Mastercard to Expand Crypto Team With Two Senior Hires to Drive Blockchain Initiatives
The payments giant is recruiting for a Vice President, Head of Digital Assets Ecosystem Growth, and a Vice President, Head of Financial Institutions (FI) Growth, both based in the U.S.
'Excited to share two open roles on my team as Mastercard continues to build the next generation of payments and drive innovation across digital assets,' Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard's head of crypto and blockchain, wrote in a LinkedIn post.
The first role will oversee strategic partnerships across the digital asset sector, working with issuers, infrastructure providers and startups to scale solutions like Mastercard's Multi-Token Network (MTN) and Crypto Credential. The second role will focus on collaborating with financial institutions to develop blockchain uses, such as business payments, cross-border transactions and tokenized assets.
Mastercard has been among the most active traditional finance firms exploring crypto, establishing ties across the ecosystem for years. Most recently, the company announced plans to integrate more stablecoins into its global payments network, building on existing support for Circle's USDC. It is also rolling out stablecoin-based cross-border transactions through Mastercard Move.
In an interview with CoinDesk earlier this year, Dhamodharan said Mastercard's goal is to act as a bridge between blockchain networks and traditional finance, providing regulatory clarity while enabling new business models.
He added that financial institutions need to 'be very open to making [crypto] available as broadly as possible.'Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Business Insider
an hour ago
- Business Insider
Nigerian banks resume international naira card transactions amid FX market confidence
After nearly three years of suspension, Nigerian banks have reactivated international transactions on their naira-denominated debit cards. Nigerian banks have resumed international transactions with naira-denominated debit cards after a three-year suspension. This decision reflects increased confidence in Nigeria's foreign exchange market and recent monetary policy reforms. The move is expected to relieve Nigerians relying on these cards for global payments and encourage similar actions by other banks. This significant reversal reflects growing confidence in Nigeria's foreign exchange market, the impact of monetary policy reforms, and renewed activity by Nigerian banks and bank cards in facilitating cross-border transactions. In a separate communique to customers this week, both banks confirmed the resumption of international use of their naira Mastercard and Visa cards, a move that could provide relief to millions of Nigerians who rely on these cards for global payments, subscriptions, and online purchases. United Bank for Africa (UBA) chaired by Tony Elumelu, announced that its premium naira cards, including Gold, Platinum, and World variants, can now be used internationally across ATMs, PoS machines, and online platforms. 'In line with our continued commitment to providing you with seamless and enhanced banking experiences, we are pleased to inform you that all UBA Premium Naira Cards and world variants are now enabled for international transactions, ' the statement reads 'This means you can now use your Premium Naira Card for everyday payments, online shopping, PoS, and ATM transactions across the world, with more ease and flexibility. ' UBA added. The bank's move is particularly notable given its extensive customer base across Africa and the diaspora. Industry analysts say the reactivation of naira cards signals a return of trust in the FX system and a softening of restrictions once deemed necessary to manage volatility. Wema Bank also confirmed the resumption of international access for its naira Mastercard, Visa, and ALAT cards. The bank told customers: 'Your Wema Naira Mastercard just went global! Now you can pay in dollars on all your favourite international platforms; Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube.' Financial experts attribute this policy shift to improved FX liquidity, narrowing arbitrage margins, and recent CBN reforms. Charles Sanni, CEO of Cowry Treasurers, supports this view, noting that the appreciation of the naira, reduced interest in FX speculation, and increased diaspora remittances have all contributed to improved FX conditions. ' The spread between official and parallel market rates has thinned out, may have influenced the decision by the banks' 'The naira has also continued to appreciate against the other major currencies of the world. More so, there has been increased diaspora remittances based on the new policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on opening of accounts for non-residents, particularly Nigerians in diaspora,' Sanni added. He cited additional drivers such as improved Nigeria credit ratings, clearing of FX backlogs, geopolitical oil price boosts, and the recapitalisation of Nigerian banks. Between July 2022 and January 2023, major Nigerian banks, including GTBank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, and Standard Chartered, suspended international transactions on naira cards due to a severe FX crisis. At the time, banks such as GTBank informed customers that their naira Mastercards would no longer work for foreign online or PoS transactions, encouraging them to instead open dollar accounts. First Bank made a similar move in September 2022, stating: 'Due to current market realities on foreign exchange, you will no longer be able to use the Naira Mastercard, Naira Credit Card, our Virtual card, and Visa Prepaid Naira card for international transactions.' Fintech platforms such as Flutterwave and Eversend reportedly suspended virtual cards during the peak of the crisis. What This Means for Nigerians With UBA and Wema Bank leading the way in restoring access, pressure may now mount on other banks to follow suit, especially if FX conditions continue to improve under current policy direction.

