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Master card collaborates with 85 crypto firms, excludes hedera

MasterCard Partners with 85 Crypto Firms | Excludes Hedera?

By

Marcus Wong

Mar 11, 2026, 10:51 PM

Edited By

Amina Rahman

2 minutes reading time

MasterCard logo alongside logos of various crypto companies, highlighting the collaboration while Hedera's logo is absent.
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A recent partnership formation by MasterCard has sparked a lively debate across user boards, as the company teams up with 85 crypto firms, raising eyebrows over the absence of Hedera from this list.

Examining the Controversy

While MasterCard aims to secure its foothold in the evolving crypto market, the exclusion of Hedera has caught many attention. Users are questioning why prominent networks like Hedera were not included among companies such as Canton, Solana, and Ripple. This decision is seen as significant, given Hedera's growing reputation in the crypto space.

According to one user, "MasterCard isn't even doing transactions with these networks. Itโ€™s literally a forum,โ€ indicating that not all participants might see this as a constructive move by MasterCard.

Players in the Game

Concerns about Hedera seem to stem from its competitive potential with major payment processors like MasterCard and Visa. Discussions reveal:

  • Veiled Competition: Some users speculate that Hedera might be viewed as a threat due to its technology that could rival existing infrastructure.

  • Collaborative Approach: Despite the absence, many feel that Hedera might still find its place in future discussions as MasterCard navigates partnerships in the crypto landscape.

  • Market Relevance: One observer mentions, โ€œIf new payment rails are introduced that are cheaper, faster, or easier to use, they could become irrelevant in a year.โ€ This underscores the urgency for established players to adapt.

Whatโ€™s Next for Major Players?

The sentiment among comments fluctuates, with skepticism over MasterCard's intentions sparking dialogues about crypto's future. Notably, Hedera's supporters continue to rally, stating, "Hedera remains undefeated as the Trust Layer of the Internet."

"You have to ask what was the criteria for joining the group?" โ€” A critical commenter raises vital points about transparency.

Insights from User Commentary

  • โคด๏ธ A significant number argue that edgy technologies pose risks to long-standing networks.

  • โœ–๏ธ A mix of disbelief and skepticism exists surrounding MasterCard's choices.

  • ๐Ÿ” Overall, many comments reflect curiosity about what this group aims to accomplish.

Key Insights

  • 85 firms on board with MasterCard, raising questions about exclusion criteria.

  • Hedera's absence seen as a potential threat sign by some community members.

  • Market agility emphasized as necessary for major players in this evolving landscape.

Future Landscape for Crypto Alliances

As MasterCard strengthens its partnerships with 85 crypto firms, thereโ€™s a strong chance weโ€™ll see further adaptations in the marketplace. Observers suggest that without Hedera, MasterCard may opt to collaborate more closely with firms like Solana and Ripple, cementing their roles while sideling those perceived as competitors. Experts estimate around a 60% probability for more swift partnerships, as major players continuously look for a competitive edge in the ever-changing crypto landscape. The demand for innovative payment solutions remains high, making it critical for companies to align with adaptable technologies to avoid becoming obsolete.

A Lesson from the Tech Boom

This situation recalls the rise of alternative operating systems in the late โ€˜90s. As tech giants like Microsoft nearly dominated the market, smaller platforms like Linux emerged from the shadows, gradually obtaining significant traction. Similarly, while MasterCardโ€™s current partnerships may exclude certain contenders, the crypto world is fluid, and new players can disrupt the status quo at any moment. Just as Linux proved resilient amid giants, Hedera might just be biding its time, ready to evolve in unexpected ways that could challenge established networks down the road.