MoonPay Strengthens Infrastructure with Acquisition of Glide in All-Share Deal

MoonPay, one of the leading players in payment gateways for cryptographic assets, has announced the acquisition of Glide, a platform specializing in crypto deposits, through a transaction entirely structured in shares. This operation is part of an aggressive expansion strategy aimed at strengthening MoonPay’s position against competitors like Coinbase Pay or Ramp Network. Glide, headquartered in the United States, stands out for its integration with over 50 blockchains and its support for 150 fiat currencies, offering a key solution for users looking to convert traditional currencies into crypto. According to industry data, crypto payment solutions are recording 45% annual growth in volume, driven notably by the adoption of stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). What happened The acquisition of Glide by MoonPay was finalized on July 15, 2026, in the form of a 100% share exchange. This financial structure, without recourse to cash, suggests an estimated valuation of Glide at around $120 million, an amount consistent with similar transactions observed on the market in 2026. Glide manages a monthly crypto deposit volume of $850 million, with 34% growth over the past six months, according to internal data shared with CryptoBriefing. This transaction allows MoonPay to integrate 12 new blockchain networks, bringing its total support to 78 blockchains, including Solana, Base, and Polygon (POL). The platform now combines 3.2 million monthly active users, with a 28% increase in the conversion rate (fiat → crypto) since the integration of Glide. MoonPay has also confirmed that no layoffs are planned as part of this acquisition, and that Glide’s teams will be integrated into the product and compliance divisions. A 90-day transition period is planned for the migration of services. Why it matters This acquisition significantly strengthens MoonPay’s infrastructure, particularly in terms of blockchain interoperability and regulatory compliance. Glide brings expertise in foreign exchange risk management and KYC/AML compliance, while MoonPay contributes with its decentralized validation nodes to secure fiat → crypto deposits. For users, this merger could translate into lower fees, shorter processing times, and better liquidity. On the technical side, the integration of Glide allows MoonPay to cover a broader ecosystem, with strategic partnerships such as the one with the neobank Ualá, supported by a $20 million investment from Tether in July 2026. This collaboration could facilitate MoonPay’s expansion in Latin America, a region experiencing strong growth in crypto payments. Additionally, the acquisition could accelerate the consolidation of the payment gateway sector, with a risk of domination by two or three major players by 2027. DeFi projects and exchanges could benefit from reduced fees and better liquidity, while financial institutions could find in MoonPay a key partner to integrate digital assets, including CBDCs. Financially, the MOON token, associated with MoonPay, recorded an 8% increase in the 24 hours following the announcement, with trading volume multiplied by 3.5. Investors anticipate an increase in MoonPay’s market share, currently estimated at 18% of the global crypto payments market. Points to watch Q4 2026 Financial Results : Publication of MoonPay’s consolidated results post-acquisition, including Glide’s metrics. MiCA Compliance : Announcement of licenses obtained by MoonPay in Europe, expected by the end of 2026. Technical Integration : Monitoring for potential bugs or service disruptions during the migration of services. Regulatory Licenses : Obtaining additional licenses to operate in new jurisdictions, particularly in Europe. Competition : Reaction from players like Stripe or PayPal, which could accelerate their own crypto solutions.