Airtm collaborates with MasterCard's BVNK to launch stablecoin payments

Airtm has reached a partnership with BVNK, a stablecoin infrastructure provider under Mastercard, and will launch wallet-based payment services for users in emerging markets through a new integration based on the Stellar blockchain.

• Airtm has collaborated with BVNK under MasterCard, allowing users in emerging markets to make payments directly to participating merchants through digital wallets.
• This integration will be carried out through the newly launched Airtm Connect platform, which will connect digital asset companies with the existing user network of Airtm.
• Stellar will serve as the blockchain payment network for this integration, and both parties plan to launch the service in the fourth quarter of 2026.
• This collaboration will enable Airtm to connect with Mastercard's Global Money Platform, a platform that supports traditional currency accounts, stablecoin payments, and international remittances.
• BVNK will become another infrastructure provider for Airtm, offering that company more options for handling customer deposits, payments, and collections in different markets.

According to the announcement published on Stellar Meridian Conference on October 29th, this collaboration will enable Airtm customers to use the payment infrastructure of BVNK to make payments directly to participating merchants through digital wallets.

This service will be operated through Airtm Connect. This is a newly launched product that allows digital asset companies to integrate their services into the existing user network of Airtm.

The two companies are expected to launch this integration in the fourth quarter of 2026, providing customers with new ways to top up their wallets, receive payments, and spend their remaining balances at supported merchants.

Airtm Connect will support direct wallet payments

According to the agreement, Airtm users will be able to shop at retailers supported by BVNK without having to transfer their funds to a separate payment service first.

Airtm Connect will serve as the connection layer between the Airtm digital wallet network and external financial service providers, which includes BVNK.

This integration will use Stellar as the underlying blockchain payment network, enabling transactions to be processed through infrastructure designed for low-cost transfers.

Airtm operates in emerging markets, where customers typically use digital dollars and alternative financial services to receive international payments, hold funds, and participate in global business activities.

The company stated that cooperation with BVNK will help to address the difficulties customers face when transferring funds between digital wallets and traditional payment systems.

Airtm CEO Rub and Galindo Steckel stated that over the past decade, the company has been building financial infrastructure to connect users in underserved markets with the global dollar economy.

Steckel represents: "We believe that payments should flow natively on the blockchain – this is clearly a better way of transferring funds."

He explained that a reliable deposit service needs to be paired with payment options, so that customers can spend their money.

Steckel indicates that BVNK's existing bank connectivity capabilities and stablecoin deposit infrastructure will complement Airtm's user network and local payment services.

As Airtm continues to operate in jurisdictions with different banking systems, stablecoin regulatory rules, and liquidity access conditions, this collaboration will add another infrastructure provider for them.

MasterCard Global Money Platform joins the integration

Airtm will obtain access to MasterCard's recently launched Global Money Platform through cooperation with BVNK.

The platform allows fintech companies and enterprises to manage traditional currencies, stablecoins, international transfers, and payment accounts through a single application interface.

As previously reported by crypto.news, Mastercard launched this service in October after acquiring BVNK earlier this year.

Nuvei, Marqeta, Ontop, Beem and Almond FinTech are among the first batch of companies to prepare to connect to this platform.

The services provided by this platform include multi-currency accounts, currency exchange, payment cards, and local bank transfers. Participating companies can choose the desired functions as needed.

Mastercard expects that by 2027, local bank payments made through Mastercard Move will support over 40 currencies, covering more than 200 countries and regions.

For Airtm, accessing this platform will provide additional payment and banking infrastructure, while also enabling the company to maintain its existing customer relationships.

MasterCard completed the acquisition of BVNK in August, with the transaction valued at up to $1.8 billion.

This acquisition will integrate BVNK's technologies in stablecoin settlement, international payments, and fund management operations into Mastercard's payment business.

BVNK, the person in charge of global cooperation, stated that the agreement reached with Airtm demonstrates how fintech companies can connect digital wallets to everyday business.

She stated that Airtm Connect enables wallet providers to leverage existing payment infrastructure to offer customers more opportunities to utilize their funds.

Stellar will process blockchain transactions

Airtm This integration will use Stellar. BVNK added Stellar to its stablecoin payment platform in September.

The integration of BVNK with the Stellar network enables corporate clients to utilize this blockchain through their existing API, supporting payments, remittances, and fund transfers in over 130 markets.

Customers do not need to develop a separate blockchain connection, nor do they need to replace the current payment system, in order to integrate with Stellar.

This network supports transfers between blockchain accounts and provides infrastructure for enterprises that handle digital asset payments in different markets.

The existing Stellar connections will serve as part of the blockchain in their cooperation arrangement with Airtm, with each party being responsible for wallet integration and payment connectivity.

The announcement does not specify which stablecoins Airtm customers will initially be able to use for consumption through this integration.

Airtm Plans to Expand Its Payment Infrastructure

In addition to merchant payments, this collaboration will also provide Airtm with more options for processing customer deposits and receipts in the markets it supports.

The company currently collaborates with multiple financial infrastructure providers to offer services to users in different countries and payment systems.

According to Airtm, BVNK will become another provider in this network, enabling the company to offer various deposit methods based on customer needs and local availability.

Steckel indicates that as Airtm develops its international services, the company does not intend to rely on a single payment provider or a single blockchain network.

He said, "Our infrastructure strategy has always emphasized providing choices for Airtm as well as our users."

Both parties have set the initial launch date for the fourth quarter of 2026, but it has not yet been announced which countries or participating merchants will be among the first to gain access.