Mastercard Nears Zerohash Deal as Competition Intensifies

Core Insights - Mastercard is close to acquiring Zerohash for a deal valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, marking its significant entry into stablecoin infrastructure [1] - The acquisition aligns with the trend of global payment firms seeking new revenue streams from blockchain-based settlement, facilitated by clearer regulatory standards in the US and Europe [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - Zerohash provides API-driven tools for banks, fintechs, and brokerages to facilitate crypto trading, tokenization, and stablecoin transfers, with over $2 billion in tokenized fund flows reported in April [2] - Mastercard aims for direct control over the infrastructure rather than a loose integration, as part of its strategy to scale regulated digital-asset services [3] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The acquisition could transform how Mastercard handles cross-border transactions, allowing it to settle stablecoin transfers internally without relying on external partners [6] - This shift indicates a strategic move away from consumer-facing wallets towards building the foundational infrastructure for regulated blockchain payments [5]