At EthCC Cannes, where blockchain innovation converges with real-world financial solutions, MiniPay and Noah have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership that redefines how people use stablecoins in everyday life. This collaboration introduces the first fully non-custodial stablecoin payment experience that seamlessly bridges global banking systems with local payment networks—bringing true financial inclusion within reach for millions.
Stablecoins have become a cornerstone of the digital economy, with over $150 billion in circulation as of 2024 (The Block, 2024). Yet, despite their potential, most users still face fragmented, complex, and costly experiences when trying to use them beyond trading or speculation. MiniPay and Noah are changing that by enabling users to receive international payments and spend locally—without intermediaries, custodians, or multiple apps.
👉 Discover how stablecoins are going mainstream with seamless cross-border payments.
Virtual USD & EUR Accounts for Borderless Earnings
Powered by Noah’s global payments infrastructure, MiniPay will soon allow users to create virtual USD and EUR accounts—a game-changer for freelancers, remote workers, and families managing cross-border finances.
Users can now receive salary payments, client transfers, or remittances via traditional banking rails like ACH (U.S.) and SEPA (Europe) directly into their MiniPay wallet. Upon receipt, funds are automatically converted into USDT, USDC, or cUSD, giving users full control over their digital assets in a non-custodial environment.
This feature is particularly transformative for professionals across Africa and Latin America, where access to foreign bank accounts is often limited or cost-prohibitive. Traditional platforms charge high fees—sometimes up to 15% when factoring in FX and service charges—making international earnings less valuable. With MiniPay and Noah, those barriers disappear.
“We’re proud to showcase what real stablecoin adoption looks like during EthCC,” said Murray Spark, Head of Ecosystem & Commercial at MiniPay. “By combining global rails like ACH with local payment methods like M-Pesa, all within MiniPay’s simple, non-custodial wallet, we’re unlocking stablecoin utility for everyday users.”
For the first time, individuals can receive USD or EUR through established banking channels and instantly use those funds as stablecoins—without needing an exchange, third-party custodian, or technical know-how.
Local Payments Made Native: Spend Stablecoins Like Cash
One of the biggest hurdles in crypto adoption has been usability. Holding digital assets is one thing; spending them easily in daily life is another. MiniPay and Noah solve this with native integration of local payment methods such as:
- Pix in Brazil (used by over 75% of adults)
- M-Pesa in Kenya (reaching more than 90% of the population)
- Local bank transfers in Nigeria and other emerging markets
Instead of withdrawing stablecoins to fiat and navigating multiple platforms, users can now make direct payments from their MiniPay balance using trusted local rails—all within a single app.
Imagine topping up mobile airtime in Nairobi or buying açaí on Copacabana Beach—all powered by stablecoins held in a non-custodial wallet. This level of integration transforms MiniPay from a digital wallet into a full-fledged financial operating system for the global user.
Shah Ramezani, CEO & Founder of Noah, emphasized the significance:
“This is a category-defining moment. Together with MiniPay, we’re offering users global earnings with local access—no intermediaries, no delays, no friction.”
👉 See how next-gen wallets are making crypto spending effortless.
Why This Partnership Matters: Real-World Financial Inclusion
While much of the crypto ecosystem focuses on institutional use cases or speculative trading, this partnership targets real human needs: remittances, gig economy payouts, and affordable cross-border commerce.
Globally, average remittance fees stand at 6.6% (World Bank), eating into hard-earned income for migrant workers and families in developing economies. Freelancers often lose even more—between 10% and 15%—to platform fees and unfavorable exchange rates.
MiniPay and Noah offer a compelling alternative:
- Receive payments in USD/EUR via ACH/SEPA
- Instantly convert to stablecoins
- Spend locally via Pix, M-Pesa, or bank transfer
- All within a secure, non-custodial environment
With support expanding to over 70 destinations, the platform empowers users not just to hold digital assets but to use them meaningfully—anywhere in the world.
Core Features Driving Adoption
Non-Custodial by Design
Users retain full ownership of their private keys and funds at all times. There’s no need to trust a third party—security and control remain in the user’s hands.
Zero Gas Fees & Phone-Number Login
Built on the Celo blockchain, MiniPay eliminates gas fee complexity and allows account creation using just a phone number—making it accessible even on low-end smartphones and slow internet connections.
Multi-Currency Support
Supports major stablecoins including cUSD, USDC, and USDT, with automatic conversion between currencies based on incoming payments.
Embedded FX & Treasury Management
Noah’s backend provides seamless foreign exchange and treasury services, allowing partners to manage multi-currency flows efficiently and compliantly across regions.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What does "non-custodial" mean in this context?
A: It means you own your private keys and have full control over your funds. Neither MiniPay nor Noah holds or manages your money—you do.
Q: Can I use this if I'm not tech-savvy?
A: Absolutely. The app is designed for simplicity: no seed phrases to memorize, no gas fees to manage. Just link your phone number and start sending or spending stablecoins instantly.
Q: Where is this service available?
A: Currently available in over 50 countries, with plans to expand to more than 70 through local payment integrations like Pix and M-Pesa.
Q: How are remittance costs lower compared to traditional services?
A: By bypassing traditional banking intermediaries and leveraging blockchain efficiency, transaction costs are reduced to near-zero—especially for cross-border settlements.
Q: Do I need a bank account to receive money?
A: No. You can receive international payments via ACH/SEPA into your virtual USD/EUR account and use them as stablecoins—even without a physical bank account.
Q: Is this compliant with financial regulations?
A: Yes. Noah is fully compliant in over 70 countries and enables regulated payment flows across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
The Road Ahead: A New Standard in Digital Finance
MiniPay has already achieved impressive traction since its 2023 launch:
- Over 8 million wallets activated
- More than 200 million transactions processed
- Available in 50+ countries
- Used for airtime purchases, bill payments, subscriptions, remittances, and micro-earnings
Noah complements this reach with a powerful API that connects fiat and crypto ecosystems across emerging markets. Their combined strength sets a new benchmark for accessible, affordable, and interoperable digital finance.
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowering people. From remote freelancers earning in USD to families relying on remittances, MiniPay and Noah are delivering practical tools that make financial freedom a reality.
👉 Explore how you can start using borderless payments today.
Final Thoughts
The future of money isn’t just digital—it’s inclusive, instant, and user-centric. With the MiniPay and Noah partnership, stablecoins finally step out of exchanges and into real-world wallets where they belong.
By merging global earning capabilities with local spending power—all in a non-custodial, intuitive interface—this collaboration delivers what many have promised but few have achieved: true stablecoin utility for everyday life.
As adoption grows across Africa, Latin America, and beyond, one thing is clear: the era of frictionless cross-border finance has arrived.