Brazilian fintech Méliuz has become the nation’s first publicly-traded Bitcoin treasury company, following a shareholder vote that approved the strategic shift. Executive Chairman Israel Salmen announced the move on May 15 via X, calling it a “historic day.”
The company confirmed it acquired 274.52 Bitcoin for $28.4 million at an average price of $103,604 per BTC. This latest purchase brings Méliuz’s total holdings to 320.3 Bitcoin, valued at over $33 million.
“Rather than just allocating part of its cash to Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation or currency devaluation,” Méliuz said in a public statement, “the Company has repositioned its purpose to act by maximizing the amount of Bitcoin per share.” The firm plans to accumulate Bitcoin in an “accretive way” using various financial instruments to benefit shareholders.
Méliuz initially bought 45.73 Bitcoin on March 6. Since that announcement, its shares (CASH3.SA) have surged more than 117%, making it one of the top-performing stocks on the Brasil Bolsa Balcão, according to Google Finance.
While other Latin American companies such as MercadoLibre hold more Bitcoin — over 570 BTC worth $59.2 million — Méliuz is the first in the region to make Bitcoin investment a formal business strategy. Salmen emphasized that this strategic pivot distinguishes Méliuz as Latin America’s inaugural Bitcoin treasury firm.
With a market cap now exceeding 727.9 million Brazilian reais (approximately $128 million), Méliuz continues to expand its presence. Known for its cashback programs, the firm serves more than 30 million users across Brazil.
This bold step signals growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin in Latin America and positions Méliuz as a regional leader in crypto-aligned corporate strategy.
