Opera shares climbed more than 15 percent following the announcement of expanded support for Tether tokens in its MiniPay . This reaction underscores investor confidence in stablecoin integrations within mobile browsers. The development aligns with rising demand for practical crypto tools in underserved regions.
Overview of the Announcement
Tether expanded USDT and its gold-backed token support inside Opera's MiniPay wallet on the Celo blockchain. Users can now hold, send, and receive these assets directly with simplified interfaces. The integration avoids typical blockchain hurdles for everyday participants.
MiniPay serves as a self-custodial wallet embedded in Opera's browser ecosystem. It targets mobile-first users seeking reliable dollar-denominated options. Recent data shows strong usage metrics across key geographies.
MiniPay Usage Statistics
The wallet reports over 12.6 million activated accounts worldwide. It has processed more than 350 million transactions to date. On-chain users reached an estimated 3.64 million on Celo.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, on-chain user growth hit 50 percent. December alone saw over 96 million USDT transfers initiated. Cash top-ups through local partners exceeded 49 million dollars.
Total stablecoin flows through MiniPay surpassed 153 million dollars in December. Peer-to-peer payments numbered over 3.5 million that month. Seven million phone-verified USDT wallets existed by year-end.
Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets
This expansion targets Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. These areas often face limited banking infrastructure. Stablecoins provide an accessible alternative for value storage and transfers.
MiniPay connects to providers like Binance and local on-ramps. Features allow payments via PIX in Brazil or Mercado Pago in Argentina. Such linkages bridge fiat systems with crypto liquidity.
USDT maintains a market capitalization exceeding 186 billion dollars. It serves as the primary digital dollar for global transactions. The addition enhances its utility in high-inflation environments.
Tether Gold offers a hedge option amid nearly 50 percent price gains in 2025. Users convert balances to the tokenized asset easily. This supports inflation-resistant savings without traditional asset barriers.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted the focus on delivering reliable stable value to those most in need. He stressed building systems that integrate seamlessly into daily financial activities beyond pure technology.
Opera's EVP of Mobile Jørgen Arnesen noted that the USDT integration transforms smartphone capabilities into meaningful financial tools. Millions now access digital dollars directly for the first time.
Market Reaction and Stock Performance
Shares of Opera Limited rose sharply on the news, climbing as high as 18 percent intraday from recent lows. The positive response reflects optimism about MiniPay's role in expanding user bases. Trading volume increased notably following the disclosure.
Analysts point to MiniPay's growth trajectory as evidence of scalable crypto adoption models. The wallet's non-custodial design emphasizes user control and security. This appeals amid ongoing concerns over centralized platforms.
Implications for and DeFi
The announcement advances accessibility through browser-native wallets. It promotes participation by simplifying stablecoin entry points. Self-custodial features bolster security in decentralized environments.
stablecoin adoption ties into broader cefi mechanisms while supporting protocols on Celo. Regulation remains a key factor influencing stablecoin expansion. Transparent issuers like Tether navigate evolving compliance landscapes effectively.
Opera's technology integrates payments and savings in one interface. This fosters market growth in nfts and metaverse applications indirectly by building foundational liquidity layers. Funding interest in such tools may rise as adoption metrics improve.
Broader trends show stablecoins driving transaction volumes in emerging economies. Celo recorded 506 percent user growth for native USDT over the past year. This positions MiniPay as a leader in mobile-first crypto solutions.
Regulatory and Security Considerations
Self-custodial wallets reduce counterparty risks compared to centralized exchanges. Users retain private keys, enhancing personal security. Yet education on best practices remains essential for widespread trust.
stablecoin regulation continues to evolve globally with focus on reserves and transparency. Tether's established position aids compliance in multiple jurisdictions. The integration respects these standards while expanding reach.
Future Outlook for Crypto Adoption
MiniPay's momentum indicates accelerating integration of crypto into everyday finance. Investors monitor similar browser-wallet expansions for competitive edges. The strategy combines technology with regional payment rails effectively.
This event underscores the relevance of stablecoins in expanding the crypto market. Stakeholders in , DeFi, and cefi should track such developments closely for actionable insights on adoption and funding opportunities.
