Crypto on-ramp hits Opera browser following Simplex integration

Users of the Opera web browser will now be able to purchase cryptocurrencies directly within the application following a partnership with Simplex. Founded in 2014, Simplex is a European Union-licensed fintech company that provides access to over 50 cryptocurrencies and is a principal member of the Visa network.

The Opera browser was one of the first to integrate cryptocurrency use into its core functions, supplying in-built wallets for Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Tron's Tronix (TRX). Now, users will be able to move from fiat to crypto with the same ease.

Simplex’s technological infrastructure is used by numerous well-known cryptocurrency exchanges, such as Binance, Kucoin, OKEx and others. The firm has partnered with over 350 crypto institutions since its launch, supplying access to cryptocurrencies via debit and credit card purchases.

The Opera browser’s focus on privacy sees it come with a free built-in VPN, and in 2020, it became the first browser to allow access to the decentralized web “.crypto” URLs, in combination with Unstoppable Domains.

A Simplex representative told Cointelegraph the integration was in response to user demand, and that in-browser Know Your Customer checks can be completed in minutes. 

Opera is currently the fifth-most-used browser in the world, taking up around 2.5% of the market share, behind Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.