Humanity Protocol, a proof-of-personhood (PoP) framework based on palm biometrics, has announced that it is integrating its decentralized identity solution with Mastercard’s open finance connectivity.
The integration will link Humanity Protocol’s “Human ID” platform with Mastercard’s open finance capabilities, enabling users to verify personal financial data – such as income, assets, and bank account ownership – in a privacy-preserving way to access financial services like credit and loans. The rollout will begin in the U.S. before expanding to other markets, according to the company.
Bridging Web3 and Traditional Finance
The integration is positioned as a “Web2.5” bridge, connecting a decentralized, blockchain-native identity framework to the infrastructure of traditional finance (TradFi). It aims to provide real-world utility for Web3 digital identity concepts. By combining Humanity Protocol’s biometric PoP system with Mastercard’s regulated data network, the collaboration is intended to create a tool for financial verification and underwriting.
The system leverages zero-knowledge cryptography and selective disclosure, allowing users to provide “cryptographic proof of eligibility” without revealing underlying data. For example, a user could prove they meet an income requirement for a loan without disclosing their exact salary.
The core value proposition is reusable, user-centric Know Your Customer (KYC). Currently, users must complete a full KYC verification for each financial service they access. Under the proposed model, a user could enroll their palm biometric once and link their financial data once via Mastercard’s network. They could then reuse this single, biometrically anchored verification to privately prove their identity and financial standing across both Web3 and TradFi ecosystems.
Humanity Protocol’s Rapid Growth
The announcement follows Humanity Protocol’s expansion into hardware, developing biometric enrollment devices to simplify onboarding. The platform has already surpassed half a million users and is working with partner universities to establish on-campus registration systems.
Recent initiatives include collaborations on blockchain-based educational credentials with Open Campus and Web3 identity verification systems with Kaito. The company raised $30 million in seed funding earlier this year, reaching a valuation of approximately $1 billion, followed by a $20 million round at a $1.1 billion valuation.
Humanity Protocol founder Terence Kwok said the integration with Mastercard’s technology will allow Human ID holders to demonstrate financial eligibility “without spending valuable time on manual processes.”
Sources: Humanity Protocol, Open Banking Expo, The Block
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
