Over the past six years, Mastercard has invested $10.7 billion in cybersecurity innovation, assessing evolving threats, protecting customers, and boosting trust across the digital ecosystem. According to the 2025 Digital Trust Insights Survey, 55 percent of Middle East organizations plan to prioritize digital and technology risk mitigation over the next year, compared to 53 percent globally.
Strengthening financial security
“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 to our proactive approach to cybersecurity. This partnership enables us to further strengthen our defense frameworks, accelerate the adoption of global best practices, and fortify security in the Kingdom’s financial sector. We remain committed to delivering a secure, seamless, and trusted banking experience for every customer,” stated Mr. Ibrahim A Al-Sulobi, SVP, head of Cyber & Information Security Department at Riyad Bank.
“We live in an ultra-connected world where cyber threats are becoming more targeted and complex, even as the need for trust and assurance increases. 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. We’re proud to work with Riyad Bank to help advance a secure ecosystem in the Kingdom, ensuring that people, businesses, and institutions in Saudi Arabia are protected through world-class capabilities,” further remarked Adam Jones, EVP, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.
Moreover, the Cyber Resilience Center will establish Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in digital security, ensuring its financial sector remains a trusted foundation for innovation and sustained economic growth. Mastercard will continue to expand and enhance its cybersecurity capabilities through innovation and acquisitions. Last year, Mastercard acquired Recorded Future, the world’s largest threat intelligence company, with the aim of strengthening trust and enhancing security within the digital payment ecosystem.
