VALR, South Africa's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining two crucial licenses from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). As emphasized in the official statement, this development marks a pivotal moment for the integration of cryptocurrency into the traditional financial landscape in the country.
VALR Secures Over-the-Counter Derivatives Provider License
The newly acquired Over-the-Counter Derivatives Provider (ODP) license allows VALR to offer a variety of over-the-counter derivatives, including Contracts for Difference (CFDs) linked to crypto assets, currencies, commodities, shares, and indices. This positions VALR as one of the first entities in South Africa to provide such services for crypto assets, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
Expansion with Financial Services Provider License
In addition to the ODP license, VALR has also secured a Financial Services Provider (FSP) license, enabling the exchange to broaden its product offerings to include traditional financial instruments such as:
- deposits
- shares
- bonds
- securities
This expansion reflects VALR's commitment to bridging the gap between digital and traditional finance.
CEO's Vision for the Future
Farzam Ehsani, Co-Founder and CEO of VALR, emphasized that the ODP license is a crucial step towards integrating crypto assets with established financial instruments. He noted that this advancement not only enhances the regulatory framework for digital assets in South Africa but also promotes greater financial inclusion and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
In a significant development for institutional finance, UCBI Treasury Fund has launched a decentralized treasury system on the Ethereum blockchain, enhancing liquidity and transparency. This initiative contrasts with VALR's recent licensing achievements in the cryptocurrency space. For more details, see read more.