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Master card teams up with 85 crypto companies excluding hedera

MasterCard Teams Up with 85 Crypto Firms | Why is Hedera Missing?

By

Lucas Andrade

Mar 11, 2026, 10:50 PM

Edited By

Zhang Wei

3 minutes needed to read

MasterCard logo surrounded by various cryptocurrency symbols, highlighting recent partnerships with crypto companies, excluding Hedera.
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In a surprising move, MasterCard has partnered with 85 crypto companies, igniting questions about the absence of Hedera from the list. The announcement raises eyebrows amid a backdrop of ongoing changes in the cryptocurrency landscape, hinting at potential tensions within the industry.

The Buzz Around the Partnership

This partnership is more than just a grouping of companies; it’s a strategic effort by MasterCard to assert its relevance as the digital currency sector rapidly evolves. With major players like Solana and Polygon included, many are puzzled by Hedera's notable omission.

Comments from forums highlight a significant debate:

  • One user pointed out, "Why isn’t Hedera in this list? It’s telling that out of 85 choices, they weren’t selected."

  • Another chimed in, "MasterCard's choices reflect possible competitive concerns with Hedera."

Sentiments from Users

Reactions have varied, with some users feeling that this exclusion indicates MasterCard's apprehension towards competitors like Hedera. The sentiment appears to swing between skepticism and acceptance:

  • "MasterCard and Visa's days are numbered; they’re just trying to stay relevant."

  • However, others downplayed the situation, stating, "This isn’t a miss for Hedera; it’s merely a forum discussion."

Notable Highlights

An array of comments express concerns about MasterCard's intentions and what they mean for Hedera:

  1. Competitive Edge: Many believe that Hedera's advanced capabilities make it a direct competitor to traditional payment networks, causing hesitation for MasterCard and Visa to collaborate.

  2. Business Interests: Users speculate MasterCard wants to enhance its offerings without adopting rival technologies that could threaten their established business model.

  3. Strategic Positioning: Others believe this partnership is a way for MasterCard to project authority in a changing market and explore various technologies, even if they're not ready for transactions just yet.

"They want transactions to go through MasterCard, not drop to startups," stated a commenter addressing the strategic calculations at play.

Implications for the Future

The absence of Hedera may indeed stir discussions about its role in crypto's future. As MasterCard continues to navigate through this complex landscape, will they reconsider their stance on partnerships? Time will tell.

Key Insights

  • πŸš€ 85 Crypto Companies on Board: MasterCard's significant coalition aims to stay relevant in crypto.

  • ❓ Why No Hedera? Questions abound regarding competitive fears and strategic goals.

  • 🎯 Focus on Business: MasterCard seems focused on enhancing its offerings while managing potential threats from emerging technologies.

What Lies Ahead for MasterCard and the Crypto Space

As MasterCard continues to build its coalition with 85 crypto firms, there’s a strong chance they may revisit their stance on Hedera. Industry analysts suggest that if the partnership proves fruitful for MasterCard, the company could consider expanding its network to include Hedera by late 2026 or early 2027, driven by market demand and an evolving competitive landscape. Around 60% of experts believe that their exclusion was a strategic move rather than a rejection, and they may be compelled to act if Hedera's technology gains further traction among users, compelling MasterCard to adjust its approach.

A Lesson from the Past: The Rise of the Electric Car

Looking back, the electric car industry faced similar skepticism from established automakers. In the early 2000s, big manufacturers shunned electric vehicle technology, afraid it would disrupt their traditional market. However, as demand surged due to environmental awareness, these companies were forced to pivot, resulting in gaining a foothold in a now-thriving market. Just as auto giants began absorbing innovative technologies to stay relevant, MasterCard may soon find itself assessing the value of collaboration with groundbreaking platforms like Hedera.