In a groundbreaking move, Brazilian fintech company Méliuz announced on March 6, 2025, that it has allocated 10% of its cash reserves into Bitcoin, making it the first publicly traded firm in Brazil to adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy. This innovative step marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investments amongst corporate entities.
The company invested $4.1 million to acquire 45.72 bitcoins at an average price of $90,926 per coin. According to the new policy approved by its board of directors, this acquisition represents roughly 10% of Méliuz’s total cash holdings.
In their official statements, Méliuz emphasized that this Bitcoin allocation is aimed at seeking long-term returns on investment as part of its treasury management strategy. To further delve into the possibilities of this venture, the company has established a Bitcoin Strategic Committee tasked with exploring the expansion of its strategy and the possibility of making Bitcoin a primary treasury asset.
Méliuz’s Chairman, Israel Salmen, commented that the transition to Bitcoin provides an “intelligent alternative” to traditional cash reserves. His remarks underline a growing confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value in uncertain economic times.
This acquisition positions Méliuz in line with trends observed in the U.S., where companies like MicroStrategy have made substantial investments in Bitcoin, holding over 500,000 bitcoins valued at more than $46 billion. Such strategies highlight a shift in how corporations perceive cryptocurrency, moving towards viewing it as a legitimate asset class.
- Méliuz provides cashback and financial services to over 30 million users across Brazil.
- The company is encountering challenges as its stock price has dropped from peaks near $6 billion in 2021 to approximately $270 million currently.
- Salmen noted that the minimal trading volume of Méliuz shares has rendered them seemingly “irrelevant” on public markets, while he hopes that the innovative move into Bitcoin will attract renewed investor interest.
As Brazil’s Bitcoin and crypto sector has rapidly grown, with over $200 billion traded last year, Méliuz’s bold decision aims to position the company for higher long-term returns, potentially exceeding the country’s benchmark interest rate of 13.75%.
In conclusion, this pioneering strategy adopted by Méliuz could redefine how Brazilian companies approach treasury management and investment, setting a precedent that may encourage other firms to follow suit.
