Opera announces $160 million CELO token purchase

Opera (OPRA) disclosed a $160 million purchase of CELO tokens, underscoring its belief in the long‑term value of the Celo ecosystem and expanding the MiniPay wallet’s stablecoin reach in emerging markets [1].

Expanding the MiniPay ecosystem

Opera’s MiniPay wallet, a self‑custodial app built on Celo, now serves roughly 14 million users and focuses on stablecoin payments in regions such as Latin America. The wallet recently linked to real‑time payment platforms PIX and Mercado Pago, widening its on‑ramps for everyday transactions [1]. By acquiring CELO tokens, Opera signals confidence that the Celo network’s stablecoin‑centric design will drive further adoption, especially where traditional banking is limited.

Financial backdrop and market impact

Opera reported fourth‑quarter revenue of $177.2 million, a 22% year‑over‑year increase, and announced a $300 million share‑repurchase program that helped its Nasdaq‑listed shares climb more than 21% over the past month, trading around $15 per share [1]. The $160 million token deal adds a sizable on‑chain exposure for the company, aligning its balance sheet with the blockchain assets it promotes through MiniPay. While CELO’s price has struggled to revisit prior highs, the purchase represents a concrete vote of confidence from a non‑crypto‑native firm.

What to watch

• CELO price near key levels – monitor whether the token holds above recent support around $0.70, a level that has anchored its price after previous declines.
• MiniPay adoption milestones – track new integrations with regional payment rails (e.g., additional Latin American platforms) that could boost transaction volume.
• Opera’s token accounting – watch quarterly filings for any changes in the disclosed CELO holdings, which may affect the company’s earnings exposure.

Opera’s $160 million CELO commitment ties its financial performance to the blockchain’s growth, raising the question of whether broader corporate adoption can revive the token’s market sentiment and sustain MiniPay’s expansion in underserved economies.