Mastercard is weighing a strategic investment in Zerohash rather than an acquisition.

According to ChainCatcher, sources familiar with the matter revealed that Mastercard is considering a strategic investment in blockchain infrastructure company Zerohash after acquisition talks with the company fell through.

Previously, acquisition negotiations between the two parties had ended because Zerohash chose to remain independent. According to a report last October, Mastercard had entered the late stages of negotiations to acquire Zerohash, with the acquisition price potentially reaching $2 billion. Mastercard declined to comment.