VALR, Africa's highest-volume cryptocurrency exchange, is rapidly expanding globally with a strategic focus on Asia. Backed by investors like Pantera Capital and Coinbase Ventures, VALR serves over 750,000 users worldwide. As the platinum sponsor of Singapore's Token2049 conference, VALR is poised to make a significant impact. In this exclusive interview, VALR Co-founder & CEO Farzam Ehsani shares his journey, VALR's success story, and the company's global vision.
Farzam's Background and VALR's Mission
Q1: Farzam, could you walk us through your career path and what inspired you to launch VALR?
Growing up in Kenya, I was raised with a global citizen mindset. After studying economics in California, I began my career at Deloitte Consulting before joining McKinsey & Company in South Africa. My curiosity about improving financial systems led me to Africa's largest investment bank, where I discovered Bitcoin in 2016.
When traditional banks hesitated to embrace blockchain, I co-founded VALR in 2018 - named for the courage to uphold our values in this emerging industry.
Q2: VALR positions itself as a values-driven exchange. What does this mean in practice?
Unlike companies prioritizing profits above all, we make business decisions aligned with core principles: integrity, fairness, and trust. In crypto, these values aren't optional - they're existential.
👉 Discover how VALR builds trust through transparency
We've proven that upholding ethics often leads to greater long-term success than chasing short-term gains. Many who compromised their values no longer exist today.
VALR's Growth Strategy
Q3: What key factors drove VALR to become Africa's top crypto exchange?
Our success stems from delivering exceptional products at competitive prices. We engineered one of the world's best trading APIs and prioritize security across all systems.
Being first to implement negative maker fees rewarded liquidity providers - a value-sharing approach we've maintained through rebates, competitions, and referral programs. In South Africa specifically, our combination of asset diversity, competitive pricing, and sleek interface captured the market.
Q4: What challenges do you anticipate in Asia, and how will VALR adapt?
We approach new markets with humility, recognizing Asia's distinct dynamics. Our strategy includes:
- Hiring local talent across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia
- Learning from established players like Binance and OKX
- Tailoring products to regional preferences
Early positive reception suggests our values resonate with Asian traders seeking trustworthy platforms.
African-Asian Market Synergies
Q5: For Asian audiences unfamiliar with Africa, what opportunities exist in crypto adoption across the continent?
Africa's 50+ currencies create trade barriers that crypto can solve. Key advantages:
- Rapid population growth (20% of global population)
- Abundant natural resources
- South Africa's advanced economy (home to Elon Musk!)
VALR bridges continents by enabling efficient financial systems where traditional infrastructures struggle.
Q6: How will VALR differentiate itself in Asia's competitive landscape?
Our multifaceted approach combines:
👉 Explore VALR's award-winning trading platform
- Product Depth: Spot, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services
- Regulatory Leadership: FSCA-licensed in South Africa with approvals in Poland and Dubai
Engagement Programs:
- Grand Slam trading competitions ($5M USDT monthly prizes)
- Global Treasure Hunt rewards
- Solana Summer giveaways (100 SOL pool)
We're also hosting meetups across Asia, finding mutual interest between African innovation and Asian crypto communities.
Global Expansion and Industry Vision
Q7: How does VALR approach talent acquisition and compliance in new markets?
We prioritize:
- Global recruitment (careers.valr.com)
- Proactive regulatory adherence
- Localized compliance teams
Our 6.5-year operational history in South Africa demonstrates this commitment.
Q8: What role will VALR play in crypto's global future?
From Africa's liquidity leader, we're scaling toward becoming a top global exchange by:
- Expanding asset offerings
- Enhancing infrastructure
- Maintaining trust in an industry recovering from scandals
Q9: As Token2049's platinum sponsor, what can attendees expect from VALR?
Join us for:
- Keynote insights from Farzam
- Networking at the VALR Lounge
- A September 18 side event with First Digital
- Preview of VALR's 2025 Cape Town plans
VALR FAQs
Q: Is VALR available to Asian traders?
A: Yes! VALR welcomes traders globally with localized support teams.
Q: What makes VALR more secure than other exchanges?
A: Our FSCA licensing, bank-grade security protocols, and 6.5-year clean track record set us apart.
Q: How does VALR's pricing compare to Asian exchanges?
A: We offer competitive maker-taker fees, with rebates for high-volume traders.
Q: Can I trade SOL on VALR?
A: Absolutely - participate in our Solana Summer campaign for daily SOL giveaways.
Q: Where is VALR headquartered?
A: While rooted in South Africa, we operate as a global team across multiple continents.
Q: Does VALR have a mobile app?
A: Yes, featuring intuitive design and full API functionality for active traders.