MasterCard Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, provides transaction processing and other payment-related services in the United States and internationally. The company's payment solutions include payment programs, product development, payment processing technology, payment security, consulting, and information services and marketing, as well as loyalty and rewards solutions. It provides transaction processing services comprising transaction switching, which includes authorization, clearing, and settlement; and connectivity services, such as network access, equipment, and the transmission of authorization and settlement messages. The company also offers other payment-related services, including products and services used to prevent or detect fraudulent transactions, cardholder services, professional consulting and research services, program management services, rules compliance, account and transaction enhancement services, holograms, and publication services. In addition, it manages and licenses payment card brands, including MasterCard, Maestro, and Cirrus for use in payment programs and solutions. The company offers its payment solutions to develop and implement credit, debit, prepaid, commercial, and related payment programs and solutions for consumers, financial institutions, merchants, government entities, telecommunications companies, and other businesses. MasterCard Incorporated has a strategic alliance with Equity Bank, as well as a strategic partnership with VimpelCom Ltd. The company was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York.