Mastercard is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire the crypto infrastructure startup Zerohash for a deal valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. This move signifies Mastercard's increasing focus on expanding its presence and capabilities within the digital asset space.
Zerohash, known for its crypto infrastructure services, provides licensed crypto and stablecoin technology to banks, brokerages, and fintech companies. The company specializes in enabling fiat-to-crypto conversions and supports crypto, stablecoins, and tokenization within existing platforms. Zerohash also provides payment infrastructure for major tokenized funds.
According to Fortune, the potential acquisition would mark a significant bet on stablecoins for the payments network. Mastercard's interest in Zerohash highlights the growing competition among traditional payment giants to enhance their digital asset services for mainstream adoption. Mastercard's crypto strategy has been shifting from branded cards to the underlying networks handling digital-asset settlement.
The deal could provide Mastercard with a ready-made suite of services, including custody, liquidity, trading, staking, and a network of U.S. money-transmitter licenses and a New York BitLicense. These regulatory assets are difficult to replicate quickly, making the acquisition particularly strategic.
Mastercard's previous ventures into the crypto space include running exchange-linked debit cards and, more recently, focusing on the infrastructure that moves stablecoins. In April 2025, Mastercard announced "end-to-end capabilities" for stablecoin payments, including merchant settlement through partners. The company also joined Paxos's Global Dollar Network and added support for various stablecoins across its rails.
The potential acquisition of Zerohash would further solidify Mastercard's position in the digital currency sector, enhancing its ability to offer cryptocurrency solutions to its clients. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals. However, sources indicate that the talks could still fall through.
Representatives from Mastercard and Zerohash have not yet responded to requests for comment.
