Mastercard Nears $2B Acquisition of Zero Hash to Accelerate Crypto Infrastructure Push
Mastercard is in advanced talks to acquire Zero Hash for $1.5-$2 billion, signaling a strategic pivot toward blockchain-based settlement infrastructure. The deal would integrate one of payment's largest networks with a regulated crypto rails provider that already processes flows for BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Republic across 22 chains.
Zero Hash operates under virtual-asset licenses in major jurisdictions, including New York's BitLicense. Its 2024 funding round—led by Interactive Brokers with participation from Morgan Stanley and Apollo—validates institutional demand for on-chain settlement utilities beyond speculative trading.
The acquisition reflects Mastercard's recognition of stablecoins as emerging monetary plumbing. While consumer-facing crypto products remain volatile, the firm is betting on enterprise-grade tokenization to redefine value movement beyond traditional banking channels.
