On October 7, 2025, Rezolve AI (NASDAQ: RZLV) announced its acquisition of Smartpay, a strategic move that instantly provides a proven, operational foundation for its global digital asset payment initiative. This acquisition is poised to significantly accelerate the integration of cryptocurrencies like USDT, Bitcoin, and Ethereum into mainstream retail, bridging the gap between blockchain and everyday commerce.
A Strategic Leap into Digital Asset Payments
The acquisition of Smartpay brings Rezolve much more than just technology; it delivers immediate scale and a tested framework for real-world crypto payments. Smartpay is not a theoretical project but a fully operational platform that has processed over 19 million commercial transactions in the past twelve months, representing a staggering aggregate value of more than $1 billion. This existing volume provides immediate liquidity and a solid track record that can lower barriers for merchant adoption.
Furthermore, the deal tightens Rezolve’s strategic alliance with Tether and provides instant access to high-growth markets. Smartpay’s live payment infrastructure is already active across Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Angola, giving Rezolve a practical launchpad for its global rollout. The founder of Smartpay, Rocelo Lopes, a recognized leader in Latin America’s digital asset space, will now lead Rezolve’s Digital Currency Initiative, bringing his expertise and longstanding relationship with Tether to the company’s core strategy.
The Merchant and Consumer Promise
At the heart of this initiative is a compelling value proposition for both merchants and consumers. Rezolve is developing a merchant-fee-free, blockchain-based payment network. This means businesses can accept digital asset payments without incurring the traditional processing fees, a potential game-changer for their bottom lines.
For consumers, it means the freedom to pay directly with digital assets like USDT, BTC, and ETH. A critical feature for mainstream adoption is that merchants will not be exposed to crypto volatility; they receive instant settlement in their local fiat currency through Rezolve’s proprietary Brain Checkout technology. As Rezolve AI CEO Daniel M. Wagner stated, this combination “bridges the gap between blockchain and everyday commerce”.
Paving the Way for Autonomous Commerce
Looking ahead, this acquisition is a foundational step toward a more ambitious future. By integrating Smartpay’s digital asset infrastructure, Rezolve is accelerating its roadmap toward “Agentic Commerce”. This emerging frontier involves AI agents acting autonomously on behalf of consumers and businesses. Rezolve envisions a platform where these AI agents can not only search for and compare products but also negotiate and complete transactions instantly using digital assets, marking a significant evolution in how commerce is conducted.
In summary, the acquisition of Smartpay equips Rezolve with the live rails, volume, and market presence to make digital asset payments a practical reality for global retail. The next step is the technical integration of Smartpay into the Rezolve AI platform, a process that product, treasury, and compliance teams will be watching closely as it unfolds across chosen markets.
