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Jon Huntsman, Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard, visited Azerbaijan as part of a high-level engagement program focused on advancing digital transformation, financial inclusion and SME development.
During the visit, Mr. Huntsman had a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Taleh Kazimov. The discussion focused on Azerbaijan’s progress on enhancing financial inclusion and digitalization. The parties discussed opportunities to strengthen long-term strategic partnership, including cooperation on payment system optimization, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, data-driven solutions and the development of a resilient and secure digital financial infrastructure.
“Azerbaijan is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in CIS in digital transformation, supported by its strong commitment to financial transparency, modern infrastructure, and innovation driven growth. Mastercard is committed to supporting this progress by bringing our global expertise‑ in secure payment infrastructure, data driven‑ solutions, and SME digitalization to our work with Azerbaijan’s key institutions. Together, we aim to help build a resilient, trusted, and connected digital economy—one that enables locally developed solutions to scale securely across international markets and strengthens Azerbaijan’s role as a growing hub for regional financial innovation.” said Jon Huntsman, Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard.
“The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan is committed to implementing meaningful reforms that strengthen our national payment system and drive innovation. These efforts aim to enhance the inclusiveness and efficiency of our payment infrastructure, ensuring faster, more reliable, and more secure services for all users. By prioritizing accessibility, we strive to extend the benefits of digital financial services to individuals, businesses, and underserved communities alike. As we confidently advance toward a cashless future, Mastercard remains a valued strategic partner, supporting the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan on this shared journey of progress and modernization. This collaboration enables the effective implementation of innovative payment solutions while fostering inclusive growth and broad participation in the digital economy.” Taleh Kazimov stated.
As part of the visit, Jon Huntsman also met with Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The meeting focused on cooperation opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, transit corridors and the broader transport ecosystem. The parties also exchanged views on the potential establishment of a Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Baku as a platform for regional expertise, innovation and capacity building.
Within the framework of the visit, Mastercard organized a high-level business roundtable in Baku, held with the partnership of AmCham Azerbaijan. The roundtable brought together C-level executives from leading banks, fintech companies and representatives of government institutions.
The discussion served as a platform for open and forward-looking dialogue on the future of Azerbaijan’s financial ecosystem, with a focus on digital and mobile payments, SME digitalization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the role of collaboration in accelerating trusted digital adoption.
Particular attention was given to increasing SME participation in cashless transactions, strengthening financial inclusion, and developing practical, scalable solutions that support transparency, business growth, and long-term economic resilience.
The roundtable also highlighted Mastercard’s ongoing contributions to Azerbaijan’s digital economy through initiatives in tokenization, contactless payments, AI-driven fraud prevention, data analytics and public-private cooperation. Building on this engagement, AmCham Azerbaijan expressed its readiness to cooperate with Mastercard in advancing these priorities through joint initiatives and effective public-private collaboration.
The visit reaffirmed Mastercard’s commitment to Azerbaijan as a long-term technology and innovation partner, supporting the country’s ambition to build a connected, transparent and inclusive digital economy through global expertise, local partnerships and continuous investment in innovation.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
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