Mastercard is set to acquire BVNK for up to $1.8 billion, including $300 million in contingent payments, to strengthen its capabilities in digital asset infrastructure. The transaction aims to enhance Mastercard’s ability to support payments across both traditional and blockchain-based systems, as demand for stablecoins and tokenized deposits grows. Digital currency use cases have expanded rapidly, reaching at least $350 billion in transaction volume in 2025, driven by applications such as cross-border transfers, peer-to-peer payments, and business transactions.
BVNK, founded in 2021, provides infrastructure that enables seamless movement between fiat currencies and blockchain networks. By integrating these capabilities, Mastercard seeks to improve interoperability, security, and compliance across payment systems. The acquisition reflects broader efforts by financial institutions to incorporate digital currencies into mainstream payment offerings amid increasing regulatory clarity.
Jorn Lambert, Chief Product Officer at Mastercard, stated, “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.” BVNK CEO Jesse Hemson-Struthers added, “This deal brings together complementary capabilities to define and deliver the future of money.” The deal is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
