Mastercard is exploring new frontiers in the crypto space by contemplating partnerships with non-custodial wallets such as MetaMask and Ledger. Simultaneously, the global credit card giant is venturing into the world of cryptocurrency through an alliance with another crypto company.
Mastercard’s foray into the crypto realm has long been on the radar, although its precise objectives have remained somewhat enigmatic.
While a clear picture is still elusive, recent revelations shed some light on the company’s aspirations. According to reports from Coindesk, Mastercard is in the process of presenting a plan that outlines potential collaborations with self-custody wallet providers like MetaMask and Ledger.
The primary goal of this collaboration is to empower wallet providers by enabling them to expand their user base and cultivate customer loyalty, all while generating revenue. Users who possess these wallet-linked cards would have the ability to seamlessly utilize their cryptocurrency assets for various transactions.
Mastercard is also in the process of evaluating “new models” aimed at enhancing global payment settlement within its network. This involves exploring the utility of stablecoins and efficient blockchain solutions to facilitate faster and cost-effective transactions. This strategic move aligns with Visa’s similar venture, where they have already begun partnering with USDC on the Solana blockchain.
Furthermore, Mastercard has joined forces with MoonPay, a crypto payments and exchange service. Together, they plan to explore innovative ways to leverage Web3 tools for experimental marketing in order to reach customers in novel ways. MoonPay intends to integrate Mastercard products, potentially involving credit card payments and debit cards, and harness “Mastercard Crypto Credentials,” a set of standards designed to instill trust and provide closer monitoring of crypto-related interactions.
These recent developments underscore Mastercard’s sustained interest in the crypto space, despite challenges posed by market downturns and regulatory hurdles. It’s important to note, however, that similar initiatives were announced approximately two years ago, where Mastercard expressed its intention to enable Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payments within its card network, allowing Mastercard credit cardholders to make purchases using Bitcoin. This vision has yet to materialize.
Nevertheless, the collaboration with non-custodial wallet providers may represent a significant step toward bridging the gap between cryptocurrencies and Mastercard’s extensive card network. The prospect of seamlessly linking your wallet to a debit card is certainly an exciting development worth watching.
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