Mercado Libre Debuts MELI Dollar Stablecoin for Brazil Users

Kelvin Munene Murithi
August 22, 2024
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Mercado Libre Debuts MELI Dollar Stablecoin for Brazil Users

Highlights

  • Mercado Pago's MELI Dollar offers fee-free transactions in Brazil, pegged to the US dollar for stable financial management.
  • Ripio ensures MELI Dollar's stability in Brazil, expanding Mercado Libre's crypto services in Latin America.
  • The stablecoin market grew by $2.21B in a week, with Tether dominating 69.4% of the $168.42B market.

Mercado Pago, the digital banking subsidiary of Mercado Libre, has introduced a new stablecoin called MELI Dollar in Brazil. This is a U.S dollar stablecoin that offers its users a stable and reliable financial instrument even in the face of economic volatility.

Mercado Pago Debuts MELI Dollar Stablecoin

Mercado Pago has recently launched MELI Dollar, a stablecoin in the Brazilian market that is directly linked to the US Dollar. This helps users have a stable currency when the economy fluctuates.

The company stated that through the Mercado Pago application, users in Brazil can purchase and sell the Meli Dollar without any transaction costs by using their balances in Brazilian reais. This stablecoin is to offer a solution in the handling of finances especially in a region that is exposed to currency volatility.

Through Ripio, the biggest cryptocurrency platform in Latin America, MercadoPago ensures the stability of the Meli Dollar. Ripio acts as the market maker for the transactions that take place through the Mercado Pago application, thus guaranteeing the smooth and secure completion of the transactions for the clients. The stablecoin is issued by Meli Uruguay SRL, a subsidiary of Mercado Libre, which means that constant value of the coin and its link to US dollar are guaranteed.

Mercado Libre’s Continued Crypto Innovations

Mercado Libre has slowly expanded its activities within the cryptocurrency market over the past few years. Some of the company’s other initiatives include launching Mercado Coin in 2022, a cryptocurrency used to make purchases and earn cash back on the Mercado Libre platform.

Additionally, Mercado Libre integrated Paxos’ blockchain technology into Mercado Pago, allowing users in Brazil to trade BTC, ETH, and the Paxos stablecoin USDP.

As per André Chaves, Senior Vice President of Mercado Pago, the company’s mission is to expand the access to the cryptosphere and promote innovation in the financial industry. This is part of Mercado Libre’s plan to offer its users more financial services in the region, making it easier for them to handle their money safely.

Stablecoin Market Growth

The introduction of the Meli Dollar is timely as the stablecoin market is continuously on the rise. Within one week from August 9 to August 20, the stablecoin market cap grew by $2.21 billion, mainly due to Tether, which increased its supply by $1.26 billion. As of now, the market capitalization of stablecoins is $168.42 billion, with Tether dominating 69.4% of the market.

Apart from the Latin America, the Tether has also unveiled plans to add a new stablecoin that will be linked to the UAE Dirham (AED). This is in line with Tether’s expansion plans to expand its operations across the world, particularly in the Middle East region.

The new stablecoin will be fully backed by liquid UAE-based reserves, which will help maintain its stability and gain the trust of users in the region.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.