Mastercard Launches Cyber Resilience Centre in Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Financial Sector Security

Riyadh, May 24 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Mastercard has launched its first Cyber Resilience Centre in the Middle East, located in Riyadh, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration within Saudi Arabia’s financial sector.

The centre aims to unite key stakeholders to advance a secure digital commerce and payment ecosystem in the Kingdom. It expands Mastercard’s global network of cyber resilience hubs, which currently includes facilities in Europe and the United States.

Riyad Bank has joined as the centre’s first partner, collaborating on training programs, risk assessments, and the implementation of global cybersecurity standards. The partnership is expected to support enhanced defenses in the financial sector and accelerate the adoption of best practices.

“We’re proud to work with Riyad Bank to help advance a secure ecosystem in the Kingdom and ensure that people, businesses, and institutions in Saudi Arabia are protected through world-class capabilities,” said Adam Jones, Executive Vice President and Division President, West Arabia, Mastercard.

The initiative marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity infrastructure, with the centre providing real-time risk detection, threat prevention, and incident response capabilities tailored to the needs of the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The centre will also support the development of local cybersecurity talent, providing a platform for ongoing training and innovation in response to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Ibrahim A. Al-Sulobi, SVP and Head of Cyber & Information Security at Riyad Bank, said the partnership would help strengthen the bank’s defense frameworks and reinforce the financial sector’s resilience through the adoption of international standards.