The retailer is funding a challenger bank called One that would be formed from the combination of several fintech firms. The startup would have a strong product set and cash position but could struggle to stand out in a crowded neobank field.

James Blake plans to retire in May, culminating a 25-year run at the helm. Joseph Casey, the bank's president, was named his successor.

The recent increase in online payments, whether through shopping or government disbursements, has created more openings for fraud. Companies and government agencies in Europe are trying to combat the problem by developing digital ID systems.

The Massachusetts bank is purchasing a fellow Bay State institution's pot banking operation and says one of its first steps will be encouraging dispensaries to accept credit and debit cards.

Michael Miebach told analysts that the card network expects earnings growth despite the economic impacts of the omicron variant and shipping delays. Mastercard does not have as contentious a relationship with the e-commerce giant as Visa does, he said.

Cash is being used in fewer transactions than ever before, and the pandemic has only accelerated the trend. Yet the U.S. is far behind some European and Asian countries in embracing digital payments and significant hurdles remain to its becoming completely cashless.