With the heightened interest in a wider range of payment options in the Asia Pacific region, caused by the recent pandemic, numerous startups and payment and fintech companies have been looking into incorporating digital assets into their services. Now that payment processing and public awareness in crypto are increasing day by day, Mastercard has formed the Start Path (crypto and blockchain) program. Two Singapore-based crypto startups are included in the Star Path global program.

The newest addition to the list is Mintable, a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace, where users can buy, sell and create digital or physical assets on the blockchain network. Next is STACS, which provides blockchain infrastructure for the financial industry, including global banks, asset managers and stock exchanges, all of which are represented among the seven global startups joining the Star Path program.

Mastercard has become the latest company to bring out crypto-centered development plans. Its Star Path program aims to support fast-rising blockchains, digital assets and crypto companies, by providing them with access to strategic partnership opportunities, insights and expansion tools. As part of the program, each crypto startup will be tackling a one-of-a-kind challenge, with the help of Mastercard’s facilities/expertise, in order to further advance and improve their solutions.

This indicates that the seven startups that have joined Mastercard recently, will utilize the program to connect Mastercard’s ecosystem of banks, partners, merchants and digital members globally, enabling them to present new developments. Companies participating in the new program intend to address major points comprised of asset tokenization, digital security, data accuracy and seamless access between the traditional and digital ecosystems.