Zerohash Gains MiCA License as Mastercard Considers Acquisition

Monday, 03/11/2025 | 12:49 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • The company’s MiCA license allows it to provide stablecoin services across 30 EEA countries.
  • The firm recently raised $104M, valuing it over $1B, with backing from Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers.
Zero Hash to Become a Digital Currency Exchange Provider in Australia

Stablecoin infrastructure provider Zerohash has obtained a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. The license allows the company to offer stablecoin services across the EU. Zerohash is among the first infrastructure providers to receive such authorization.

Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25

Mastercard is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Zerohash for between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, according to sources cited by Fortune. If the deal proceeds, it would represent a move into the stablecoin sector. Both companies declined to comment.

Zerohash Secures EU License

Zerohash provides blockchain infrastructure and stablecoin services to financial firms. The startup recently raised over $104 million, valuing it above $1 billion. It partners with organizations including Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers.

Zerohash Europe said it secured a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets. This approval allows the company to offer stablecoin and crypto services to banks, fintech firms, and payment platforms across the 30 European Economic Area countries.

Stablecoin Payments Expand Across Mastercard Network

Separately, Mastercard and MoonPay have launched a partnership to support stablecoin payments across Mastercard’s network. Financial firms and fintechs can issue cards linked to users’ stablecoin wallets, allowing real-time spending.

Stablecoins convert automatically to local currency at over 150 million Mastercard locations.

The system supports international payments, gig worker disbursements, and underbanked users. Mastercard is also testing tokenization and biometric authentication to improve security during online payments.

Smaller Firms Face Challenges Under MiCA

The MiCA regulation imposes compliance requirements on service providers, issuers, and exchanges across the EEA. Well-capitalized firms are adapting, while smaller players face challenges.

MiCA has affected stablecoins, with compliant issuers like Circle gaining share as non-compliant tokens are delisted. Experts say the rules may drive market consolidation, favor prepared firms, and increase sector stability, influencing investment flows, operations, and competition across Europe.

Stablecoin infrastructure provider Zerohash has obtained a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. The license allows the company to offer stablecoin services across the EU. Zerohash is among the first infrastructure providers to receive such authorization.

Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25

Mastercard is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Zerohash for between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, according to sources cited by Fortune. If the deal proceeds, it would represent a move into the stablecoin sector. Both companies declined to comment.

Zerohash Secures EU License

Zerohash provides blockchain infrastructure and stablecoin services to financial firms. The startup recently raised over $104 million, valuing it above $1 billion. It partners with organizations including Morgan Stanley and Interactive Brokers.

Zerohash Europe said it secured a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets. This approval allows the company to offer stablecoin and crypto services to banks, fintech firms, and payment platforms across the 30 European Economic Area countries.

Stablecoin Payments Expand Across Mastercard Network

Separately, Mastercard and MoonPay have launched a partnership to support stablecoin payments across Mastercard’s network. Financial firms and fintechs can issue cards linked to users’ stablecoin wallets, allowing real-time spending.

Stablecoins convert automatically to local currency at over 150 million Mastercard locations.

The system supports international payments, gig worker disbursements, and underbanked users. Mastercard is also testing tokenization and biometric authentication to improve security during online payments.

Smaller Firms Face Challenges Under MiCA

The MiCA regulation imposes compliance requirements on service providers, issuers, and exchanges across the EEA. Well-capitalized firms are adapting, while smaller players face challenges.

MiCA has affected stablecoins, with compliant issuers like Circle gaining share as non-compliant tokens are delisted. Experts say the rules may drive market consolidation, favor prepared firms, and increase sector stability, influencing investment flows, operations, and competition across Europe.

About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
  • 1989 Articles
  • 32 Followers
About the Author: Tareq Sikder
A Forex technical analyst and writer who has been engaged in financial writing for 12 years.
  • 1989 Articles
  • 32 Followers

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