Top-tier payment behemoth Mastercard is taking strides in the crypto asset sphere, via onboarding a fresh batch of high-profile crypto startups in its fintech accelerator.

Specifically, the firm reportedly disclosed on July 28th details of a new startup engagement program, as included within the scope of Mastercard Start Path – an accelerator program dedicated to fintech startups – with a primary goal to offer assistance to establishments dealing with virtual assets, crypto and blockchain. 

The program has reportedly welcomed seven fresh faces, including digital wallet and trading platform Uphold, crypto storage entity GK8, US-based investment platform Domain Money, blockchain oracle startup SupraOracles, blockchain infrastructure provider STACS, digital asset firm Taurus, and Mintable – a marketplace devoted to NFT issuance and trading. 

The newly included members are reportedly a part of Mastercard’s expansion and acceleration commitment, regarding innovation in digital assets, and also to offer an enhanced level of security for crypto investors. 

Particularly, every crypto startup will reportedly be required to figure out the answer for a unique challenge, with the help of Mastercard’s knowledge, to develop further and come up with their solutions. 

The freshly onboarded startups will reportedly utilize the program as a means of connection to Mastercard’s ecosystem of banks, merchants, partners and digital players across the globe, to offer new solutions. 

“We believe we can play a key role in digital assets, helping to shape the industry and provide consumer protection and security. Part of our role is to forge the future of cryptocurrency, and we’re doing that by bridging mainstream financial principles with digital assets innovations” Jess Turner, executive vice president of Mastercard’s dew digital infrastructure and fintech, reportedly highlighted the engagement of the company with the crypto ecosystem, since 2015.