Mastercard (MA) is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire crypto infrastructure firm Zero Hash for between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, after previously exploring a similar deal for BVNK. The goal is to speed up its move into blockchain-based settlement that can run around the clock.
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Instead of building everything in-house, Mastercard is targeting firms that already handle custody, conversions, and compliance for banks and fintechs. A deal would give Mastercard a ready-to-deploy payments stack that fits directly into its global network.
Why Banking Hours May Be Fading
Traditional card payments still settle through weekday cutoffs and batch windows. Stablecoins move continuously, allowing instant value transfer. Mastercard has already built two key systems to prepare for that world: its Multi-Token Network for programmable tokenized payments and Crypto Credential, a verification layer for compliant transactions.
Adding stablecoin settlement could let acquirers and merchants receive funds at any time, clearing obligations onchain in minutes instead of waiting until the next business day.
What the Move Could Mean
Buying Zero Hash or BVNK would give Mastercard regulated custody, liquidity, and client integrations in multiple markets. It would also position the company to process not just fiat but tokenized money and assets in one place.
For banks and merchants, always-on settlement reduces prefunding needs and weekend delays while improving cash flow. Treasury teams could sweep funds and convert between stablecoins and fiat in near real time.
What Might Slow It Down
Full 24/7 settlement will not happen overnight. Clearing-house limits, liquidity gaps, and compliance reviews still add friction when moving between crypto and cash. Custody and smart-contract risks also require stronger safeguards.
Most corporate treasurers are likely to stay hybrid for now, using stablecoins for faster transfers but converting to fiat for accounting stability.
Looking ahead, a confirmed Zero Hash acquisition, progress on BVNK, and broader USDC and EURC settlement programs will signal how fast Mastercard’s shift is moving. If those steps align, the company could bring payments closer to real time and make banking hours a thing of the past.
Is Mastercard a Good Stock to Buy?
Based on 18 Wall Street analysts offering 12-month price targets for Mastercard (MA) in the past three months, the stock carries a “Strong Buy” consensus rating. Of those, 15 analysts recommend a Buy, three suggest a Hold, and none advise a Sell.
The average 12-month MA price target stands at $690.04, representing a 24.62% upside from the last closing price.
