XRP News Today: Mastercard’s Blockchain Initiative: Regulated Networks Set to Transform International Payments

Mastercard Inc. (MA) has become a significant force in the cryptocurrency sector, recently taking steps that reinforce its dedication to connecting conventional finance with blockchain innovation. Amid rumors of a possible $1.5 billion to $2 billion purchase of Zerohash—a crypto infrastructure firm licensed under MiCAR—the payments leader is also trialing stablecoin-powered credit card settlements with Ripple, utilizing its RLUSD stablecoin on the

Ledger. These efforts reflect Mastercard’s overarching plan to broaden its crypto capabilities and strengthen its standing in the rapidly changing digital asset arena, as detailed by and .

Zerohash, which delivers stablecoin infrastructure to traditional banks and financial firms, recently obtained a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) license, granting it the ability to operate throughout the European Economic Area (EEA). The company, which counts Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers among its clients, has raised more than $104 million and is valued at $1 billion. Messari’s Jakob Jake points out that Zerohash’s robust regulatory compliance—including U.S. FinCEN registration and money transmitter licenses—makes it a valuable asset for

. Should the acquisition proceed, Mastercard would be able to accelerate its Web3 infrastructure goals, with Zerohash acting as the “operational layer” for tokenized transactions (as reported by FinanceFeeds and TradingView).

In addition to the Zerohash talks, Mastercard is working with Ripple, WebBank, and Gemini to pilot RLUSD—a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar on the XRP Ledger—for credit card settlements. Announced at Ripple’s Swell 2025 event, this pilot seeks to replace legacy settlement systems with blockchain-based alternatives, allowing for nearly instant, low-fee international payments. WebBank, which issues the Gemini Credit Card, will use RLUSD to settle Mastercard transactions on the XRP Ledger, potentially making it one of the first regulated U.S. banks to use a public blockchain for fiat card settlements, according to

and .

RLUSD, which exceeded $1 billion in circulation by October 2025, is issued under a charter from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) and is fully backed by cash equivalents. Monica Long, President of Ripple, highlighted that this project shows how blockchain can improve payment speed and efficiency while still meeting compliance standards. Sherri Haymond, Mastercard’s Global Head of Digital Commercialization, stated that the company remains focused on upholding consumer protections and regulatory compliance as it explores new settlement approaches, as also covered by

.

Mastercard’s expansion into crypto highlights the increasing significance of regulatory structures such as MiCAR and NYDFS oversight. Zerohash’s MiCAR license, which permits operations in 30 EEA nations, supports Mastercard’s efforts to grow its presence in Europe. Similarly, RLUSD’s adherence to U.S. regulations positions it as a reliable link between blockchain and established financial systems. Experts believe these initiatives could boost institutional use of stablecoins, with RLUSD’s rise on the XRP Ledger—now the network’s largest stablecoin—demonstrating its potential to transform global payments, according to

.

The adoption of XRP Ledger-based solutions has renewed interest in XRP’s practical applications. Market observers note that real-world implementations, such as Mastercard’s settlement pilot, could increase long-term demand for XRP. TheCryptoBasic, a digital currency news source, called the partnership a “milestone” for XRP, stressing its importance in showcasing blockchain’s potential for mainstream financial use, as reported by

. Additionally, Ripple’s earlier partnership with Gemini on an XRP-branded credit card this year further strengthens the token’s role in consumer payments (see Yahoo Finance coverage above).

Mastercard’s calculated moves involving Zerohash and Ripple mirror a wider industry shift toward regulated blockchain solutions. As the company deals with regulatory challenges and market fluctuations, its progress in integrating stablecoins and tokenized assets could serve as a model for other financial players. With Zerohash acquisition discussions and RLUSD pilot projects moving forward, Mastercard’s influence on the future of digital payments is becoming more pronounced.

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