Mastercard launches major recruitment drive for crypto consultants
As Mastercard prepares for a future where cryptocurrency is more regularly traded, it has commenced a 500-strong recruitment drive within its payments consulting practice. The payment processing company plans to expand its consulting services with new practices focused on a number of emergent markets, including digital currencies.
In the 12 years since Bitcoin first launched, cryptocurrency has struggled to shrug off the reputation for being highly susceptible to scams, or to substantial market volatility. And, while its evangelists still insist it is somehow a ‘nascent technology’ with bugs to be worked out – in spite of being a similar age to the iPhone – cryptocurrency remains of little use beyond a commodity for extreme speculative investment.
With that being said, the potential for delivering extreme highs from that speculative investment mean many businesses remain intrigued by the prospect of crypto-advisory-services.
This burgeoning sub-market offers companies the opportunity to profit from successful gambles in the world of cryptocurrency, while shouldering none of the risk that comes from playing the extremely unpredictable market. Late last year, this saw Big Four consultancy PwC buy ‘virtual land’ in the Sandbox metaverse, while payments company Visa also announced the launch of a new consulting and advisory service, aiding its clients as they navigate the world of cryptocurrencies.
Not to be outdone, Mastercard has become the latest financial services giant to throw its hat into the ring. According to a press release from the payment processor, Mastercard now aims to help financial institutions navigate the adoption of cryptocurrencies with its consulting efforts.
In order to enable banks and merchants to cover many digital currency capabilities. The firm’s Data & Services line – a talent incubator for the broader company – is looking to add more than 500 college graduates and young professionals as part of the ambitious growth plans.
“Payments are just the beginning,” commented Raj Seshadri, President of Data & Services, Mastercard. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with our customers across banking, FinTech, retail, travel and other sectors, helping them understand and navigate every challenge and opportunity thrown their way. This evolution of consulting is in recognition of the changing world and of our changing business. It’s about helping customers navigate today’s challenges and anticipating what’s next.”
