Opera Stock Surges as MiniPay Wallet Embraces Tether's USDT, Signaling Deeper Crypto Push
Opera's bold bet on cryptocurrency integration delivered a windfall on Monday, with its stock price leaping as much as 18% following the announcement that its MiniPay wallet now supports Tether's USDT and Tether Gold (XAUt).
The Oslo-listed browser maker saw its shares climb from an opening price of $12.42 to an intraday high of $14.87 before settling at $14.10, still a robust gain of over 13% for the session. The surge reflects market confidence in Opera's strategy to embed financial services directly into its browsing experience, particularly in emerging markets.
"Aligning with Tether, the undisputed leader in the stablecoin space, was a strategic imperative for MiniPay," Murray Neil Spark, MiniPay's Head of Commercial, told Decrypt. "Our goal is to become an indispensable daily tool, and this integration is a cornerstone of that vision."
The move taps into the vast ecosystem of USDT, which boasts a circulating supply of approximately $185 billion and is primarily backed by U.S. Treasury reserves. While USDT has traditionally seen stronger adoption outside the United States, Tether has recently increased its U.S. footprint, launching a regulated stablecoin, USAT, last week following the passage of the GENIUS Act.
MiniPay, a self-custodial wallet built on the Celo blockchain and embedded within Opera's mobile browser, represents the company's flagship effort to simplify crypto for mainstream users. Opera reported over 12 million activated wallets to date, with the most significant transaction volume originating from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
Analysts view the partnership as a logical step but caution that the path to profitability remains unclear. "The stock reaction is enthusiastic, but the core question is how these millions of wallets translate into sustainable revenue," noted one market observer. "Opera has yet to detail MiniPay's direct contribution to its financials, leaving its crypto-dependent roadmap somewhat speculative."
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino hailed the collaboration as a boost for financial inclusion. However, the ultimate challenge for Opera will be converting its growing user base into a durable business model that justifies its renewed valuation.
User Reactions
David Chen, Fintech Analyst: "This is a smart, market-responsive move. Opera is leveraging its strong presence in regions where stablecoins are used for remittances and as a hedge against inflation. The integration addresses a real user need."
Marcus Thorne, Crypto Investor: "Finally! A major browser making crypto accessible without the usual complexity. This could be a game-changer for daily adoption, especially if they keep adding practical features like payment cards."
Rebecca Shaw, Digital Rights Advocate: "It's another superficial stock pump tied to crypto hype. Where's the transparency on reserves? How does this actually protect users in volatile economies? Opera is chasing trends instead of solving real security and privacy issues in its core product."
Anita Okoye, Small Business Owner (Lagos): "As someone who uses MiniPay for cross-border supplies, adding USDT is a huge relief. Transaction times and costs were a constant headache. This feels like a direct solution to a daily problem."