Ukraine-based telecommunications operator Kyivstar has entered a strategic partnership with US-based payment card company Mastercard. 

This collaboration aims to advance technological solutions to strengthen Ukraine’s financial infrastructure, support digital payments and expand financial services. 

Kyivstar and Mastercard will test the Starlink Direct to Cell satellite technology within payment systems. 

Starlink Direct to Cell aims to maintain connectivity in areas lacking mobile coverage, facilitating financial transactions in remote areas or emergencies. 

The satellite-to-mobile technology is expected to enhance the resilience and accessibility of financial services, particularly in underserved regions. 

In addition, Kyivstar and Mastercard will develop new financial products using Big Data and analytics. 

Kyivstar new business development director Illia Polshakov said: “Resilience and reliability of infrastructure today are just as crucial an element of national security. 

“The Memorandum with Mastercard is a mutual trust and readiness to work on tasks that are critically important for the country. 

“Together with Mastercard’s global payment expertise, we are combining our strengths in digital product development to boost Ukraine’s resilience and expand access to innovative financial services.” 

Kyivstar and Mastercard signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, with a term of one year, and an option for extension. 

The collaboration outlines the intention to sign specific agreements for individual projects, underscoring the shared strategic goals of both companies. 

It will focus on creating financial scoring solutions and personalised consumer offers, thereby improving customer insights and widening access to financial services. 

The partnership will also implement advanced e-commerce technologies to ensure high security standards and a smooth customer experience. 

Also, it will promote cashless payments among small and medium enterprises. 

Mastercard Ukraine and Moldova country manager Inga Andreieva said: “Technology should serve society and make people’s lives more convenient and secure. The partnership with Kyivstar is an important step toward realising this vision in Ukraine. 

“By joining forces, we aim not only to strengthen the resilience of payment infrastructure in today’s challenging environment, but also to accelerate the growth of the digital economy. 

“Cooperation with a telecom market leader opens new opportunities for implementing innovative financial solutions and technologies that will benefit both large and small businesses, as well as every Ukrainian.” 

Mastercard has also launched its Commercial Connect API and clearing controls solutions to ramp up its commercial payments offering.