MoonPay Acquires Helio to Enhance Crypto Payment Solutions

MoonPay, a leading cryptocurrency payment provider, has announced the acquisition of Helio, a Solana-based crypto payment processor, for $175 million. The move strengthens MoonPay’s capabilities in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and e-commerce sectors by incorporating Helio’s advanced infrastructure and ecosystem.

Expanding Crypto Infrastructure

Helio supports over 6,000 merchants and millions of users, enabling seamless crypto transactions in assets like USDC, SOL, BTC, and ETH. The platform is integrated with popular services such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Discord, and Solana Pay, processing over $1.5 billion in transactions to date.

MoonPay’s CEO, Ivan Soto-Wright, described the acquisition as a critical step in advancing their mission to simplify global crypto adoption. Helio’s CEO, Stijn Paumen, added that joining MoonPay would accelerate efforts to replace traditional merchant payment systems with decentralized, cost-effective alternatives.

Recent Strategic Moves

MoonPay has been actively expanding its offerings in 2024. In June, it partnered with PayPal to enable cryptocurrency purchases directly through PayPal accounts. By October, MoonPay had integrated with Venmo, allowing users to buy crypto using their Venmo balances or linked accounts.

In December, MoonPay gained approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, positioning it for further growth within the European Economic Area.

Future Implications

This acquisition signals potential consolidation in the crypto industry under favorable regulatory conditions. By integrating Helio, MoonPay strengthens its role as a major player in crypto payments, bridging the gap between blockchain technology and mainstream e-commerce.