MoonPay Acquires Helio for $175M to Revolutionize Crypto Payments

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MoonPay, a major provider of services converting traditional money into cryptocurrency, has completed its initial purchase of the year, acquiring Helio – a payment processor utilizing blockchain technology on the Solana network, with the aim of improving transactions involving digital assets.

As mentioned in a statement on Monday, the $175 million agreement is intended to enhance MoonPay’s payment system framework and provide quicker, more streamlined cryptocurrency transaction services for merchants and global marketplaces.

Expanding Infrastructure with Helio’s Technology

Since MoonPay started operating in 2019, it’s focused on simplifying cryptocurrency transactions. With its recent purchase of Helio, MoonPay seeks to bolster its presence and influence within the digital currency market.

As a crypto analyst, I’m highlighting the digital assets that Helio caters to for seamless payment processing: Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $92,074 with a 24-hour volatility of 2.8%, a market cap of $1.82T, and a 24-hour volume of $70.13B; Ethereum (ETH), currently priced at $3,018, showing a 24-hour volatility of 8.1%, a market cap of $363.59B, and a 24-hour volume of $37.84B; Solana (SOL) with a value of $177.2, exhibiting a 24-hour volatility of 6.5%, a market cap of $86.02B, and a 24-hour volume of $5.82B; and lastly, USD Coin (USDC), stable at $1.00, with no volatility, a market cap of $45.68B, and a 24-hour volume of $6.08B.

By incorporating Helio’s advanced blockchain payment solutions, MoonPay can elevate its digital services, including e-commerce, subscriptions, and digital products. Currently, Helio caters to over 6,000 merchants and has handled transactions worth more than $1.5 billion.

On Helio’s integrated platform, which works seamlessly with tools such as Discord, Shopify, and WooCommerce, MoonPay can now deliver a comprehensive solution to businesses, programmers, and customers who desire dependable cryptocurrency transaction solutions.

As stated by Stijn Paumen, Helio’s joint founder and chief executive officer, this acquisition aligns with Helio’s objective of simplifying the process for crypto transactions.

Strengthening MoonPay’s Global Footprint

MoonPay’s acquisition of Helio is part of their larger plan to grow and establish a stronger presence within the worldwide cryptocurrency market. This move comes after a significant achievement in December 2024, when MoonPay was granted permission to operate as a regulated crypto business in the Netherlands, falling under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework.

According to Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay’s co-founder and CEO, this approval is a crucial milestone towards establishing the cryptocurrency sector as an integral part of the worldwide economic system.

The purchase comes after MoonPay introduced MoonPay Balance in November 2024, a user-friendly payment system that allows storing and spending traditional currency balances effortlessly, all while smoothly engaging with Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms.

By December 2024, MoonPay successfully obtained an operational permit in the Netherlands, enabling them to provide crypto payment solutions within that region. This license was issued under the European Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory system, reinforcing MoonPay’s adherence to regional regulations.

2023 marked the initial acquisition for MoonPay as they took over Web3 creative studio Nightshift. This tactical step aimed at bolstering their influence within the blockchain and Web3 sector.

Furthermore, in June 2022, MoonPay introduced Hypermint – an advanced platform designed for brands to create up to 100 million digital assets at once, showcasing their commitment to innovation in the field of digital asset production and scalability.

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2025-01-13 23:33