Mastercard Reportedly Set to Acquire Crypto Startup ZeroHash in a Deal Worth Up to US$2 Billion

Global payment giant Mastercard is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to acquire crypto and stablecoin infrastructure startup ZeroHash, in a deal valued between US$1.5 billion and US$2 billion. This strategic move is seen as part of Mastercard’s broader effort to strengthen its position within the digital asset and blockchain-based payment ecosystem.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the agreement could become Mastercard’s largest investment in the stablecoin sector if finalized. Founded in 2017, ZeroHash provides infrastructure services for banks, fintech companies, and payment providers to integrate digital assets including stablecoin services, staking, custody, and asset tokenization.
The U.S.-based startup recently raised more than US$100 million in a funding round last September, bringing its valuation close to US$1 billion. The potential acquisition emerges amid a growing trend among global payment firms to expand their operations into blockchain, digital assets, and decentralized payment systems.

If completed, the acquisition would grant Mastercard direct capabilities in stablecoin infrastructure, enabling the company to accelerate its expansion into on-chain payments, asset tokenization, and next-generation fintech solutions. This move would also strengthen Mastercard’s role as a bridge between the traditional (fiat) financial system and the digital asset ecosystem.

At the industry level, such a move could accelerate institutional adoption of stablecoins and drive greater efficiency in cross-border payments through blockchain technology — reducing transaction costs, speeding up transfers, and expanding access to digital financial services.

However, several analysts note that the deal is not yet finalized. To date, neither Mastercard nor ZeroHash has issued an official confirmation regarding the report. Several challenges remain, including strict stablecoin regulations, operational integration complexity, and gradual market adoption.

Moreover, this potential acquisition represents more than just the purchase of an ordinary crypto startup. ZeroHash’s infrastructure must be integrated with Mastercard’s global payment network, requiring robust cybersecurity standards and compliance with cross-jurisdictional regulations.

Mastercard’s move reflects a new chapter in the evolution of digital payments and institutional stablecoin adoption. If realized, the deal could mark a significant milestone in the global financial industry, signaling an era in which major payment companies integrate blockchain and digital assets directly into their core business operations — not merely as technological add-ons. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on execution capability, regulatory support, and market acceptance of blockchain-based payment ecosystems.