MiniPay connects stablecoins to real time payment in Latin America: rolls out PIX, Mercado Pago support at DevConnect

Core Insights - MiniPay, a stablecoin wallet developed by Opera, is enhancing payment capabilities in Latin America by connecting USD (Tether) to local payment methods, starting with popular platforms like Mercado Pago and PIX [1][2][5] - The "Pay like a local" feature, powered by Noah, allows users to make direct payments using their stablecoin balance, facilitating seamless transactions in local currencies [4][6] - MiniPay has achieved over 10 million activated wallets since its launch in 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing stablecoin wallets globally [1][10] Company Overview - MiniPay is a non-custodial stablecoin wallet built on the Celo blockchain, designed to make digital finance accessible and user-friendly, particularly in emerging markets [9][10] - The wallet is available as a standalone app for Android and iOS, or integrated into the Opera Mini browser, allowing users to send, receive, and save stablecoins with minimal fees [10] Market Position - In Brazil, PIX is used by over 76% of the population and processes 80% more transactions than credit and debit cards combined, while Mercado Pago in Argentina has over 72 million active users and a 68% market share [5] - By integrating with these leading payment systems, MiniPay provides a bridge for travelers and digital dollar holders to transact locally, addressing challenges faced by foreign cards [5][6] Strategic Partnerships - MiniPay is expanding its on- and off-ramp coverage in Latin America by onboarding partners like El Dorado and Alfred, enhancing the ability to convert local currency to USD and facilitating cross-border transfers [3][7] - The integration with local payment systems and ramp partners strengthens the platform's resilience and offers users consistent options for moving value between currencies [7] Event Context - The rollout of these new payment methods coincides with DevConnect, a major Ethereum ecosystem conference, allowing crypto users to experience seamless local payments in Argentina [8]