Mastercard agrees to buy stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK

Mastercard announced a definitive agreement on 17 March to acquire BVNK for up to $1.8 billion, including $300 million in contingent payments. It said the deal was expected to close before year-end, subject to regulatory review and customary conditions. BVNK supports payments across major blockchain networks in more than 130 countries, according to Mastercard.

Mastercard framed the acquisition as a way to connect its payments network with stablecoins and tokenised deposits. Potential uses include remittances, payouts and business payments. These are intended opportunities, not proof that combined services have launched. The headline value includes contingent consideration. At announcement the deal still required approvals and had not closed.