Mastercard unveils crypto partner program with 85 firms

Editor's note, March 18: This article has been updated to reflect the latest developments.

Mastercard's Crypto Partner Program has crossed 100 partners within a week of launch — up from the 85+ firms announced on March 11. The company confirmed the number is still growing.

Mastercard introduced a Crypto Partner Program that brings together more than 85 companies across the digital asset sector to build payment, settlement and cross-border solutions that connect with Mastercard's global network.

The initiative creates a collaboration channel for crypto-native firms, payment providers and financial institutions working on digital asset products. Participants will work with Mastercard teams to test and design services that link blockchain systems with existing card and bank rails.

According to the company, the effort focuses on practical uses such as on-chain payments at merchants, institutional settlement of digital assets and faster, lower-cost international transfers. The program centers on combining the speed and programmability of public and private blockchains with the reach of Mastercard's infrastructure.

The company presents the program as support for a next phase of digital asset adoption as projects shift from pilots to services that interoperate with mainstream finance. The forum is set up to address technical, operational and compliance issues that arise when connecting blockchain-based services to traditional payment systems.

Mastercard has expanded its digital asset work in recent years through partnerships, pilot projects and startup initiatives focused on blockchain infrastructure and settlement.

Stablecoins now account for a larger share of crypto payments. Market data places the total stablecoin market capitalization at more than $314 billion as of March 2026, with tokens used for cross-border transfers, trading settlement and on-chain financial transactions. Their growth has drawn interest from financial institutions exploring blockchain-based settlement within existing networks.

Other payment companies are developing related services. Visa, PayPal and Stripe have launched initiatives to support crypto payments, stablecoin settlement and blockchain-based financial tools.

Within the program, partners will examine ways to combine blockchain assets with current authorization, clearing and settlement processes. The goal is to improve speed and transparency while maintaining security and compliance standards. Mastercard plans to use input from participants to inform future products tied to its network.

Mastercard did not disclose the names of participating companies. The group spans firms across the digital asset ecosystem. The structure allows partners to co-develop and test features that could scale if they meet technical and regulatory requirements.

Through a formal channel for engagement with crypto-focused firms, Mastercard aims to identify which blockchain-based payment and settlement tools can integrate with global commerce and how they can operate alongside existing financial infrastructure. The program will adapt as pilots advance and as partners share technical results.