Mastercard launches SME report as firms prioritise stability

Mastercard has launched its Dreamonomics report and introduced the Mastercard Collection for Business, as research suggests small and medium-sized enterprises are placing greater emphasis on stability.

The survey, based on responses from more than 6,000 SMEs across 18 countries, found that 68% prioritise stability and predictability over fast growth. It also found that 54% actively avoid unnecessary financial risk, while 61% would rather build deep customer relationships than reach as many customers as possible.

The findings point to a shift in how smaller businesses define growth as economic pressures, operational complexity and digital demands increase. Mastercard is using that message to frame a broader offering for business owners seeking practical support beyond payments.

The Collection for Business will be available to World Business, World Elite Business and World Legend Business debit and credit cardholders in selected markets. It brings together business-related benefits and services across productivity, travel, dining, entertainment and online security.

One part of the offering focuses on business growth, including AI-based productivity tools due to be added, as well as access to business-focused experiences and networks. Another centres on lifestyle benefits such as airport dining clubs, Fast Track lanes, priority reservations, and other travel and hospitality offers.

A third part addresses cyber risk. Cardholders will receive access to My Cyber Risk, designed to help SMEs identify vulnerabilities through a dashboard that recommends what to address first.

Digital pressure

The report suggests demand for digital tools among smaller companies is rising even as many owners struggle with complexity. SMEs use five digital business tools on average, while 89% said they want to adopt more and 78% said integrated tools are critical.

Cybersecurity also emerged as a gap. While 71% said protection from cyber threats is a priority, only 37% said they currently use cybersecurity tools.

Interest in artificial intelligence also remains high. Globally, 70% of respondents said they are excited about AI's potential, with fraud and security protection the most frequently cited use case at 41%.

Regional differences

The data showed notable regional variations in business priorities. In Latin America, 74% of SMEs said they value stability and predictability over fast growth, including 76% in both Argentina and Brazil.

Across Europe, 67% said they prioritise work that supports their health, relationships and personal life. In Asia Pacific, 63% gave the same response, while 76% of SMEs in Indonesia said they prioritise stability and predictability.

In the Middle East and Africa, adoption of newer tools and payment methods was stronger than in other regions. There, 43% of SMEs use AI or machine learning tools to automate workflows and 42% use cybersecurity tools, while 15% use cryptocurrency and 8% use stablecoins alongside cards and bank transfers.

North America stood out for business card use. According to the survey, 51% of SMEs in the region use business cards exclusively, compared with a global average of 46%.

Among business card users, 59% are interested in premium products and 40% already use them. Mastercard said this reflects demand for payment products tied to spending controls, protections and added services.

Strategy shift

The report forms part of Mastercard's broader push into services for smaller companies, a segment that has become more important for financial groups seeking growth beyond traditional consumer payments. The company is positioning itself around the idea that SMEs want tools to help them manage uncertainty, simplify operations and reduce exposure to risk.

Mark Barnett outlined that approach in comments accompanying the launch.

"Small businesses bring the dream; Mastercard brings the infrastructure to help propel, protect and power that dream," said Barnett, Global Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Mastercard.

"Dreamonomics shows that business owners are not choosing between ambition and caution - they are looking for growth that is more predictable, more protected, and easier to manage. Our strategy is built around helping SMEs propel their dreams, protect against risk, and power their payments - connecting insights, tools, and solutions that support the daily realities of running a business while helping owners prepare for what comes next," Barnett said.

The report, conducted by Hypothesis on behalf of Mastercard, examined how SMEs are navigating growth, digital adoption, cyber protection, customer relationships and business tools. It found that many owners are not retreating from expansion, but are trying to pursue it on terms that reduce volatility and preserve control.