MoonPay, a leading fiat-to-crypto on-ramp provider, has acquired Helio, a blockchain-based payment processor built on Solana, in a landmark $175 million deal. The acquisition is set to significantly enhance MoonPay’s payments infrastructure and expand its capabilities in the growing crypto payments sector.

Helio’s Crypto Checkout Platform

Helio is renowned for its crypto checkout platform, which allows businesses to accept payments in various digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), and USD Coin (USDC). With a robust track record of serving over 6,000 merchants and facilitating transactions worth more than $1.5 billion, Helio has become a trusted name in e-commerce, digital goods, and subscription services.

The platform’s integration with widely used platforms such as Discord, Shopify, and WooCommerce has positioned it as a key player in the crypto payment ecosystem. Helio’s co-founder and CEO, Stijn Paumen, highlighted the company’s mission to make crypto payments accessible, noting its success in reaching millions of customers through merchants in just three years.

Strengthening MoonPay’s Infrastructure
The acquisition allows MoonPay to incorporate Helio’s advanced technology, enabling faster, more affordable, and decentralised payment solutions. Post-acquisition, MoonPay aims to replace traditional merchant payments, which are often slow and costly, with more efficient crypto-based systems. This move is expected to increase MoonPay’s trading and marketplace volume, providing a more comprehensive service for merchants, developers, and consumers alike.

Strategic Timing and Growth
The deal comes just days before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office on 20 January, underscoring the urgency to position MoonPay at the forefront of crypto payment innovations. The acquisition also aligns with MoonPay’s broader strategy to expand its services and user base, which currently stands at 20 million users across more than 160 countries.

Source: MoonPay
Source: MoonPay

In November 2024, MoonPay introduced its MoonPay Balance tool, enabling users to store and spend fiat balances while interacting with decentralised finance platforms. The Helio acquisition, initially valued at $150 million in December 2024, represents a $25 million increase, highlighting the strategic importance of Helio’s technology and market potential.

Regulatory Milestone
In addition to the acquisition, MoonPay has achieved a significant regulatory milestone. On 30 December 2024, the company announced its approval to operate as a licensed crypto business in the Netherlands under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (DAFM) granted this licence, marking a pivotal step for MoonPay in solidifying its position in the global crypto economy.

Ivan Soto-Wright, co-founder and CEO of MoonPay, described the approval as a critical development for the industry, reinforcing its legitimacy and potential for growth.

Conclusion
The acquisition of Helio represents a major leap forward for MoonPay as it seeks to enhance its merchant offerings and strengthen its position in the competitive crypto payments landscape. With the integration of Helio’s cutting-edge solutions, MoonPay is poised to revolutionise how merchants and consumers interact with digital assets, paving the way for a more decentralised and efficient financial ecosystem.

Related Posts