Tether and Opera Collaborate to Enhance Financial Access via MiniPay in Emerging Markets

Tether and Opera Collaborate to Expand Financial Access Through MiniPay

In an exciting development for the financial landscape, Tether, a prominent stablecoin issuer, is making considerable strides in providing financial access through its collaboration with Opera, a leading web browser company. Recently, Tether announced the integration of its well-known digital currency USDT and Tether Gold (XAU₮0) support into Opera's MiniPay wallet, making it easier for users in emerging markets to access stable digital currencies.

The MiniPay wallet, which operates on the Celo blockchain, is specially designed for self-custodial purposes, allowing users to hold, send, and receive funds with unprecedented ease. This initiative aims to empower millions across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia by providing stable dollar-denominated access to value and savings, thereby playing a crucial role in advancing global financial inclusion.

As of now, USDT boasts a market capitalization exceeding $186 billion, solidifying its status as the most trusted digital dollar worldwide. By integrating USDT into MiniPay, users can manage their digital assets without the complexity of traditional blockchain interactions, enabling them to participate in the digital economy more effortlessly.

MiniPay has seen impressive growth, with over 12.6 million activated wallets and substantial transaction volumes. In fact, during the fourth quarter of 2025, MiniPay's user base saw a 50% increase, indicating a surge in adoption of USDT across critical emerging markets. The platform reported an astounding 96 million USD in stablecoin transfers and over 3.5 million peer-to-peer payments in December 2025 alone.

Further enhancing its offering, MiniPay allows users to add cash to their wallets through local partners, creating a direct link between local economies and Tether's global liquidity. In December 2025, MiniPay facilitated transactions totaling 153 million USD, highlighting the growing demand for secure, dollar-based mobile payments.

Tether CEO, Paolo Ardoino, expressed the company's ongoing commitment to financial accessibility, stating, "Tether's mission has always been to provide simple, reliable access to stable value for people who need it most... Financial inclusion is not just about technology; it's about building systems that work for everyday life." This statement reflects Tether's vision to bridge the gap in financial services, especially in regions where traditional banking is limited or non-existent.

Opera, with its MiniPay initiative, has succeeded in turning the ubiquity of smartphones into tangible financial access for millions. According to Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, this initiative offers users their first experience in managing, sending, and saving digital dollars seamlessly.

The addition of Tether Gold (XAU₮0) to MiniPay marks another significant advantage for users. As household budgets are increasingly affected by inflation and economic instability, XAU₮0 provides a hedge against these challenges, allowing users to convert their USDT balances into gold simply and conveniently. Given that gold prices surged nearly 50% in 2025, this option has never been more appealing.

As Tether continues its commitment to transparency and liquidity, its collaboration with Opera reflects a crucial step toward enhancing real-world use of stablecoins. Innovations like MiniPay are opening financial doors, offering people reliable methods to move, save, and secure their wealth beyond the constraints of the traditional banking system.

This partnership not only positions Tether and Opera at the forefront of a financial revolution but also underscores the importance of aligning emerging financial technologies with real-world needs. Together, they are dedicated to crafting not just products but meaningful financial tools that will aid individuals in navigating the challenges of the digital economy.

XAU₮0 is a bridged version of Tether Gold (XAU₮) and is not directly issued by Tether. Always refer to Tether’s official services for transactions and terms.*