CompoSecure Integrates Arculus with MoneyGram: Becomes First Hardware Wallet to Provide Global Cash In/Cash Out Through Stellar

Rhea-AI Summary

CompoSecure (Nasdaq: CMPO) has announced the integration of its Arculus Cold Storage Wallet with MoneyGram Access™, becoming the first hardware wallet to enable users to convert physical cash into USDC on the Stellar blockchain at MoneyGram locations. The integration allows cash withdrawals in local currency across MoneyGram's network of over 440,000 retail locations in more than 200 countries.

Additionally, CompoSecure received a grant from the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) to develop Soroban smart contracts for DeFi Pay on Stellar. This development will enable users to make payments using stablecoins from self-custody wallets at any point-of-sale terminal accepting Visa or Mastercard, bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional commerce.

Positive

• First hardware wallet to integrate with MoneyGram Access for global cash-to-USDC conversion
• Access to over 440,000 MoneyGram retail locations in 200+ countries
• Received Stellar Development Foundation grant for payment infrastructure development
• New capability to spend stablecoins at Visa/Mastercard point-of-sale terminals

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Technology Analyst

CompoSecure's MoneyGram integration creates a complete cash-to-digital-to-payment solution, potentially expanding Arculus adoption beyond traditional crypto markets.

CompoSecure's integration of Arculus with MoneyGram Access represents a significant strategic advancement, creating a seamless bridge between physical cash and digital assets across 440,000+ global locations in 200+ countries. As the first hardware wallet with global cash-in/cash-out capabilities through an established financial network, Arculus addresses a critical adoption barrier in digital assets.

The implementation uses USDC stablecoins on Stellar's blockchain, intelligently sidestepping the volatility concerns that typically limit cryptocurrency adoption for everyday financial activities. This approach targets the substantial unbanked population globally—a market segment that relies heavily on cash transactions while lacking traditional banking access.

The additional Stellar Development Foundation grant further enhances this ecosystem by enabling stablecoin payments over traditional card rails through Soroban smart contracts. This creates a comprehensive financial solution that maintains self-custody benefits while offering banking-like convenience—users can convert cash to digital assets and then spend them via familiar payment methods.

Strategically, this positions CompoSecure beyond merely securing digital assets to facilitating their practical use in daily financial activities. The integration leverages CompoSecure's security expertise while significantly expanding Arculus's utility beyond its core storage functionality, potentially opening new revenue channels beyond the company's traditional metal payment card business.

Blockchain/Cryptocurrency Expert

Arculus creates a practical crypto on/off ramp with real-world utility, bridging traditional finance and blockchain through established global infrastructure.

The Arculus-MoneyGram integration represents one of the most practical implementations of blockchain technology for everyday financial activities. By enabling cash-to-USDC conversion through MoneyGram's extensive retail network, Arculus solves the critical "on-ramp/off-ramp" problem that has cryptocurrency adoption among cash-dependent populations worldwide.

The selection of Stellar's blockchain is technically significant due to its high transaction throughput, low fees, and built-in exchange functionality that simplifies currency conversions. Stellar's architecture allows for tokenizing virtually any form of value, creating interoperability between traditional financial systems and digital assets.

What distinguishes this implementation is the complete ecosystem approach: from cash conversion to secure storage to eventual spending. The development of Soroban smart contracts to enable card payments directly from self-custody wallets eliminates a major friction point in cryptocurrency utility.

This approach creates an effective middle ground between traditional centralized finance and pure decentralized solutions. The security foundation of the Arculus hardware wallet addresses trust concerns common with software-only solutions, while the MoneyGram partnership provides the physical infrastructure necessary for cash handling. By maintaining user control of assets until the moment of purchase, this implementation preserves blockchain's self-sovereignty benefits while leveraging existing payment infrastructure that merchants already use—addressing both technical and practical barriers to cryptocurrency adoption for regular financial activities.

SOMERSET, N.J., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CompoSecure, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPO), a leader in metal payment cards, security, and authentication solutions, today announced the integration of its Arculus Cold Storage Wallet with MoneyGram Access™, which enables users to add and withdraw USDC in cash at participating MoneyGram locations.

Arculus is the first hardware wallet to integrate with MoneyGram Access, enabling consumers to seamlessly convert physical cash into Circle USD Coin (USDC) on the Stellar blockchain and securely manage their digital dollars in the self-custody Arculus Cold Storage Wallet. Additionally, Arculus announced a grant from the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF), a non-profit organization supporting the development and growth of the Stellar network, to enable payments over traditional payment card rails directly from self-custody crypto wallets via smart contracts.

