Standalone MiniPay application now accessible on iOS gadgets
In a significant milestone, Opera's MiniPay stablecoin wallet has reached an impressive user base of 8 million activated wallets since its launch as a standalone application on Android and iOS devices. This rapid growth positions MiniPay as one of the fastest-growing stablecoin wallets globally.
Launched in Nigeria in 2023, MiniPay has been strategically expanding its reach, particularly in emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The wallet offers a lightweight, non-custodial stablecoin wallet on the Celo blockchain, enabling users to manage stablecoins like cUSD, USDC, and USDT with ease and low fees.
MiniPay's expansion strategy also includes integrating with local payment partners and service providers, allowing users to make everyday transactions such as airtime, data bundle purchases, and bill payments directly through the wallet. This integration often comes with cashback rewards, making the wallet a practical choice for everyday financial needs.
Moreover, MiniPay has partnered with Noah, a platform that connects fiat and crypto payment flows through a single API, compliant in over 70 countries. This partnership facilitates seamless global-to-local payments, further enhancing the wallet's appeal in emerging economies.
Jørgen Arnsen, executive vice president at Opera, emphasised the expansion's aim to reach a broader global audience. He stated, "The spinoff of MiniPay as a standalone app expands its reach to users who do not use the Opera Mini browser."
Initially, MiniPay enabled wallet-to-wallet stablecoin transfer for Opera Mini browser users. However, the release of MiniPay as a standalone application marks its expansion beyond being a browser feature. This move is expected to increase Opera's user base beyond Africa, as the company anticipates.
Last year, venture capital firm Verda Ventures announced a $40 million fund in partnership with Opera to support startups in emerging markets looking to build products around the MiniPay wallet infrastructure. This investment underscores Opera's commitment to driving adoption of MiniPay beyond just crypto enthusiasts, towards a broader global audience.
In summary, MiniPay's user-first, locally integrated approach has facilitated its rapid expansion in over 50 countries within emerging markets. By combining stablecoin storage with practical everyday financial services, MiniPay is driving adoption beyond the realm of cryptocurrency enthusiasts, making digital finance more accessible for everyone.
- Opera's MiniPay wallet, initially launched in Nigeria in 2023, has been expanding its reach in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, aiming to reach a broader global audience.
- The wallet, which offers stablecoin management on the Celo blockchain, is integrating with local payment partners and service providers, allowing users to make everyday transactions like airtime and bill payments.
- MiniPay has partnered with Noah, a platform compliant in over 70 countries, to facilitate seamless global-to-local payments, further enhancing its appeal in emerging economies.
- Last year, venture capital firm Verda Ventures announced a $40 million fund in partnership with Opera to support startups in emerging markets, focusing on building products around the MiniPay wallet infrastructure, driving adoption beyond just crypto enthusiasts.
