Core Insights - Mastercard is reportedly in late-stage discussions to acquire zerohash, a startup focused on crypto and stablecoin infrastructure, with a potential deal valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion [2][3] Company Developments - Zerohash recently raised $104 million in a Series D-2 funding round to accelerate product expansion and talent acquisition, driven by increased demand for enterprise-grade on-chain infrastructure [3][4] - The company has established partnerships, including one with Morgan Stanley to enable cryptocurrency trading on E-Trade's platform by 2026, initially allowing trades in bitcoin, ether, and solana [4] - Zerohash will also provide cryptocurrency trading and custody services for OnePay, a FinTech company majority-owned by Walmart, enabling access to bitcoin and ether later this year [5] Market Context - The surge in demand for crypto infrastructure is attributed to growing consumer adoption and new regulatory clarity in the United States and Europe [3] - Mastercard is also competing with Coinbase to acquire BVNK, a FinTech company that specializes in stablecoin payment infrastructure [6]

Core Viewpoint - YY Group has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Obita to integrate stablecoin payment infrastructure into its global gig workforce platform, enhancing cross-border payment capabilities and financial inclusion for gig workers [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnership and Integration - The MOU will allow YY Group to utilize Obita's stablecoin payment infrastructure for scalable and compliant receivables, payables, and treasury management [1][2] - Obita's infrastructure aims to simplify cross-border settlements while ensuring compliance and security, which is essential for enterprises [2][3] Group 2: Benefits for YY Group - The integration will streamline YY Group's cross-border capital flows, improving efficiency and margins as the company scales [2] - The technology will provide faster, lower-cost payouts for international students and gig workers, allowing them to hold savings in fiat-backed stablecoins to reduce local currency volatility [2][3] Group 3: Strategic Goals - The simplified cross-border settlement supports YY Group's international expansion strategy in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other growth markets [2] - YY Group aims to enhance financial inclusion for gig workers globally, particularly in underserved regions, through this collaboration [2][3] Group 4: Company Overview - YY Group is a technology-enabled platform providing flexible workforce solutions and integrated facility management services across Asia and beyond [4][5] - The company operates in various sectors, including hospitality, logistics, retail, and healthcare, and is committed to service excellence and long-term value creation [4][5]