Introduction
A non-custodial stablecoin wallet provider has introduced groundbreaking payment features targeting the rapidly expanding global freelance market. MiniPay, built on the Ethereum layer-2 blockchain Celo, now enables freelancers worldwide to receive dollar and euro payments through virtual bank accounts, automatically converting them into stablecoins like USDT and USDC. This innovation addresses the longstanding challenges of expensive cross-border payments and lengthy settlement times that have plagued international freelancers for years.
Key Points
- Automatic conversion of received dollars/euros into stablecoins USDT and USDC for immediate use or cash-out
- Built on Ethereum layer-2 blockchain Celo with over 10 million wallets activated across 60 countries since 2023
- Targets rapidly growing freelance markets with Africa's tech freelancing projected to reach $37.7B by 2034 and India hosting 15M freelancers
Revolutionizing Freelancer Payments
MiniPay’s new functionality represents a significant leap forward in financial technology for independent workers. Through a strategic collaboration with infrastructure provider Noah, the platform now allows users to share virtual bank account details with clients, enabling direct receipt of USD and EUR payments. What makes this system particularly innovative is the automatic conversion process: once payments are received, the funds are immediately transformed into stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, creating a seamless bridge between traditional banking and digital assets.
The platform’s executives have positioned this development as a direct response to the inefficiencies that have long characterized international payments. Murray Spark, MiniPay’s head of commercial, emphasized this mission in a statement: “People want to get paid like a local—without the maze of cross-border fees and delays.” This sentiment reflects the growing frustration among freelancers who often lose significant portions of their earnings to banking fees and wait days for payments to clear across international borders.
Once converted to stablecoins, the funds within MiniPay wallets become immediately usable for everyday purchases or can be cashed out to mobile money applications and traditional bank accounts. This flexibility addresses the diverse financial needs of freelancers across different markets and economic contexts, providing both immediate spending power and traditional banking access when needed.
Targeting Explosive Growth Markets
MiniPay’s timing appears strategically aligned with the explosive growth projections in key freelance markets, particularly in emerging economies. The platform specifically highlighted research indicating that Africa’s freelance tech sector could surge from $7.3 billion last year to $37.7 billion by 2034—representing more than a fivefold increase over the next decade. This projection underscores the massive potential for financial technology solutions tailored to this demographic.
India represents another cornerstone of MiniPay’s growth strategy, with the platform noting that the country accounts for 26% of the global online labor supply and is home to approximately 15 million freelancers. These figures demonstrate the substantial market opportunity for solutions that can streamline payment processes for this vast workforce. The concentration of freelance talent in these regions, combined with their specific challenges around international payments, creates an ideal environment for MiniPay’s value proposition.
The platform’s existing user base of more than 10 million wallets across 60 countries since its 2023 launch provides a solid foundation for this expansion. This widespread adoption suggests that the infrastructure and user experience have already proven viable across diverse markets, positioning MiniPay well to capitalize on the projected growth in freelance activity.
Technical Infrastructure and Market Impact
Built on the Ethereum layer-2 blockchain Celo, MiniPay leverages advanced blockchain technology to deliver its payment solutions. The partnership with Noah is particularly crucial, as it provides the underlying infrastructure that enables real-time interoperability between traditional bank networks and digital assets. Shah Ramezani, CEO of Noah, articulated the vision behind this integration: “Money shouldn’t live on separate rails. By powering real-time interoperability between bank networks and digital assets, this partnership with MiniPay removes that divide—making global payments feel instant, connected, and built for the modern economy.”
From a cost perspective, MiniPay promises virtual bank transfers that will be free in most markets, with assurances that users won’t face “hidden fees.” However, the platform acknowledges that specific costs, deposit limits, and cash-out methods will vary by market, reflecting the regulatory and operational differences across jurisdictions. This transparency about market-specific variations demonstrates a realistic approach to global expansion.
The rollout strategy involves gradually introducing these new features to users on a waitlist in the coming weeks, suggesting a measured approach to scaling the service. This phased implementation allows MiniPay to manage demand while ensuring system stability and user experience quality. For the millions of freelancers struggling with cross-border payment challenges, this development could represent a significant step toward financial inclusion and operational efficiency in the rapidly evolving global gig economy.
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