Mastercard explores Vocalink stake sale

Mastercard is reportedly exploring the sale of a majority stake in its UK payments subsidiary Mastercard — Vocalink back to British banks, according to a Financial Times report. The discussions are at an early stage with no formal offers. A 51% stake could be worth about £400 million. Potential buyer DeliveryCo, backed by UK banks and payment companies, was formed in July 2025 to build domestic retail payments infrastructure. The possible sale comes amid United Kingdom — Bank of England concerns over foreign ownership of critical financial infrastructure and efforts to promote competition in the UK retail payments market. Mastercard acquired Mastercard — Vocalink in 2016 for £700 million from a consortium of 18 British banks including Barclays and HSBC. The United Kingdom — Bank of England fined Mastercard — Vocalink £11.9 million last year for risk management shortcomings.