Mastercard is one of the world’s largest payment networks and plays a central role in how merchant risk is defined, monitored, and enforced across the acquiring ecosystem. For PSPs, acquirers, ISOs, and PayFacs, Mastercard is not just a card brand. It is a regulatory framework, a set of compliance obligations, and a source of risk intelligence that directly influences how merchants must be onboarded and monitored.

Mastercard operates multiple fraud and compliance programs that payment providers must follow, including rules around excessive fraud, chargebacks, merchant transparency, and transaction laundering. These programs shape how risk teams assess business legitimacy, track behavioral changes, and maintain portfolio level control.

One of Mastercard’s most important initiatives for merchant risk is the Merchant Monitoring Service Provider (MMSP) program.
MMSP partners offer enhanced merchant risk reporting, underwriting intelligence, and portfolio insights that help acquirers detect suspicious behavior early. These reporting standards make it easier for providers to stay compliant, reduce exposure, and avoid costly downstream penalties.
Learn more about the MMSP framework here:
https://www.mastercard.com/global/en/business/overview/safety-and-security.html
‍

To stay aligned with Mastercard’s expectations, PSPs and acquirers rely on strong risk monitoring, accurate fraud prevention, and continuous merchant activity analysis. Together, these controls help prevent merchants from entering network enforcement programs and maintain a healthier, compliant merchant portfolio.