moonpay

Welcome to the OpenSea Digest, let’s review the major news in NFTs and Web3 this week.
BeraTone begins private game testing
The online multiplayer game project BeraTone has launched its first private game test on the Berachain blockchain, exclusively for founders who hold the Sailcloth NFT.
According to the announcement, this game test marks the launch of a multi-phase 'play-to-earn' program aimed at rewarding early participants, allowing players to access the game via links shared on the project's Discord server, with the initial phase providing opportunities to test game mechanics and provide feedback.

MoonPay, alongside BitStaete, ZBD, and Hidden Road, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Markets in Crypto Assets (#MiCA ) licenses from Dutch regulators. These approvals, confirmed in a December 30 filing by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (#AFM ), empower the companies to operate seamlessly across all 27 EU member states under a unified regulatory framework.

Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO and co-founder of MoonPay, described the development as transformative for the European cryptocurrency industry. “𝐌𝐢𝐂𝐀 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 for digital asset regulation in Europe, and we’re honored to be among the first to collaborate with the Dutch AFM to embrace this new framework,” 𝐒𝐨𝐭𝐨-𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 stated. The MiCA legislation, designed to standardize cryptocurrency regulations across Europe, includes the Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license, enabling license holders to expand operations throughout the bloc.

The new regulatory framework began its phased rollout on June 30, 2024, initially targeting stablecoins, referred to as “ 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬” 𝐚𝐧𝐝 “𝐄-𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬.” The December 30 extension brought all other regulated digital tokens, coins, and 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐬 under its purview. Alongside MoonPay, firms like BitStaete, a digital asset management platform; 𝐙𝐁𝐃 , a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin lightning solutions; and Hidden Road, a clearing and brokerage firm, have secured 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐏 licenses. These approvals mark a pivotal step forward for these companies as they navigate the evolving regulatory landscape of the European Union.

𝐌𝐢𝐂𝐀’𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐯𝐬. 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

While MiCA is lauded for providing regulatory clarity and promoting market maturity, its stringent requirements have sparked debate among industry players. Economists have raised concerns about the financial strain it imposes, particularly on smaller crypto firms. Stablecoin issuers, for example, must maintain at least 30% of their reserves in low-risk, EU-based banks, while larger issuers like Tether and Circle face even stricter mandates, requiring 60% reserves in similar institutions.

Critics argue that such measures could hinder smaller startups and escalate operational costs, potentially driving companies toward jurisdictions with more favorable regulations. 𝐀𝐠𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞 , head of growth at DeFi platform WeFi, highlighted the challenges for smaller issuers, calling the 30% reserve requirement “financially burdensome.” Similarly, U𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐀𝐄’𝐬crypto-friendly policies might attract firms seeking less restrictive environments.

Nonetheless, some industry leaders see the framework as a positive development. 𝐃𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐣 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧 , founder of 𝐙𝐞𝐤𝐫𝐞𝐭 , views MiCA as a necessary step to enhance market integrity and attract new users and funds. However, he also warned that increased regulatory scrutiny could lead to tighter oversight of retail investors. As MiCA takes full effect, its long-term impact will likely hinge on how well it balances market stability with fostering innovation.
#MoonPay #MiCAs #NonFarmPayrollsImpact

Ripple and Moonpay have made a joint donation of $50,000 worth of RLUSD, Ripple’s new stablecoin tied to the U.S. dollar, to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation #LAFDFoundation . 
This contribution aims to support first responders battling the devastating California wildfires. 
#Ripple highlighted their commitment to evaluating additional ways to assist these critical emergency efforts. 
#MoonPay echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the donation in providing relief to firefighters across Los Angeles. 
The RLUSD contribution underscores the growing role of cryptocurrency in addressing real-world challenges and demonstrates how digital assets can be used effectively in crisis management.
#FirstRespondersHeroes
#FireFightersHeroes

The company #Ripple , issuer #xrp , in collaboration with the cryptocurrency payment service <t-20/>#MoonPay donated stablecoins to combat the fires in the American state of California. Employees of these companies transferred Ripple USD (RLUSD) coins pegged to the dollar to the Los Angeles Fire Department in the amount of $50,000. The rescuers, who are called heroes in this emergency situation, thanked the organizations for their financial support during the crisis.

The TRUMP meme coin of former US President Donald Trump created a storm in the cryptocurrency market as soon as it launched on the Solana platform. But behind that resounding success is strong support from three 'giants' in the industry: Ripple, Mike Novogratz's Galaxy Digital, and MoonPay.
The Power Trio Behind the TRUMP Meme Coin
MoonPay Rescues Galaxy Digital and Ripple
#MoonPay , the cryptocurrency payment provider, struggled to provide liquidity for the explosive demand for TRUMP tokens in the early days of the launch.

