Zerohash Becomes One of the First MiCA-Approved Stablecoin Firms — Mastercard Eyes $2B Deal

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• Zerohash secures EU-wide MiCA license via the Dutch AFM.
  
• Mastercard reportedly in talks for a $2B acquisition of Zerohash.
  
• Move highlights accelerating stablecoin adoption across Europe.

Zerohash has become one of the first crypto infrastructure providers to secure authorization under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework — a major milestone for the global stablecoin industry. The firm’s European arm announced it received its license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), granting approval to operate as a registered Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

A New Era for EU Stablecoin Services

With this license, Zerohash can now deliver regulated stablecoin and crypto solutions to banks, fintechs, and payment platforms throughout Europe. The approval strengthens its position as a key infrastructure player helping traditional finance adopt blockchain-based settlement systems and tokenized assets.

Zerohash’s entry comes as regulators tighten oversight under MiCA — a law designed to bring transparency and consumer protection to the digital asset space. For European institutions exploring blockchain payments, the firm’s licensing provides a compliant foundation to experiment with stablecoins under clear regulatory guidance.

Mastercard’s $2 Billion Interest Signals Market Confidence

Adding to the momentum, payments giant Mastercard is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Zerohash for up to $2 billion, according to Fortune. Founded in 2017, Zerohash already counts Morgan Stanley, Franklin Templeton, and Stripe among its clients — making it an attractive acquisition target as major financial players expand deeper into digital assets.

Also Read: Tether Expands Into Global Investments as MiCA Regulations Stall European Entry

Mastercard has been steadily building its stablecoin infrastructure. Earlier this year, it began enabling acquirers and merchants in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) to settle transactions using Circle’s USDC and Euro Coin (EURC). The company also collaborated with the National Bank of Kazakhstan and Solana on a pilot for the country’s tenge-backed stablecoin.

A Turning Point for Regulated Stablecoin Adoption

Zerohash’s MiCA license arrives at a pivotal moment for Europe’s crypto market. It reflects growing institutional confidence in regulated digital assets and marks another step toward mainstream blockchain adoption. If Mastercard’s acquisition moves forward, it could signal a powerful union between traditional finance and crypto infrastructure.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.