Brazil’s Méliuz Becomes Largest Corporate Bitcoin Holder in Latin America After $28.6M Bet

Brazilian fintech company Méliuz has officially become the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin in Latin America after investing $28.6 million in the cryptocurrency. The company, once known for offering cashback and digital coupons, has pivoted sharply into the crypto world—positioning itself at the forefront of a broader trend among global firms seeking to hedge or grow through digital assets.

The Bitcoin acquisition, which Méliuz confirmed via social media and press materials, amounted to nearly 600 BTC purchased at an average price of $103,864 per coin. That investment has already appreciated in value, with Méliuz boasting a return of 44% to shareholders in just over a month. The company now ranks as the 36th-largest corporate Bitcoin holder worldwide.

“There is no public company in Latin America with more Bitcoin than Méliuz,” the firm declared in a recent post, even noting it outpaced MicroStrategy’s daily purchases at the time.

Méliuz’s strategic pivot is part of a wider global movement. Corporate Bitcoin adoption has grown rapidly, especially after high-profile U.S. companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla made headline-grabbing purchases in recent years. However, the bulk of corporate BTC holdings remains concentrated among U.S.-based firms, making Méliuz’s entry notable for both its size and its regional implications.

Yet the excitement isn’t without its skeptics. Industry analysts and economists have voiced concern over the risks associated with such aggressive crypto exposure, especially given Bitcoin’s notorious volatility. While a rising BTC price can supercharge returns, a downturn could quickly erode corporate reserves.

This growing trend has sparked debate: can the crypto market sustainably absorb a wave of corporate adopters? And how many companies can withstand the turbulence that often defines crypto cycles?

These concerns gained further weight after investor and entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano announced a $1 billion merger to launch a “Bitcoin-native financial services” firm. The announcement created initial buzz, but was quickly followed by a 24% drop in the firm’s stock price—fueling speculation that the market may be edging into bubble territory.

For now, Méliuz is betting big that Bitcoin will continue its upward trajectory. With new shares issued to fund its crypto war chest, the company is clearly doubling down. But the road ahead will test whether such strategies can endure not just the hype, but also the pressure of macroeconomic headwinds and regulatory scrutiny.