#MoonPay , the leading crypto payment company, has just signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Shots Podcast Network – the platform behind popular podcasts like "This Past Weekend" with Theo Von and "Full Send Podcast."
MoonPay Expands Influence Through Podcast
According to the announcement, MoonPay will become the exclusive crypto partner of #ShotsPodcastNetwork . MoonPay ads will appear throughout the podcasts in this network, and the company also plans to integrate more deeply in the future.

On December 30, 2024, the Netherlands became the first country in the European Union (EU) to grant Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) licenses to four digital asset companies: MoonPay, BitStaete, ZBD, and Hidden Road. This is a significant turning point that allows these businesses to expand operations across all 27 EU member countries.

MiCA: An Important Step for the EU

#MiCA is the pioneering legal framework established by the EU, requiring cryptocurrency companies to obtain Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) certification in at least one member state. After that, they can operate legally throughout the bloc.

MoonPay, a leading crypto payments provider, has taken a major step forward by acquiring Helio, a Solana-based payment processor, for $175 million. This strategic move aims to revolutionize the crypto payment ecosystem, offering merchants and consumers a more seamless, decentralized payment experience.
Key Highlights
$1.5B in Transactions: Helio has processed over $1.5 billion in payments, supporting 6,000+ merchants globally.Enhanced Offerings: MoonPay will integrate Helio’s blockchain-based solutions to expand its multi-vertical crypto payment services.Mainstream Accessibility: Helio’s integration with platforms like Shopify, Discord, and WooCommerce enables merchants to accept payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USD Coin.
Why This Acquisition Matters
MoonPay’s acquisition of Helio aligns with its mission to transform traditional payment systems by:
Phasing Out Conventional Gateways: Leveraging blockchain to reduce costs and increase transaction efficiency.Boosting DeFi Adoption: Strengthening its position as a leader in decentralized payment solutions.Expanding Merchant Services: Offering robust tools for e-commerce, subscription models, and digital goods.
CEO Insight: Stijn Paumen, Helio’s CEO, emphasized the goal of bringing crypto payments into mainstream use, made possible through this partnership.
MoonPay’s Strategic Growth
This acquisition is part of MoonPay’s broader strategy to dominate the crypto payments space:
Regulatory Approvals: MoonPay secured EU MiCA approval in 2024, enabling operations as a crypto asset service provider in the Netherlands.Global Reach: With 20M+ users across 160 countries, MoonPay is well-positioned to scale Helio’s technology for a wider audience.DeFi Innovation: MoonPay’s integration with major platforms like PayPal and Venmo signals its intent to mainstream crypto-based commerce.
The Bigger Picture
This acquisition underscores the transformative potential of DeFi in reshaping the payments industry. By combining Helio’s expertise with its infrastructure, MoonPay is poised to lead the way in offering efficient, blockchain-based payment solutions to merchants and consumers worldwide.
Future Implications
MoonPay’s acquisition of Helio is a significant milestone in the evolving crypto payments sector. It highlights the growing trend of consolidations as key players aim to simplify digital transactions and expand the use of cryptocurrencies in everyday commerce.
What do you think about MoonPay’s latest move? Is this the future of payments? Let us know your thoughts below!

#MoonPay #Helio #CryptoPayments #CryptoAdoption #TheCoinRepublic

Photographer and filmmaker Julie Pacino’s use of NFTs is one example of how filmmaking and web3 have overlapped since digital collectibles became popular.
Thanks to the grassroots success of her two NFT series, I Live Here Now and Inn Keeper, Pacino received funding to produce and distribute the film, the development of which has sparked a conversation about how movies are made and the role Web3 can play in the process.
While filmmaking runs in Pacino’s family (her father is Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino), she’s carving out her own path and inviting other filmmakers to join her.

Welcome to the OpenSea Digest, let's review the biggest NFT and web3 news of the week.
Anime announces ANIME.
Anime just announced that ANIME will launch on January 23. This token is supported by the anime-themed PFP community Azuki and will go live on the Ethereum and Arbitrum blockchains. The team stated that this token aims to transform the anime ecosystem into a 'community-owned creative economy.'
"For decades, anime has shaped global culture—from art to fashion, from music to gaming," the team wrote on X. "Originally just a niche subculture, it has now evolved into one of the most passionate fan bases in the world, with over 1 billion fans." The tweet continued that, until now, fans have had no way to help shape the future of anime.