Mastercard and OKX Launch Stablecoin-Powered Card to Bridge Crypto and Traditional Commerce

In a significant move to integrate digital assets into mainstream finance, Mastercard has partnered with cryptocurrency exchange OKX to launch the OKX Card. This innovative product enables users to spend stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies seamlessly across Mastercard’s global merchant network, bridging the gap between Web3 transactions and everyday commerce. The collaboration underscores the growing adoption of crypto payments by traditional financial giants.

Mastercard Unveils Stablecoin Payments with OKX Card Launch

Mastercard is accelerating its foray into the digital asset economy with the introduction of stablecoin payment services across its global merchant network. The financial giant has partnered with cryptocurrency exchange OKX to launch the OKX Card, a product designed to bridge Web3 transactions with conventional commerce. Users can seamlessly spend crypto holdings, merging decentralized finance activities with everyday purchases.

Nuvei and Circle, the issuer of USDC, are collaborating with Mastercard to enable direct stablecoin acceptance for merchants. Paxos will further extend this capability to include additional stablecoins such as USDP. Jorn Lambert, Mastercard’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized that stablecoins offer enhanced speed, cost efficiency, and flexibility in payments. The company asserts that digital assets must achieve parity with traditional fiat currencies in usability to realize their full potential.

Scott Melker to Host Middle East Blockchain Awards in Dubai

Crypto influencer Scott Melker, renowned for his ’Wolf of the Wall Street’ podcast, will host the Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) at Dubai’s Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29. The event, a Token 2049 side event, celebrates innovators driving Web3 transformation.

Melker announced on X, ’I am hosting the Middle East Blockchain Awards TONIGHT in Dubai, hosted by @okx. This is the premiere event of the week.’ A former DJ turned Bitcoin advocate, Melker hosts ’The Wolf of All Streets’ podcast and authors ’The Wolf Den’ newsletter, bridging crypto, finance, and culture.