Mastercard Strikes $2.65B Deal for Recorded Future to Expand Cyber Services

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) has agreed to buy threat intelligence company Recorded Future from private equity firm Insight Partners for $2.65 billion to broaden its identity, fraud prevention and cybersecurity services.

The payment card services provider said Thursday it expects the transaction to conclude by the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory assessment and other customary closing conditions.

Expanding Threat Intelligence Capabilities

Founded in 2009, Recorded Future supports more than 1,900 businesses and government organizations across 75 countries by analyzing a set of data sources to generate and deliver threat intelligence and insights needed to help mitigate risks.

Mastercard will integrate Recorded Future’s threat intelligence capabilities into its portfolio of cyber services in support of its network of merchants and financial institutions.

“Recorded Future adds to how we deliver that greater peace of mind before, during and after the payment transaction. Together we will innovate faster, create smarter models and anticipate emerging threats before cyberattacks can take place – in payments and beyond,” said Craig Vosburg, chief services officer at Mastercard.

“By joining Mastercard, we see an opportunity to help more businesses and governments determine the steps to realize their full potential – and to enable everyone to feel safer in their daily lives,” said Christopher Ahlberg, CEO of Recorded Future.

Advancing AI Use to Detect Threats

Mastercard is working with Recorded Future on an artificial intelligence-backed service that quickly alerts financial institutions when a card is likely compromised.

Recorded Future has advanced the use of AI-powered analytics to provide customers with real-time visibility by gleaning insights from large data volumes and helping them address identified risks.

Recorded Future is sponsoring the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Intel Summit on Sept. 19. Register here to join the in-person event that will gather the top Intelligence Community officials, government decision makers and industry executives.