“We are bringing efficient and alternative technologies to millions of unbanked individuals without ready access to traditional banking and providing them with security and flexibility,” said Adam Lowe, Chief Product and Innovation Officer at CompoSecure and Arculus. “This integration enables people to convert physical cash into digital dollars on the highly performant Stellar blockchain and store those digital dollars securely, giving them complete autonomy and control over their assets.”

Stellar’s architecture allows users to tokenize and trade virtually any form of value, including currencies from US dollars to euros, acting as a bridge between financial systems and enabling global interoperability. Users can visit a participating MoneyGram location, convert cash into USDC on Stellar, and store it on the Arculus Cold Storage Wallet. MoneyGram Access in the Arculus Wallet also seamlessly facilitates cash out withdrawals in local currency in the more than 200 countries and territories where MoneyGram operates with over 440,000 retail locations.

“At MoneyGram, our vision is to create a world where everyone can thrive without financial borders, creating a future of shared prosperity and opportunities,” said Jon Lira, Head of Partnerships & General Manager for MoneyGram Access. “With MoneyGram Access, we are breaking down barriers by making digital currencies more accessible to everyone—including the hundreds of millions globally who rely on cash. We’re thrilled to integrate with Arculus to expand access further.”

CompoSecure is further expanding stablecoin payments with a Stellar Development Foundation Grant, awarded to support the development of Soroban smart contracts necessary for DeFi Pay on Stellar that enable seamless payments over traditional payment card rails from self-custody wallets. This will allow people holding stablecoins on Stellar to pay at any point-of-sale terminal that accepts Visa or Mastercard.

“We are making digital finance accessible to everyone, and Arculus not only supports our mission but has the technology and security solution customers seek,” said Denelle Dixon, Chief Executive Officer at SDF.

Arculus is bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional commerce with a solution that allows stablecoin holders to directly spend their stablecoins with a simple card tap. This innovation ensures that users retain full control of their funds until the moment of purchase, reinforcing Arculus’ commitment to secure, user-friendly financial solutions.

“Arculus is making it possible to spend stablecoins with a simple tap just like any other payment card. This is the kind of utility that drives real-world adoption and demonstrates how everyday purchases can be made easy, accessible, and secure on Stellar,” added Dixon.

About CompoSecure

Founded in 2000, CompoSecure (Nasdaq: CMPO) is a technology partner to market leaders, fintechs and consumers enabling trust for millions of people around the globe. The company combines elegance, simplicity and security to deliver exceptional experiences and peace of mind in the physical and digital world. CompoSecure’s innovative payment card technology and metal cards with Arculus security and authentication capabilities deliver unique, premium branded experiences, enable people to access and use their financial and digital assets and ensure trust at the point of a transaction. For more information, please visit www.CompoSecure.com and www.GetArculus.com.

About MoneyGram

MoneyGram connects the world by making the movement of money across borders seamless, affordable and secure for everyone. Each year, the company serves more than 50 million people in over 200 countries and territories, processing over $200 billion USD annually. MoneyGram spans the globe with over 2,000 employees across 36 countries, representing more than 75 nationalities. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and known for its strong and high-performing corporate culture globally, MoneyGram has been named a recipient of the Top Workplaces USA award for three consecutive years.

About Stellar

The Stellar network is an open-source blockchain that connects global financial systems, enabling fast, low-cost cross-border transactions. Powered by the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), Stellar provides an efficient and secure platform for the creation, distribution, and exchange of digital assets, making global financial inclusion more accessible. Visit stellar.org for more information.

CompoSecure Contact Anthony Piniella
Head of Communications, CompoSecure (917) 208-7724
apiniella@composecure.com

FAQ

What is the new integration between CompoSecure's Arculus wallet and MoneyGram?

Arculus Cold Storage Wallet has integrated with MoneyGram Access to allow users to convert physical cash to USDC on the Stellar blockchain and withdraw cash at MoneyGram locations worldwide.

How many MoneyGram locations can CMPO customers access for USDC transactions?

CompoSecure (CMPO) customers can access over 440,000 MoneyGram retail locations across more than 200 countries and territories.

What is the purpose of the Stellar Development Foundation grant received by CMPO?

The grant will support the development of Soroban smart contracts for DeFi Pay, enabling stablecoin payments via traditional payment card rails from self-custody wallets.

How will CMPO's new stablecoin payment feature work at retail locations?

Users will be able to spend stablecoins stored in their Arculus wallet at any point-of-sale terminal that accepts Visa or Mastercard through a simple tap-to-pay function.