5 min read
Oct 31, 2025
Mastercard Eyes $2 Billion Acquisition of Crypto Startup Zerohash
According to Fortune, Mastercard is reportedly in late-stage talks to acquire Zerohash, a Chicago-based crypto and stablecoin infrastructure firm, for $1.5–$2 billion, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations. If finalized, the deal would mark one of Mastercard’s largest crypto investments to date and signal its growing commitment to stablecoin technology.
Challenges and Opportunities
Founded in 2017, Zerohash provides the back-end infrastructure that powers crypto payments, trading, and tokenization. The company, backed by major investors like Interactive Brokers, Apollo, and Point72 Ventures, was last valued at $1 billion after a funding round in September 2025.
The move follows a surge of industry activity as financial giants race to stake their claim in the digital payments revolution. Stripe recently acquired stablecoin startup Bridge for $1.1 billion, while Coinbase is in talks to buy BVNK.
Analysts say Mastercard’s interest in Zerohash underscores its strategy to stay relevant as blockchain-based payments evolve. Though stablecoins could challenge Mastercard’s traditional transaction model, the company appears determined to integrate crypto infrastructure rather than compete against it in a bid to cement its role in the future of digital finance.
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