Principal AI Engineer

Stablecoins could make payments faster and cheaper, but only if the supporting infrastructure improves, Mastercard executive Matthew Driver told CNBC. He is executive vice president of services for Asia Pacific. Driver warned against a "stablecoin sandwich": a slow on-ramp into stablecoins, a fast transaction, then a slow off-ramp back into fiat currency. Linking real-time payment systems to stablecoin exchanges at both ends could help. Stablecoins may suit certain remittance corridors and less commonly traded currency pairs. In Singapore, where retail payments are already efficient, corporate payments may offer more opportunity. Mastercard completed its acquisition of stablecoin infrastructure provider BVNK in August. The two have since launched Global Money Platform, which lets banks, fintechs, and businesses manage traditional and stablecoin payments through one API.

UAE leads landmark global operation with 30 countries and leading technology companies against AI-powered fraud networks. Oct 22, 2026, 08:14 ET Operation Confrontation Ghost brings together INTERPOL, Meta, TikTok, Mastercard, Huawei, and other partners together in a united front against cross-border scam networks and sextortion. VIENNA, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Under the leadership of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior, law enforcement authorities from 30 countries across five continents joined INTERPOL, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and 13 private sector partners from the technology and financial sectors in a first-of-its-kind operation against the criminal networks behind cross-border digital fraud. The operation identified more than USD 39 billion in funds and cryptocurrencies linked to scam activity, with participating countries, jurisdictions and private sector partners working towards the recovery of these assets. The operation reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates which places the safety of people and communities at the heart of the UAE's international engagement and regards security in the digital age as a shared global responsibility that no nation can address alone. Guided by this vision, the UAE has moved from calling for international cooperation to leading it in practice. Operation Confrontation Ghost builds on the UAE Ministry of Interior's strong track record of successful international operations and its extensive experience and expertise in combating transnational organised crime and digital fraud. Running from 1 July to 30 September 2026, the operation targeted three of the fastest-growing threats in the digital space: AI-enabled fraud, digital financial fraud, and technology-facilitated sextortion, a crime that often targets children and teenagers and leaves families facing lasting harm. "Under the UAE's global leadership, Operation Confrontation Ghost transformed international shared intelligence into coordinated operational impact. This first-of-its-kind initiative demonstrates how the UAE continues to drive practical international responses to evolving threats such as AI-enabled fraud and cross-border scams, strengthening collective resilience for all participating nations," said Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior. Over three months, the operation identified over 15,500 victims and more than 3,500 suspects across multiple countries, resulting in more than 960 arrests and raids on 29 fraud centres. Investigations resulted in the shutdown of over 570 social media accounts used to move money and manipulate victims, and identified more than 4,126 bank accounts linked to fraud. Participants exchanged more than 9,000 pieces of intelligence and information between law enforcement agencies and mapped distinct criminal methods, building a shared picture of how modern scam networks recruit and deceive victims and launder money across borders. For too long, these networks have used borders as a shield, and Operation Confrontation Ghost was designed to strip that shield away. By converting shared intelligence and technical capabilities into coordinated action, the operation disrupted criminal networks, targeted illicit financial flows, and strengthened protections for communities worldwide. Participating countries and private sector partners included: * 30 countries: United Arab Emirates, Philippines, Canada, Norway, Japan, United Kingdom, Ecuador, Romania, Kuwait, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Denmark, Myanmar, Brazil, Jordan, Italy, Maldives, Singapore, Sweden, China, Senegal, France, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Slovakia, Kenya, Morocco, Netherlands, and the Republic of Korea. * 13 private sector partners: Bayut, Crypto.com, Dubizzle, Feedzai, Ghostly Solutions, Group-IB, Huawei, Mastercard, Meiya Pico, Meta, Outseer, TikTok, and Trend Micro. The results of Operation Confrontation Ghost were unveiled at the Thirteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC COP13) in Vienna at a UAE-led side-event titled 'From Cooperation to Action: How Law Enforcement, International Organizations and the Private Sector Can Jointly Counter Organized Fraud'. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) commended the operation and its outcomes, recognizing the UAE's pivotal role in bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and technology companies, under a unified framework to strengthen collective efforts in combating this form of crime. Speaking during the event Monica Juma, Executive Director of the UNODC said: "I commend the United Arab Emirates for using their convening power and making this operation possible...I also wish to recognize the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in advancing this effort." The side event focused on turning operational experience into sustained international cooperation, stronger public-private partnerships and greater readiness against evolving fraud methods, including those powered by artificial intelligence. It also reflected the UAE's role as a practical and trusted convenor of law enforcement, international organisations and the private sector. The UAE Ministry of Interior thanked all participating countries, companies, and organizations for their contributions and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing practical, inclusive cooperation against transnational digital fraud, so that those who profit from deception have nowhere to hide. SOURCE Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates

Tiesh unveils Tourmaline Odyssey in collaboration with Mastercard. October 22, 2026 4min 135 The association aims to celebrate Sri Lanka's gemstone heritage, artisan craftsmanship, and the evolving aspirations of affluent consumers. As Sri Lanka's affluent consumer segment continues to seek more distinctive and experience-led luxury offerings, Tiesh Sri Lanka, a leading family-owned contemporary jeweller and premier gem supplier, has collaborated with Mastercard to launch the Tourmaline Odyssey Collection. Unveiled at Shangri-La Colombo on October 16, the collection brings together Sri Lanka's rich gemstone heritage, contemporary design, and exceptional craftsmanship through one of the world's most versatile and captivating gemstones. Inspired by tourmaline's remarkable spectrum of colours and individuality, the collection reflects a growing demand among consumers for products that combine authenticity, craftsmanship, and personal expression. Featuring necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and rings crafted in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and silver, the collection showcases green, watermelon, and other tourmaline varieties in designs ranging from timeless elegance to bold statement pieces. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to elevating Sri Lankan craftsmanship and expanding opportunities for local creative industries. By bringing together a homegrown luxury brand and a global technology company, the association highlights how innovation, commerce, and design can create new pathways for growth while connecting Sri Lankan excellence with a broader audience. "Tiesh has built this collection around tourmaline as its centrepiece, a gemstone chosen not for trend, but for its story," said Director of Tiesh, Ayesh De Fonseka. "While tourmaline has traditionally received less attention than some other gemstones, its extraordinary beauty and versatility have made it increasingly popular among global jewellery brands. Through this collection, we hope to spotlight its creative potential while celebrating Sri Lanka's rich gem heritage and craftsmanship." Mastercard's engagement reflects its broader commitment to supporting local businesses, expanding market access, and creating differentiated experiences for consumers. As Sri Lanka's premium and affluent segments continue to grow, Mastercard is working with partners across industries to deliver enhanced value through seamless digital payments, exclusive benefits, and elevated experiences. Country Manager of Mastercard, Sri Lanka, Mahesha Amarasuriya stated, "Sri Lanka's affluent consumers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences and products that reflect quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Our collaboration with Tiesh brings together these evolving consumer preferences with the country's rich gem legacy, while creating additional value for Mastercard cardholders. At the same time, it supports local enterprise by helping connect Sri Lankan creativity and craftsmanship with new audiences through seamless and secure digital commerce." As part of the launch and the upcoming festive season, Mastercard cardholders will enjoy exclusive offers on the collection, adding a unique customer dimension to the partnership. Named after the Sinhalese word toramalli, often associated with mixed or multicoloured stones, tourmaline occupies a unique place within Sri Lanka's gem heritage. Through the Tourmaline Odyssey Collection, Tiesh and Mastercard are bringing renewed attention to this underrepresented gemstone while celebrating the artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to define Sri Lanka's luxury and creative sectors. Post Views: 135