Zerohash Wins EU MiCA License; $2B Mastercard Buyout Talks
Zerohash has secured an EU MiCA license, allowing it to offer compliant crypto, stablecoin and tokenization services across the 30-member EEA. As a Netherlands-registered Crypto-Asset Service Provider, it gains full regulatory clarity under the upcoming June 2024 stablecoin rules. This EU MiCA license builds on its existing licenses in the US, Canada, Latin America, Bermuda and Australia. Zerohash’s API-first platform streamlines custody and on-chain transfers within a bankruptcy-remote trust architecture, de-risking operations for banks, fintechs and payment platforms. Industry sources report Mastercard is in talks to acquire Zerohash for $1.5–2 billion, aligning with its stablecoin strategy after USDC and EURC settlement tests in the Middle East and Africa. This regulatory milestone signals stronger institutional adoption of stablecoins like USDC and EURC, boosting liquidity and settlement efficiency in Europe’s crypto markets. Traders should watch for enhanced market depth and potential price moves from increased stablecoin flows.
Bullish
The EU MiCA license significantly lowers regulatory and compliance risks for Zerohash, paving the way for broader institutional stablecoin adoption in Europe. In the short term, traders may see increased stablecoin inflows boosting liquidity and tightening spreads. In the long term, regulatory clarity under MiCA can attract more banks and fintech firms to on-chain tokenization and custody services, potentially driving robust market demand. Moreover, potential Mastercard acquisition talks add bullish sentiment, suggesting imminent capital inflows and mainstream endorsement, which could support stablecoin and broader crypto prices over time.