Mastercard Pursues Strategic Investment in Zerohash Crypto Infrastructure After $2 Billion Acquisition Bid Collapses
The global payments leader Mastercard is shifting gears in its crypto strategy. After Zerohash declined a full buyout to stay independent, the two parties are now negotiating a minority stake or strategic funding round. This approach would grant Mastercard deeper access to Zerohash’s robust technology stack and expanding client network without assuming complete ownership.
Industry sources close to the discussions confirmed the pivot to CoinDesk. In late 2025, reports surfaced that Mastercard was nearing a deal to purchase the Chicago-based firm for as much as $2 billion, positioning it to dominate crypto custody, settlement, and fiat-to-crypto conversion services.
Zerohash provides essential backend infrastructure that allows fintech platforms, brokerages, banks, and payment processors to integrate Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other digital assets seamlessly—without developing complex systems in-house. Services include secure custody solutions, efficient settlement mechanisms, and reliable on-ramps/off-ramps between fiat and crypto.
A Zerohash representative emphasized the company’s direction: “We are not pursuing an acquisition with Mastercard. We value our relationship with their team and are excited to grow joint commercial initiatives. Independence enables us to keep driving innovation that benefits our partners and users.”
Mastercard has not issued public comments on the ongoing talks.
Why Zerohash Remains a Hot Target in Crypto Infrastructure
Zerohash achieved unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation after raising $104 million in a Series D-2 funding round led by Interactive Brokers in late 2025. The company has steadily grown revenue through multiple market cycles, attracting major institutional partners.
Notably, Morgan Stanley invested in Zerohash and leverages its platform for direct crypto access, including liquidity provision, custody, and settlement for clients—highlighting the firm’s critical role in bridging traditional finance and digital assets.
The broader crypto M&A landscape is heating up, with investors prioritizing proven infrastructure plays over high-risk token ventures. Comparable activity includes custody and staking providers drawing interest, alongside stablecoin-focused platforms like BVNK, which Mastercard has also been linked to in past rumors.
Mastercard’s Growing Crypto Footprint
This development aligns with Mastercard’s aggressive push into digital assets. The company has rolled out multiple blockchain initiatives to support crypto adoption among its vast merchant network.
A key example is the partnership with Kraken, launched in April 2025, enabling users in the UK and Europe to spend Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at over 150 million Mastercard-accepting merchants worldwide through linked debit cards. Kraken’s innovative Kraken Pay feature, including the “Kraktag” for instant cross-border crypto and fiat transfers, has already onboarded more than 200,000 active users.
By potentially investing in Zerohash, Mastercard could strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving payments ecosystem, gaining influence over scalable crypto infrastructure while supporting mainstream adoption of Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenized assets.
For Zerohash, a strategic tie-up with a payments titan like Mastercard could deliver additional funding, enhanced credibility, and expanded commercial opportunities—all while maintaining operational autonomy to accelerate product development.
As traditional finance continues converging with blockchain technology, this potential deal underscores the strategic value of reliable crypto backend providers in shaping the future of global payments.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.