In a landmark move for Latin America’s financial technology sector, Brazilian fintech company Méliuz has officially been approved by shareholders to transition into a Bitcoin (BTC) reserve company. On May 15, the company announced that its investors overwhelmingly supported a strategic proposal to accumulate Bitcoin as a core part of its treasury, marking Méliuz as Brazil’s first publicly traded firm to adopt a Bitcoin-first financial strategy.
This decision aligns with a growing global trend among forward-thinking corporations leveraging Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and hedge against inflation. Following shareholder approval, Méliuz revealed it had acquired an additional 274.52 BTC at an average price of $103,604 per coin—adding approximately $28.4 million worth of digital assets to its balance sheet.
A Strategic Shift Toward Bitcoin-Centric Finance
Israel Salmen, Executive Chairman of Méliuz, described the development as “a historic day” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that the company is no longer treating Bitcoin as a peripheral investment but as a central pillar of its corporate identity and growth strategy.
“We’re not just allocating a portion of our cash reserves to Bitcoin as protection against inflation or currency devaluation—we’re redefining our mission to maximize Bitcoin per share,” Salmen stated.
The company now holds a total of 320.3 BTC, valued at over $33 million based on current market rates. This latest purchase follows its initial acquisition of 45.73 BTC on March 6, signaling a consistent and deliberate approach to building a robust Bitcoin treasury.
Unlike traditional corporate treasury management, which often relies on low-yield bonds or fiat-based instruments vulnerable to monetary erosion, Méliuz is embracing a model increasingly seen in innovative public companies—using Bitcoin to preserve and potentially grow shareholder value over time.
👉 Discover how companies are transforming their financial strategies with digital assets.
Latin America’s First Public Bitcoin Reserve Firm
While other regional players like MercadoLibre hold larger amounts of Bitcoin—over 570 BTC according to BitcoinTreasuries.net—Méliuz distinguishes itself by formally integrating Bitcoin accumulation into its official business strategy. This makes it the first publicly listed company in Latin America to do so with full shareholder endorsement.
The move positions Méliuz at the forefront of financial innovation in emerging markets, where currency instability and high inflation have long challenged traditional savings mechanisms. By adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset, the company aims to insulate itself from local economic volatility while positioning its equity to benefit from potential long-term appreciation in BTC’s value.
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Stock Performance Soars After Bitcoin Announcement
Since announcing its first Bitcoin purchase on March 6, Méliuz (traded as CASH3.SA on Brasil Bolsa Balcão) has emerged as one of the best-performing stocks in Brazil. According to Google Finance data, its share price has surged more than 117% in the weeks following the news.
With a current market capitalization of BRL 727.9 million (approximately USD 128 million), the company has attracted significant attention from both retail and institutional investors seeking exposure to crypto-integrated equities.
Méliuz’s strong fundamentals also contribute to investor confidence. The fintech platform is known for its popular cashback rewards program, serving over 30 million users across Brazil. Its existing user base and proven revenue model provide a solid foundation for its new Bitcoin-forward vision.
How Méliuz Plans to Scale Its Bitcoin Holdings
In its official statement on May 15, Méliuz outlined that it will use a diversified set of financial tools to gradually increase its Bitcoin holdings in a way that adds value to shareholders. These may include:
- Allocating a percentage of quarterly profits toward BTC purchases
- Utilizing structured financial products tied to digital asset performance
- Exploring revenue-sharing models linked to Bitcoin appreciation
The company stressed that all acquisitions will be conducted transparently and reported regularly, ensuring compliance with Brazilian securities regulations.
This phased accumulation strategy mirrors approaches taken by U.S.-based firms like MicroStrategy and Tesla, though tailored to the unique macroeconomic conditions of Brazil and broader Latin America.
👉 Learn how modern treasuries are integrating Bitcoin for long-term value preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does it mean for Méliuz to become a Bitcoin reserve company?
A: It means that accumulating and holding Bitcoin is now an official part of Méliuz’s corporate treasury strategy. Instead of keeping cash in traditional low-yield accounts, the company actively converts portions of its reserves into BTC to protect against inflation and pursue long-term growth.
Q: How much Bitcoin does Méliuz currently own?
A: As of May 15, Méliuz holds 320.3 BTC, valued at over $33 million. This includes a recent purchase of 274.52 BTC and an earlier acquisition of 45.73 BTC in March.
Q: Why is this significant for Brazil and Latin America?
A: Méliuz is the first publicly traded company in Brazil—and the broader Latin American region—to formally adopt Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset with shareholder approval. This sets a precedent for other companies in high-inflation economies.
Q: Is Méliuz selling any services related to Bitcoin?
A: Not directly. While Méliuz is not launching a cryptocurrency exchange or wallet service, its adoption of Bitcoin on its balance sheet increases public familiarity with digital assets and may influence future fintech innovations in the region.
Q: Could other Brazilian companies follow suit?
A: Yes. Given Méliuz’s strong stock performance post-Bitcoin announcement, other firms—especially those exposed to currency risk—may consider similar moves. The success of this model could catalyze wider corporate adoption across emerging markets.
Q: How does holding Bitcoin benefit shareholders?
A: If Bitcoin appreciates over time, each share effectively represents ownership in more valuable assets. This can drive stock price growth, enhance investor confidence, and position the company as innovative and financially resilient.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Corporate Finance in Emerging Markets
Méliuz’s transformation into a Bitcoin reserve company reflects a broader shift in how businesses view money, value storage, and financial sovereignty. In countries like Brazil, where inflation has historically eroded savings and purchasing power, adopting hard assets like Bitcoin offers a compelling alternative.
While regulatory scrutiny and market volatility remain considerations, Méliuz’s transparent and incremental approach provides a roadmap for responsible corporate adoption.
As more companies explore digital asset integration, Méliuz stands out not only for its early mover advantage but also for aligning technological innovation with tangible shareholder value.
👉 See how global firms are reshaping their financial futures with Bitcoin.