Mastercard explores sale of majority stake in UK payments network Vocalink

Mastercard is evaluating the divestiture of a controlling interest in Vocalink, the British firm that operates the United Kingdom’s core payment infrastructure, including Faster Payments, the Bacs system and the LINK ATM network. The network processes more than 90% of salaries, over 70% of household bill payments and 98% of social benefit disbursements in the UK.

Financial‑Times reporting suggests a 51% stake could be priced at roughly £400 million, with talks still at an early stage and no formal offer on the table. Completion is not expected before 2027. Potential buyers include a consortium of British banks and payment firms that may form a new entity, sometimes referred to as DeliveryCo.

The possible sale reflects growing UK concerns over foreign ownership of critical payment rails, as the infrastructure is currently held by the US‑based Mastercard. It also aligns with the British government’s National Payments Vision, which aims to boost competition, security and innovation in retail payments.