Mastercard Expands Digital Currency Reach via Fiserv & Chainlink

Mastercard Incorporated MA has strengthened its dedication to blockchain technology through two innovative partnerships, Fiserv and Chainlink. These partnerships seek to increase the users’ access to stablecoins and cryptocurrencies by utilizing MA’s extensive global payment network.Mastercard is incorporating the new FIUSD stablecoin into its network through a partnership with Fiserv. With this change, more than 150 million merchants will be able to use stablecoin for easy payments and settlements. Some of the standout features include enabling merchants to settle in FIUSD, the issuance of cards linked to stablecoin and the integration of Fiserv’s Finxact-powered platform with MA’s Multi-Token Network. Customers and banks around the world will be able to access on-chain programmable commerce as a result.At the same time, Mastercard and Chainlink have teamed up to allow their more than 3 billion cardholders to buy cryptocurrency assets directly on-chain. Fiat-to-crypto conversion and smart contract execution are connected by this integration, which is backed by Chainlink’s secure interoperability infrastructure and supported by companies like zerohash, Swapper Finance, Shift4 Payments and XSwap. On platforms like Uniswap, users can now access decentralized liquidity and convert fiat money into cryptocurrency.This dual approach is a strong indication that MA is establishing a future-proof infrastructure. The company is positioning itself as a neutral transaction layer that bridges traditional finance and blockchain ecosystems. This strategic move could give it a significant edge as regulatory clarity continues to evolve around the world.MA supports merchant settlement in USDC and enhances cross-border transfers with Crypto Credential for secure transactions. Wirex, Bit2Me, Lirium, Notabene, Coins.ph and Mercado Bitcoin have also joined the Mastercard Crypto Credential ecosystem. Some of MA’s card issuance partners, like Kraken, OKX and Bleap, are playing a key role in bridging the gap between the crypto economy and everyday spending.MA’s Price PerformanceYear to date, MA shares have gained 5.6% compared with the industry’s growth of 4.1%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchMA’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksMA currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks in the business services space are OppFi Inc. OPFI, Green Dot Corporation GDOT and Sezzle Inc. SEZL, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OppFi’s current-year earnings of $1.23 per share has witnessed two upward revisions in the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. OppFi beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 59.5%. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $578.4 million, implying 10% year-over-year growth.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Green Dot’s current-year earnings of $1.22 per share has witnessed two upward revisions in the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Green Dot beat earnings estimates in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice, with the average surprise being 5.6%. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $2.1 billion, calling for a 20.2% year-over-year increase.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sezzle’s current-year earnings of $3.26 per share has witnessed two upward revisions in the past 60 days against no movement in the opposite direction. Sezzle beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 159.9%. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $441.8 million, suggesting 62.9% year-over-year growth.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Mastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report Green Dot Corporation (GDOT): Free Stock Analysis Report OppFi Inc. (OPFI): Free Stock Analysis Report Sezzle Inc. (SEZL): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks