TLDR
- Mastercard plans $2B Zerohash buy to expand stablecoin dominance.
- Zerohash could power Mastercard’s blockchain payment future.
- Mastercard moves deeper into crypto with Zerohash acquisition.
- $1.5B Zerohash deal marks Mastercard’s bold crypto expansion.
- Mastercard eyes blockchain edge through stablecoin strategy.
Mastercard is preparing to expand its stablecoin strategy by entering late-stage talks to acquire crypto infrastructure firm Zerohash. The potential $1.5 to $2 billion acquisition would deepen Mastercard’s role in the stablecoin sector. This move comes amid rising interest in blockchain-powered payment systems and growing competition from industry rivals.
Zerohash: Building Infrastructure for a Blockchain Future
Founded in 2017, Zerohash provides core infrastructure for stablecoin and crypto products used in payments, trading, and tokenization. The Chicago-based firm enables businesses to integrate crypto services through APIs, including stablecoin support and crypto exchange features. Zerohash also offers tools for tokenizing traditional assets on blockchain networks, aiming to simplify crypto adoption.
The company recently secured $104 million in funding, valuing it at $1 billion and attracting backers like Apollo and Point72 Ventures. With this capital, it scaled operations and expanded product offerings, putting it on the radar of major players like Mastercard. As Mastercard pushes deeper into crypto services, Zerohash could serve as a critical foundation for stablecoin infrastructure.
Unlike firms focused only on stablecoin payments, Zerohash offers a broader suite of tools, including exchange infrastructure and digital asset APIs. This makes it a strategic target for Mastercard, which is working to build a scalable blockchain-based payment model. The move aligns with Mastercard’s wider goals to future-proof its services against changing payment rails.
Stablecoin Adoption Accelerates Among Payment Giants
Mastercard’s interest in Zerohash comes as stablecoin use cases continue to grow across global markets. Firms like Stripe and Coinbase have also made major moves, with Stripe acquiring Bridge for $1.1 billion and Coinbase in talks with BVNK. These deals reflect a broader shift toward blockchain-based payments and the increasing role of stablecoins.
Stablecoins offer faster settlement times and lower costs than traditional systems like SWIFT or wire transfers, making them attractive alternatives. Companies are integrating stablecoins into treasury management, global payroll, and cross-border payments, driving industry-wide transformation. Mastercard is aligning itself with this evolution by seeking partnerships that accelerate development.
Although stablecoins could reduce reliance on legacy payment rails, Mastercard appears committed to reshaping its business around this emerging model. The company already acquired blockchain firm CipherTrace in 2021 and recently joined a stablecoin consortium alongside Robinhood and Kraken. These moves show Mastercard’s intent to lead in digital asset innovation.
Mastercard Positions for Long-Term Crypto Integration
The potential Zerohash acquisition would mark Mastercard’s most aggressive bet on stablecoin infrastructure to date. With crypto gaining renewed momentum, Mastercard aims to secure a competitive edge through strategic expansion. The deal reflects a clear desire to integrate blockchain technology into its existing payment ecosystem.
While the deal is not yet finalized, insiders suggest Mastercard has advanced far in negotiations. If successful, it would follow a failed attempt to acquire stablecoin startup BVNK, where Coinbase now holds exclusivity. This demonstrates Mastercard’s persistent effort to enter the stablecoin market, despite intense competition.
Mastercard’s strategy is to evolve its payment network through blockchain while preserving its global influence. With stablecoins driving this change, acquiring a firm like Zerohash strengthens its long-term position. As the stablecoin landscape expands, Mastercard aims to lead the next phase of financial infrastructure.
