Mastercard Praises Ripple as Star Partner in 85-Firm Crypto Push With Binance

Mastercard is expanding its push into crypto, and Ripple is one of the names drawing attention inside the firm’s latest initiative. The payments giant recently introduced a global Mastercard crypto program. This is designed to bring blockchain companies and financial institutions closer to their existing payment networks. More than 85 firms have joined the effort so far, including exchanges, fintech providers, and several blockchain infrastructure companies.

Among them are Ripple, Binance, Bybit, BitGo,Circle, Gemini, PayPal, Paxos, MoonPay, Fireblocks, and Anchorage Digital. The program is meant to develop real-world payment products that combine blockchain and traditional financial systems. Mastercard said the goal is to work directly with industry participants to explore how digital assets could support everyday payment activity. This includes remittances, business transfers, and settlements between financial institutions.

Also Read: Dubai’s $250B Property Boom Wiped Out in Two Weeks as Iran War Rages On

Ripple’s XRP Ledger Tapped for Cross-Border Payments Inside Mastercard’s 200-Country Network

The inclusion of Ripple is notable because the firm has been focusing on cross-border payment technology. Its infrastructure is already used by banks and financial firms looking to move money internationally without relying on slower correspondent banking systems. This positioning has helped keep Mastercard’s association with Ripple and XRP active across the payments sector, as blockchain is starting to overlap with traditional payment rails.

Ripple’s technology centers around the XRP Ledger. This system is built for high-speed settlements and supports XRP payments that clear in seconds and not days. It should be noted that this is often promoted as a tool for international transfers. Meanwhile, Mastercard’s network already connects financial institutions and merchants across more than 200 countries. This latest partnership could allow blockchain-based payment systems to come into play.

Also Read: US CBDC Ban: Senate Blocks Federal Reserve Digital Dollar Until 2030

Inside Mastercard’s program, companies will work with the card network to explore how blockchain can move beyond crypto. The firm wrote,

“The Mastercard Crypto Partner Program reflects a core belief that the next phase of on-chain payments will be built through collaboration. Through the program, participants will engage with Mastercard teams on the design and direction of future products and services, including solutions that aim to bring the speed and programmability that digital assets offer together with established card rails and global commerce flows.“

A Look Into The Collaboration

The collaboration includes a broad mix of participants. Exchanges like Binance and Gemini are Mastercard partners now. Blockchain networks like Polygon and Solana, along with compliance firms including Chainalysis, are all part of the initiative.

Binance is proud to join Mastercard's new Crypto Partner Program.

We're one of the inaugural industry leaders connecting on-chain innovation with everyday commerce.

This brings crypto closer to people across the globe. pic.twitter.com/DWV8vs0NWz

— Binance (@binance) March 12, 2026

The latest push reflects how digital assets are being explored as payment mediums rather than just speculative instruments. Recent data shows that stablecoins alone processed a whopping $33 trillion in transaction volume in 2025. This further notes how blockchain-based systems are already aiding payment activity.

For Ripple, initiatives like this could further support XRP institutional adoption. This is because large payment networks are now experimenting with blockchain settlement. Mastercard’s move suggests that the next phase of crypto development may take place less on trading platforms and more inside payment systems people already use on a daily basis.

Also Read: US Senator: Netanyahu Found ‘President Stupid Enough’ as Hormuz Stays Closed, Gas Prices Surge