Has Mastercard accepted the inevitability of crypto? Spends $2B on tokenization platform

Mastercard is reportedly close to acquiring the regulated crypto-settlement network Zero Hash for an estimated $1.5 to $2 billion, signaling a major move to integrate blockchain infrastructure into its core payment processing. Zero Hash, which is regulated across the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia, handles tokenized fund movements for major issuers like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, operating 24/7. For Mastercard, owning Zero Hash would allow it to settle card and account-to-account payments using regulated stablecoins instantly (T+0), bypassing traditional banking delays. This acquisition positions Mastercard to capture revenue from the rapidly growing stablecoin market, which involves trillions in monthly settlements, and compete with rivals like Visa and Stripe who are also investing in fiat-to-stablecoin bridges. While regulatory approvals for the change of control are pending, the move suggests Mastercard is choosing to become the settlement layer for on-chain finance rather than being disintermediated by it.

(Source：CryptoSlate)