MoonPay has announced its acquisition of Meso Network, a startup specializing in the integration of traditional financial systems with blockchain technology. Unveiled on September 15, 2025, the acquisition aims to create a comprehensive network that seamlessly integrates fiat currencies, banking channels, and cryptocurrencies. By leveraging Meso’s expertise, MoonPay seeks to enhance its capabilities in cross-border transactions, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to established players like Circle and Visa in the evolving landscape of hybrid payments.
Established in 2019, MoonPay has built a reputation for its user-friendly interfaces that facilitate fiat-to-crypto transactions. The company has seen significant growth, now catering to over 30 million customers and partnering with nearly 500 enterprises, cementing its role within the Web3 infrastructure. As the cryptocurrency industry matures, the need for sophisticated, compliant payment solutions has become increasingly evident. This acquisition marks a significant transition for MoonPay, evolving from a simple gateway to a comprehensive global payments ecosystem.
Founded in 2022 by fintech veterans Ali Aghareza and Ben Mills, Meso Network specializes in developing self-custodial tools and APIs that bridge the gap between conventional finance and decentralized networks. The startup’s technology emphasizes developer-friendly integrations, enabling seamless transactions, real-time payments, and stablecoin operations—all while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Aghareza, who previously worked as a key engineer at Braintree, will now serve as MoonPay’s Chief Technology Officer, overseeing technical strategy and integration. Mills, with a background in product development at Venmo, will take on the role of Senior Vice President of Product, focusing on the enhancement of MoonPay’s global product offerings.
MoonPay’s CEO, Ivan Soto-Wright, stressed the necessity of a cohesive compliance structure, which includes various licenses and adherence to regulations such as the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, to ensure user trust and scalability. The acquisition of Meso follows a series of strategic acquisitions by MoonPay in 2025, including the purchase of Helio, a Solana-focused payment processor valued at $175 million, and Iron, which enhances backend functionalities for stablecoin and on-chain operations. Reports also indicate MoonPay’s upcoming acquisition of Decent.xyz, a tool for on-chain payments, further extending its capabilities.
These strategic moves equip MoonPay with essential components for a unified, borderless payments infrastructure. The broader implications of this acquisition are significant for the cryptocurrency sector, especially as regulatory scrutiny amplifies and traditional finance continues to intersect with digital assets. Companies like MoonPay are racing to provide hybrid solutions that alleviate friction for users and developers. Meso’s focus on self-custody and API-driven connectivity is expected to accelerate MoonPay’s developer platform, enabling smooth integration of crypto payments into applications, e-commerce sites, and financial services.
This could democratize access to global remittances, micropayments, and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, especially in underserved areas where traditional banking options are limited. While specific financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, industry experts regard this move as a strategic play. By amplifying its global presence, MoonPay aims not only to reinforce its competitive edge but also to contribute to the evolution of crypto payments as a credible alternative to legacy systems. Soto-Wright envisions that this integrated network could reshape global value exchanges, combining the rapidity of blockchain technology with the reliability of traditional fiat systems.
