Mastercard officially launched its Crypto Partner Program with more than 85 crypto firms and financial institutions, according to the company’s announcement. The initiative is designed to connect blockchain-based payment functions to Mastercard’s global network for cross-border remittances, business-to-business payments and wider money movement infrastructure. Named participants include Binance, Circle, Ripple, Gemini and PayPal. Circle’s chief commercial officer said demand for payment-related crypto use cases is expected to expand, adding industry context to Mastercard’s push to integrate blockchain payment activity with established financial rails.