About: Mastercard Adds Stablecoins, NC Plans Bitcoin Buy & Ripple Bid.
By: StealthEX Blog.
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Mastercard Opens Door to Stablecoin Payments with New Expansion
Mastercard is stepping deeper into digital assets by allowing merchants to receive payments in stablecoins. Businesses can now accept settlements in cryptocurrencies such as Circle’s USDC, through partnerships with Nuvei, Circle, and Paxos. Merchants will benefit by having an extra option to get paid quickly, securely, and without traditional banking delays.
Nuvei CEO Phil Fayer said this development would simplify how businesses process transactions, reflecting growing merchant interest in crypto solutions. Mastercard aims to make stablecoins convenient and practical for everyday purchases, removing complexities typically associated with digital assets.
This update is part of Mastercard’s broader plan to integrate cryptocurrencies into mainstream payment systems. The company already supports crypto-linked cards from major platforms like Binance, Kraken, and Crypto.com, enabling millions of customers to use digital assets at everyday stores.
Recently, Mastercard teamed up with OKX to introduce the OKX Card, enhancing user access to their crypto holdings. Mastercard also developed the Multi-Token Network to streamline real-time payments using blockchain technology. Major banks such as JPMorgan and Standard Chartered have joined this network, boosting Mastercard’s role in bridging crypto and traditional finance sectors.
With these initiatives, Mastercard continues pushing digital currencies closer to widespread acceptance.
North Carolina Moves Closer to Investing State Funds in Bitcoin
North Carolina legislators took a significant step toward adding Bitcoin to the state’s investment portfolio. House Bill 92, known as the Digital Assets Investment Act, recently passed the House of Representatives with a solid 71-44 majority. The next step is Senate approval.
If successful, North Carolina would become the first U.S. state to officially invest public money in Bitcoin through regulated financial instruments. The bill strictly forbids direct cryptocurrency purchases. Instead, the state must use regulated exchange-traded products listed on reliable U.S. exchanges, including NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange.
A key safety measure limits the state’s investments to cryptocurrencies valued at $750 billion or higher. Currently, Bitcoin is the only digital asset meeting that criteria. Lawmakers included this requirement to reduce volatility risks.
To further protect state finances, any crypto investments would be secured in cold wallets featuring multi-signature security systems. Independent auditors will conduct monthly checks to guarantee the integrity of holdings.
Additionally, lawmakers inserted a clause requiring a two-thirds legislative vote before Bitcoin investments can be sold. Selling would only be permitted during an officially declared financial emergency, providing another level of financial caution for North Carolina’s historic digital asset venture.