Web browser Opera has launched its crypto wallet top-up service in the United Kingdom, and announced plans to acquire Fjord Bank. 

Making crypto purchases convenient 

The Opera crypto top-up service has been available in the United States and selected European countries since earlier this year, but now UK users will also be able to purchase cryptocurrency directly via bank accounts or digital banking app Revolut. 

To offer the service in the UK, Opera has partnered with cryptocurrency processor Ramp, and implemented European Open Banking APIs. Initially UK customers will be able to purchase Ether (ETH), but more cryptocurrencies are set to be added shortly. 

Opera’s crypto wallet, which was launched in 2018, now supports several cryptos including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), along with a wide range of ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens – covering most of the top 100 most popular digital assets. The company says it’s wallet now has over 170K active monthly users.  

Norway-based Opera has been very enthusiastic about blockchain and decentralisation, and through a partnership with Tim Draper-backed blockchain domain operator Unstoppable Domains, was the first browser to enable users to access decentralised web pages. 

Opera’s European fintech ambitions

Earlier this month Opera announced plans to launch its first consumer fintech offering for a European market, through the acquisition of Fjord Bank. The company says the move will allow it to further accelerate its fintech operations in Europe by launching new, disruptive services designed to improve consumers’ personal finances. 

Discussing the acquisition EVP Opera, Krystian Kolondra, said:

“Opera has been making innovative browsers and apps for 25 years. Our browsers are the personal choice of millions of people who prefer them over those that come preinstalled on their devices.

“Looking at the fintech space in Europe, we believe it needs more and bigger challengers who should provide people with smarter and empowering solutions for their personal finances.”

Opera’s move into the European fintech scene commenced with its acquisition of Estonian fintech company PocoSys in January 2020. This enabled Opera to build on Pocopay’s unique digital wallet and payment technology, with the company now testing a new version of the Pocopay card and app ahead of launch.

 AYO.NEWS says:

Opera is one of those companies that has been quietly building an extremely loyal following through continuous innovation and quality products for a long time. 

Even so, it remains something of an enigma to most people, seemingly “flying under the radar.” But, with its move into blockchain, crypto and consumer fintech, we’ve got a feeling things are about to change.

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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