After acquisition talks with blockchain infrastructure company Zerohash ended, Mastercard turned to evaluating a strategic stake.

Techub News reported, according to CoinDesk, that global payments company Mastercard is evaluating a deeper strategic investment partnership with blockchain infrastructure company Zerohash after acquisition talks between the two parties were terminated. The report stated that the two sides had discussions in October 2025 regarding a potential acquisition, with a related valuation range possibly between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, but Zerohash wished to maintain independent operations, and the deal failed to progress. Informed sources said that discussions regarding the investment are still ongoing, and no final outcome has been reached yet.