"Mastercard Bridges Fiat and Crypto with Stablecoin Settlement Push in EEMEA"

Mastercard Inc. has expanded its collaboration with Circle Internet Financial Ltd. to enable acquirers in the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region to settle transactions using Circle’s USDC and EURC stablecoins. This marks the first time the acquiring ecosystem in EEMEA can leverage stablecoins for digital settlements, a move that aims to enhance efficiency and reduce friction in cross-border transactions. Arab Financial Services and Eazy Financial Services are the initial acquirers to adopt this solution, with both institutions set to benefit from improved liquidity and operational efficiency. The partnership builds on prior efforts, including the use of USDC for crypto card solutions by platforms such as Bybit and S1LKPAY [1].

Under the new initiative, acquirers can settle with merchants using USDC and EURC, stablecoins that are fully backed by regulated reserves. The expansion is part of Mastercard’s broader strategy to integrate stablecoins into mainstream financial systems, emphasizing secure infrastructure and regulatory alignment. By enabling digital settlements, Mastercard aims to bridge blockchain-native crypto assets with traditional fiat commerce infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a leader in payments innovation [2]. Dimitrios Dosis, Mastercard’s president for EEMEA, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating that it supports the evolution from fiat to tokenized and programmable money.

Circle also emphasized the significance of the partnership, with Kash Razzaghi, the company’s chief business officer, noting that the collaboration is a pivotal step toward enabling “borderless, real-time commerce.” The move is expected to increase the reach and adoption of USDC, positioning it as a viable option for everyday financial transactions across the EEMEA region [1]. The integration of stablecoins into Mastercard’s global payments network is part of a growing trend in the payments industry, with stablecoin transaction volumes now surpassing those of traditional payment networks like Visa and PayPal [2].

Mastercard continues to broaden its stablecoin portfolio, supporting regulated stablecoins such as Paxos’ USDG, Fiserv’s FIUSD, and PayPal’s PYUSD in addition to USDC [1]. The company is also expanding stablecoin use cases beyond retail payments, including remittances, B2B transactions, and payouts to gig workers and content creators via platforms like Mastercard Move and the Multi-Token Network (MTN). These efforts are underpinned by Mastercard’s robust infrastructure, including Crypto Credential and Crypto Secure, which ensure that stablecoin transactions meet high standards for security and compliance [1].

The initiative aligns with a broader push in the financial sector toward digital transformation. Circle’s USDC is now used not only in crypto trading but also increasingly in cross-border payments and remittances by both individuals and businesses. With stablecoin adoption gaining momentum, the collaboration with Mastercard supports Circle’s goal of establishing USDC as a foundational tool in everyday financial activity. The recent launch of the Arc blockchain by Circle further signals the company’s ambition to compete directly with traditional payment giants and crypto networks alike [7].

As stablecoins scale in the EEMEA region, Mastercard’s approach prioritizes regulatory alignment and tangible utility. The company aims to leverage its global reach to ensure that stablecoin adoption is both secure and scalable. This strategy is expected to benefit emerging markets, where high transaction costs and slow settlement times have historically hindered financial efficiency [1]. With support from key partners like Arab Financial Services and Eazy Financial Services, Mastercard and Circle are driving the next phase of digital payments innovation, positioning stablecoins as a critical component of the future financial ecosystem.

Source:

[1] Mastercard expands partnership with Circle to transform digital settlement for merchants and acquirers in region (https://www.mastercard.com/news/eemea/en/newsroom/press-releases/en/2025-1/august/mastercard-expands-partnership-with-circle-to-transform-digital-settlement-for-merchants-and-acquirers-in-region/)

[2] Mastercard Deepens Circle Tie-Up to Bring USDC Settlement to EEMEA (https://thedefiant.io/news/tradfi-and-fintech/mastercard-deepens-circle-tie-up-to-bring-usdc-settlement-to-eemea-2247295c)

[3] New Mastercard Initiative Lets Merchants Accept USDC and EURC (https://coinpaper.com/10748/new-mastercard-initiative-lets-merchants-accept-usdc-and-eurc)

[4] Mastercard Strengthens Its Ties with Circle in New Stablecoin Settlement Rollout for EEMEA Merchants (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/27/mastercard-strengthens-its-ties-with-circle-in-new-stablecoin-settlement-rollout-for-eemea-merchants/)

[5] USDC Payments Go Live for EEMEA Merchants Through Mastercard Partnership (https://blockonomi.com/usdc-payments-go-live-for-eemea-merchants-through-mastercard-partnership/)

[6] Mastercard and Circle to Transform Digital Settlement for Acquirers in EEMEA (https://thepaypers.com/crypto-web3-and-cbdc/news/mastercard-and-circle-to-transform-digital-settlement-for-acquirers-in-eemea)

[7] Circle Stock Takes The Fight To Visa And MasterCard With New Arc Blockchain (https://www.trefis.com/stock/crcl/articles/573552/circle-stock-takes-the-fight-to-visa-and-mastercard-with-new-arc-blockchain/2025-08-26)