Opera’s MiniPay, a self-custodial stablecoin wallet built on Celo, has made a significant announcement regarding its integration with Binance Connect, the official fiat-to-crypto gateway provided by the popular crypto exchange Binance. This integration is aimed at enhancing the user experience by enabling fiat on-ramps, expanding payment options globally, and increasing accessibility to digital assets.
In a recent press release shared with Cryptonews, Opera highlighted the importance of addressing the challenge of converting local currency into digital assets quickly, securely, and affordably to drive Web3 adoption. By partnering with Binance Connect, MiniPay aims to lower these barriers and provide a seamless experience for users looking to engage with digital assets.
The collaboration between Opera, Celo, and Binance signifies a joint effort to enhance real-world stablecoin utility and promote the adoption of digital assets in everyday transactions. MiniPay sees this integration as a significant step in its evolution from a lightweight wallet to a practical tool for savings, peer-to-peer transfers, cross-border payments, and everyday commerce.
Users can now access Binance Connect through Opera Mini browser or by downloading the standalone Android app, allowing them to add funds and initiate transactions seamlessly. Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, emphasized the value of integrating Binance Connect, stating that it brings the stablecoin experience closer to everyday usage by leveraging Binance’s global reach and liquidity.
With over 7 million activated wallets across 50 countries, MiniPay users can now fund their wallets using Binance Connect, which supports various payment methods such as credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, P2P trading, and Binance Account Balance. This integration provides fast and cost-effective access to stablecoins like USDT and USDC in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Additionally, MiniPay offers a native ecosystem with popular Mini Apps for utility bill payments, donations, and music streaming, enhancing the overall user experience. Isha Varshney, Head of Ecosystem at Celo Foundation, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the benefits of MiniPay’s onboarding tool combined with Binance’s extensive user base.
Thomas Gregory, Vice President of Fiat at Binance, emphasized the shared vision of providing inclusive financial tools on a global scale, enabling users to access stable digital assets with real-world utility seamlessly. The integration of Binance Connect enables users worldwide to transition from fiat to stablecoins quickly, supporting Web3’s goal of onboarding the next billion users.
Built on the mobile-first blockchain Celo, MiniPay leverages the chain’s sub-second finality and low fees, offering a self-custodial design, gas abstraction, and a phone-number-based wallet UX for a seamless transaction experience. The Android app is currently available, with an iOS version set to launch soon.
In conclusion, the integration of Opera’s MiniPay wallet with Binance Connect signifies a significant milestone in enhancing the accessibility and usability of digital assets for users worldwide. By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, users can enjoy a seamless and efficient experience when transacting with stablecoins and other digital assets.