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Checkout.com, a global digital payments provider, announced its acquisition of Blue EMI, a Lithuanian-regulated electronic money institution authorized to issue euro-backed stablecoins.
This move positions Checkout.com to integrate stablecoin issuance into its payment ecosystem, targeting institutional use cases across the European Union.
Concurrently, the company revealed plans for a new technology centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, to drive innovation and support EU-wide rollout.
The acquisition, which received all necessary regulatory approvals, aligns with Europe's advancing digital asset framework under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
Key Takeaways
- Checkout.com acquires Blue EMI for euro stablecoin issuance under MiCA, enabling regulated digital asset integration.
- New Vilnius tech hub boosts innovation, compliance, and high-skilled job creation in Lithuania's fintech ecosystem.
- Acquisition leverages Blue EMI's open banking and SEPA expertise for enhanced institutional payment solutions.
- Builds on Checkout.com's 2023 Fireblocks partnership and Libra involvement for advanced stablecoin settlements.
- Targets €300B+ processing volume growth by bridging traditional payments with blockchain infrastructure.
Acquisition Details
Blue EMI, licensed by the Bank of Lithuania, specializes in issuing euro stablecoins designed for secure, scalable transactions in institutional settings.
It also offers open banking services, embedded payment solutions, and card processing for e-commerce platforms and licensed crowdfunding operations.
Through this deal, Checkout.com gains direct access to Blue EMI's stablecoin expertise, talent pool, and Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) capabilities, enabling faster integration of blockchain-based payments.
Checkout.com has prior experience in the stablecoin sector. In 2023, it partnered with Fireblocks to create a 24/7 stablecoin settlement system for merchants.
The company was also an early member of the Libra project, Meta's global stablecoin initiative that faced regulatory hurdles.
With Blue EMI's license, Checkout.com can now operate as a regulated issuer, issuing stablecoins compliant with MiCA, which standardizes crypto-asset rules across the EU to enhance trust and innovation.
Blue EMI's CEO, Vytenis Morkūnas, described the acquisition as a pivotal step:
"This deal marks an exciting new chapter. Our mission has always been to bridge future financial infrastructure with today's trusted global systems. With Checkout.com’s global reach and market expertise, euro-backed stablecoins can become a scalable, trusted tool for enterprise merchants across Europe and beyond."
Technology Centre in Lithuania
The new Vilnius technology centre will focus on product development, compliance, and cross-border collaboration.
Lithuania's fintech ecosystem, bolstered by its regulatory environment and access to CENTROlink for SEPA payments, makes it an optimal location. The hub is expected to create high-skilled jobs in engineering, compliance, and fintech innovation, contributing to Lithuania's status as an EU fintech leader.
Lithuanian Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Edvinas Grikšas, highlighted the significance:
"Checkout.com’s decision to establish an innovation centre in Lithuania reflects the strength and depth of our fintech ecosystem. When a company trusted by the Financial Times, Sony, and some of the world’s largest digital platforms chooses Lithuania, it sends a clear message: this is where serious fintech happens."
Strategic Importance
For Checkout.com, founded by Guillaume Pousaz, this acquisition strengthens its competitive edge in digital payments.
The company processed over €300 billion in e-commerce volumes in 2025, marking 70% year-over-year growth. Its client base includes major enterprises like eBay, Uber, Pinterest, Financial Times, and Sony, which demand efficient, real-time payment solutions.
Pousaz emphasized Europe's role:
"Europe has set the global pace for the evolution of digital money, creating a framework that allows innovation to thrive with trust. Our acquisition of Blue EMI is a strategic investment in the European fintech ecosystem. This move, alongside the new Vilnius hub, ensures we continue to drive the high-skilled innovation required to keep our customers ahead in a rapidly evolving global digital economy."
The deal supports broader trends in programmable money for cross-border commerce and settlement, bridging traditional finance and digital assets.
Market Context
Euro stablecoins are gaining traction amid MiCA's implementation, which provides a clear regulatory path for issuers.
Regulated offerings like Circle's EURC and Societe Generale FORGE's EURCV have reached a combined market capitalization of $463 million, up 270% since early 2025.
This growth reflects increasing institutional adoption for efficient, low-volatility digital payments.
Checkout.com's entry as a licensed issuer positions it to capture market share in this expanding sector, where stablecoins facilitate 24/7 settlements and reduce cross-border friction.
Conclusion
Checkout.com's acquisition of Blue EMI and Vilnius tech hub establishment mark a tactical expansion into regulated stablecoins, taking advantage of MiCA for scalable EU payments.
This positions the company to lead in digital asset integration, driving efficiency for its enterprise clients amid growing market demand.
Read Next:
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- Aleo Launches USDCx: Privacy-First Stablecoin Powered by Circle's xReserve
FAQs:
1. What does the acquisition mean for Checkout.com's services?
It adds licensed euro stablecoin issuance, expanding regulated digital payments for institutional clients across Europe.
2. Why choose Lithuania for the tech hub?
Lithuania offers a supportive regulatory environment, fintech talent, and SEPA access via CENTROlink for efficient EU operations.
3. How does MiCA regulation impact this deal?
MiCA standardizes stablecoin rules, allowing Blue EMI's license to enable EU-wide circulation with enhanced trust and compliance.
4. What are euro-backed stablecoins used for?
They provide stable, scalable digital transactions for e-commerce, crowdfunding, and cross-border settlements without volatility.
5. Will this create jobs?
Yes, the Vilnius hub focuses on high-skilled roles in engineering, compliance, and innovation to support global digital economy needs.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice; no material herein should be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument, and readers should conduct their own independent research or consult a qualified professional.