Business Insider
2 hours ago
- Business Insider
This LinkedIn cold-outreach template helped job seekers land roles at companies like Amazon and Airbnb
If you're on the job hunt, you're likely tired of being told that you have to network. Sending out dozens of applications can be an ego check on its own. And flooding strangers' inboxes or LinkedIn DMs to ask for a job referral can feel downright degrading. The bad news is that networking is still one of the most reliable ways to find a new role, especially as so many people are job hunting and as AI continues to automate parts of the process. The good news is that it doesn't have to feel so agonizing. Albana Gega, founder of tech career-coaching platform Alza, told Business Insider that he refers to networking as "prospecting at scale," and thinks of networking chats like a sales call. As a coach who has successfully placed clients at companies like Amazon, Klarna, and Airbnb, he said the goal is to boost the job seeker's visibility as a valuable asset, rather than depending solely on a résumé. While many job seekers reach out to recruiters or hiring managers, Gega said that they should aim to target people in adjacent positions to the role they want. It's what Gega refers to as "lateral networking," and he said it gives job seekers a better chance at getting referrals, insider information, and early interview invitations. Gega's three-part LinkedIn template Message 1: The Hook: Hey [Name], you're at [Company]? Why it works: It's under 40 characters. It's a question that triggers a natural "yeah, what's up?" response. It doesn't ask for anything — just opens a door. Mention something specific here if you can, like a product launch or a recent post. If you have common ground like school, industry, or mutuals, work that in casually. Message 3: Light Intent And A Friendly Ask: Honestly, one reason I reached out, I'm lightly exploring new roles and [Company] is on my shortlist. Been chatting with a few folks just to get a feel before diving into apps or interviews. Would it be cool if I asked a couple quick questions? Totally fine to keep it here or hop on a 20-min Zoom, whatever's easier. Why it works: It's non-pushy and honest. You position them as the expert and it gives them two easy options. Common Hooks to Try: Use these to vary your openers: You're at [Company]? Mutuals with [Name]—small world? Saw your post on [Topic], super helpful. How's it going on the [team or role or project]? Next steps for job seekers If the person agrees to take a networking call, Gega advises his clients to start with light conversation, thank them for the call, and give a genuine compliment. Then, job seekers should ask two to three questions, such as inquiring about their favorite part of working at the company. They should end the call with a "soft ask" about anyone else they think they should chat with while they're exploring things, Gega said. In general, Gega said that the strategy has nuance and that "less is a lot more." Job seekers should never inundate anyone with requests, says Gega. "The same rules that maybe apply offline should apply online," Gega said. "You never go to somebody and spam them."

Engadget
14 hours ago
- Engadget
How AI can help you navigate layoffs, according to one executive producer at Xbox
It's been a rough week at Microsoft. Following the news that 9,000 people are being laid off at the company, one Xbox executive offered some questionable words of advice for people on their way out: Find solace in Microsoft Copilot. As reported by Aftermath , Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing who clearly did not lose his job recently, took to LinkedIn to let folks know, "You're not alone and you don't have to go it alone." In the same breath as acknowledging that AI evokes "strong feelings in people," Turnbull suggested that LLMs like ChatGPT and Copilot could "help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss." Turnbull went on to provide specific AI prompts that he recommended for recently laid-off people, including, "Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting." He explained how an LLM could aid overwhelmed developers in planning their careers and punching up their resumés, and also help with "emotional clarity and confidence." The post was circulated on Bluesky by Necrosoft Games director and Insert Credit host Brandon Sheffield, where it received a predictably negative reaction. According to Video Games Chronicle , LinkedIn users were similarly unimpressed. Turnbull deleted the post a few hours later. Here's the full text from the LinkedIn post: These are really challenging times, and if you're navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you're not alone and you don't have to go it alone. I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I'd be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances. I've been experimenting with ways to use LLM Al tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss. Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you're feeling overwhelmed: Career Planning Prompts:"Act as a career coach. I've been laid off from a [role] in the game industry. Help me build a 30-day plan to regroup, research new roles, and start applying without burning out." "What kinds of game industry jobs could I pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?" Resume & Linkedin Help"Here's my current resume. Give me three tailored versions: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio leadership.""Rewrite this resume bullet to highlight impact and metrics." "Draft a new LinkedIn 'About Me' section that focuses on my leadership style, shipped titles, and vision for game development." Networking & Outreach"Draft a friendly message I can send to old coworkers letting them know I'm exploring new opportunities." "Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting." Emotional Clarity & Confidence "I'm struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I'm good at?" No Al tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity. If this helps, feel free to share with others in your network. Stay kind, stay smart, stay connected. Turnbull's post, however earnest, comes at a time when Microsoft is seemingly all-in on both AI and layoffs. The 9,000 job losses this week add to over 6,000 announced in May . Microsoft President Brad Smith began 2025 by committing to spend around $80 billion on AI infrastructure through the year, and CEO Satya Nadella recently shared that a large portion of his company's code is now authored by AI. Just last week, Business Insider reported on another executive telling employees that using Copilot is " no longer optional " in an internal memo. One developer at Halo Studios, which was affected by the layoffs, told Engadget's Jessica Conditt that they felt Xbox leadership was looking to "replace as many jobs as they can with AI agents." If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.