Mastercard, MoonPay to Launch Stablecoin Payment Integration Globally
Mastercard and crypto firm MoonPay are partnering to enable stablecoin payments at more than 150 million merchant locations worldwide, the companies announced on May 15. The initiative aims to allow businesses and individuals to make and receive payments in stablecoins, which will be automatically converted to local fiat currency at the point of sale. The collaboration marks a step forward in integrating digital assets into traditional payment systems, particularly for cross-border transactions and digital wallet users. Stablecoin Cards to Link Crypto and Fiat Payments As part of the agreement, enterprises and fintechs will gain access to Mastercard-branded cards connected to users’ stablecoin balances. Cardholders will be able to spend their holdings across Mastercard’s global network, with funds converted to fiat during transactions. The program leverages technology from Iron, a stablecoin infrastructure firm acquired by MoonPay in March. Its API-driven system will support business payouts and disbursements, including for gig workers and creators. The companies say the solution could offer increased efficiency for cross-border money transfers and expand stablecoin usage across financial services. Wider Reach into the Crypto Ecosystem MoonPay, which provides infrastructure to more than 500 crypto platforms, estimates its services touch over 100 million active users globally. According to the firm, roughly 20 million crypto wallets are used for monthly stablecoin transactions, while 120 million hold stablecoin balances. The collaboration builds on Mastercard’s broader involvement in digital assets and aims to provide regulated payment pathways between crypto platforms and the mainstream financial system. Company executives said the partnership intends to expand access to stablecoin payment options for merchants and consumers worldwide. Scott Abrahams, executive vice president of Global Partnerships at Mastercard, said the initiative reflects the company’s strategy to connect crypto and traditional finance with a foundation of regulatory compliance and scale. MoonPay CEO Ivan Soto-Wright emphasised the importance of infrastructure in enabling practical stablecoin use for everyday payments. Mastercard has previously piloted blockchain-based payment programs and partnered with several digital asset firms to expand its capabilities in the crypto sector.