Settlement and Other Risk Management

Mastercard’s rules guarantee the settlement of many of the transactions between its customers (“settlement risk”). Settlement exposure is the settlement risk to customers under Mastercard’s rules due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. While the term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited, the duration of settlement exposure is short term and typically limited to a few days.

Gross settlement exposure is estimated using the average daily payment volume during the three months ended December 31, 2018 multiplied by the estimated number of days of exposure. The Company has global risk management policies and procedures, which include risk standards, to provide a framework for managing the Company’s settlement risk and exposure. In the event of a failed customer, Mastercard may pursue one or more remedies available under our rules to recover potential losses. Historically, the Company has experienced a low level of losses from customer failures.

As part of its policies, Mastercard requires certain customers that are not in compliance with the Company’s risk standards to post collateral, typically in the form of cash, letters of credit, or guarantees. This requirement is based on a review of the individual risk circumstances for each customer. Mastercard monitors its credit risk portfolio on a regular basis and the adequacy of collateral on hand. Additionally, from time to time, the Company reviews its risk management methodology and standards. As such, the amounts of estimated settlement exposure are revised as necessary.

The Company’s estimated settlement exposure was as follows:



	December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(in millions)
Gross settlement exposure	$	49,666		$	47,002
Collateral held for settlement exposure	(4,711		)	(4,360		)
Net uncollateralized settlement exposure	$	44,955		$	42,642

Mastercard also provides guarantees to customers and certain other counterparties indemnifying them from losses stemming from failures of third parties to perform duties. This includes guarantees of Mastercard-branded travelers cheques issued, but not yet cashed of $377 million and $395 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $297 million and $313 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is mitigated by collateral arrangements. In addition, the Company enters into agreements in the ordinary course of business under which the Company agrees to indemnify third parties against damages, losses and expenses incurred in connection with legal and other proceedings arising from relationships or transactions with the Company. Certain indemnifications do not provide a stated maximum exposure. As the extent of the Company’s obligations under these agreements depends entirely upon the occurrence of future events, the Company’s potential future liability under these agreements is not determinable. Historically, payments made by the Company under these types of contractual arrangements have not been material.