Mastercard has announced plans to acquire stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK in a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion, marking a significant step in its expansion into blockchain-based payments.
The transaction, which includes up to $300 million in contingent payments, is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
With the acquisition, Mastercard is racing to strengthen its position against rival Visa Inc., as both firms seek to establish early leadership in the fast-evolving blockchain payments ecosystem.
Commenting on the deal, Mastercard’s Chief Product Officer, Jorn Lambert, said the company expects widespread adoption of digital currency services among financial institutions and fintech firms in the coming years.
“We expect that most financial institutions and fintechs will, in time, provide digital currency services,” he said.
“This acquisition reinforces what we have always done, using innovation and technology to power economies and empower people. Adding on-chain rails to our network will support speed and programmability for virtually every type of transaction,” he added.
According to him, Mastercard has already been building its digital asset capabilities through initiatives such as its Crypto Partner Program, which focuses on integrating blockchain-based payments into its global network.
Founded in 2021, BVNK provides infrastructure that connects traditional fiat currencies with stablecoins, enabling businesses to seamlessly move funds across both systems.
The platform supports payments across major blockchain networks and operates in more than 130 countries, positioning it as a key enabler of global digital transactions.
