Tether and Opera Expand USDT and Tether Gold Support in MiniPay Wallet

Tether and Opera have announced expanded support for USDT and Tether Gold (via XAU₮0) within MiniPay, Opera's self-custodial wallet built on the Celo blockchain. The move aims to increase access to stable, dollar-denominated value for users in emerging markets.

MiniPay has become a significant player in the stablecoin space, with over 12.6 million activated wallets and 350 million transactions processed as of Q4 2025. The platform reported 50% growth in on-chain users during the same period, with strong adoption in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

As of December 2025, MiniPay had 7 million phone-verified USDT wallets and 300,000 unique USDT buyers in December, a 33% increase from the previous month. The Celo blockchain saw 506% user growth over the past year, reaching 5 million users.

Why Did This Happen?

Tether's mission is to provide simple, reliable access to stable value for those who need it most. By expanding USDT and Tether Gold support in MiniPay, the company is helping users send, receive, and hold digital dollars and gold-backed tokens, often for the first time.

The partnership reinforces Tether's role in financial inclusion and aligns with Opera's broader strategy to bring digital finance to mobile-first regions. MiniPay allows users to connect to local economies through on-ramp and off-ramp services provided by partners like Binance, Fonbank, and Partna.

How Did Markets React?

Opera's stock price surged in response to the announcement, jumping nearly 18% following the news. The share price climbed from $12.42 to as high as $14.87 before settling at $14.10 for the day.

The partnership with Tether and the expansion of USDT support in MiniPay have been seen as positive catalysts for Opera's digital finance strategy. The wallet's integration with real-world services, such as instant payments via SEPA and Pix, further supports its role in expanding digital access.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are monitoring how effectively MiniPay can convert its large user base into active users who regularly send, receive, and store value. Murray Neil Spark, MiniPay's Head of Commercial, emphasized the importance of growing transaction frequency and expanding the partner ecosystem.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino highlighted the significance of the initiative in helping users move, save, and store value securely. The company's focus on financial inclusion continues to drive its expansion into new markets.

The long-term success of this partnership will depend on Opera's ability to monetize its digital wallet ecosystem and demonstrate sustainable growth. Analysts are also watching how MiniPay's integration with Tether tokens impacts broader adoption of stablecoins and tokenized assets.