Mastercard is set to acquire BVNK, a stablecoin startup, for $1.8 billion to enhance its blockchain integration with payment systems.
Mastercard has announced plans to acquire stablecoin startup BVNK for a total estimated value of $1.8 billion, which includes $300 million in contingent payments. This acquisition is part of Mastercard's strategy to merge blockchain technology with traditional payment systems.
With a growing demand from financial institutions for stablecoin transactions and tokenized deposits, Mastercard aims to bridge the gap between fiat and digital currencies while maintaining high standards of security and compliance. Jorn Lambert, Mastercard's Chief Product Officer, noted that the acquisition will enhance the company's global network by adding "on-chain rails," which will facilitate faster transactions and enable programmable payment solutions.
BVNK, established in 2021, focuses on creating gateways for fiat and cryptocurrency transactions across more than 130 countries. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approval.
This move comes after a previous attempt by Coinbase to acquire BVNK for $2 billion, which was mutually abandoned in November 2025 without disclosed reasons.
PayPal Expands PYUSD Availability
In other developments, PayPal has expanded the reach of its stablecoin, PYUSD, which is now available in 70 markets worldwide, including regions in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Users can manage their PYUSD through their PayPal accounts, transferring it to external wallets and converting it into local currencies.
Delphi Digital on Stablecoin Growth
A report by Delphi Digital indicates that the total supply of stablecoins has surpassed $306 billion, largely driven by demand in emerging markets. These markets view fiat-pegged assets as a cost-effective alternative to the dollar. Analysts highlight that traditional cross-border payment methods incur significant fees, making stablecoins an appealing option for transactions, especially in regions like Argentina and Nigeria.
Delphi Digital experts argue that while stablecoins won't immediately replace traditional currencies in major markets, they are poised to transform financial systems in areas where infrastructure costs are prohibitively high. Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller has suggested that stablecoins could form the basis of a global payment system in the next 10 to 15 years.
