Mastercard may acquire Zerohash for up to $2 billion.
The move strengthens Mastercard’s crypto infrastructure strategy.
The deal signals rising institutional interest in digital assets.
Mastercard is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire crypto infrastructure startup Zerohash, according to a recent report by Fortune. The potential deal, valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, could be one of the biggest crypto-related acquisitions of the year.
This move underscores Mastercard’s growing interest in blockchain technology and digital assets. While Mastercard has already partnered with several crypto firms in recent years, acquiring Zerohash would give the payments giant direct access to infrastructure that supports crypto trading, custody, and compliance.
Zerohash is a backend platform that enables other companies to offer crypto services without handling regulatory and technical complexities themselves. It provides APIs for crypto trading, staking, and custody, essentially acting as a “crypto-as-a-service” provider. With Mastercard’s massive global network and Zerohash’s capabilities, the acquisition could create a strong synergy.
What This Means for Crypto Adoption
If the deal goes through, it will mark a significant moment in the evolution of traditional finance meeting Web3 infrastructure. Mastercard has been steadily building its crypto strategy, including launching crypto-linked cards, integrating blockchain data analytics, and expanding CBDC partnerships.
By acquiring Zerohash, Mastercard can fast-track its ability to offer crypto services directly or through its partners. It’s also a sign that traditional financial giants are no longer just experimenting with blockchain—they’re investing serious capital to own critical parts of the ecosystem.
This potential acquisition reflects increasing institutional confidence in the long-term viability of the crypto market, even amid regulatory uncertainty. For startups in the crypto infrastructure space, it could set a precedent for more M&A activity in the months ahead.