2024: Reflecting on a Transformative Year
VALR in Review: 2024 Edition
This year has been monumental, both for the crypto industry and for VALR. Industry-wide milestones like the approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in the US and Bitcoin surpassing $100,000 have reminded us of the incredible progress being made.
At VALR, we’ve been just as focused - delivering innovative products, growing our community, and widening our reach globally. From introducing new features and listings to hosting events, launching The VALR Podcast, and doubling our user base (which now stands at over 1 million users globally), here’s a snapshot of how 2024 unfolded at VALR.
Delivering Innovative Products
This year, we introduced a range of new products and features designed to better serve you and enhance your experience with VALR.
In February, we reopened USD deposits via wire transfer, with funds automatically converted to USDC for greater flexibility and efficiency. By March, we launched a revamped website with a refreshed logo, updated colour palette, and modern font, creating a cleaner and more intuitive interface.
In April, we expanded our offerings with USDT (TRC20) deposits and withdrawals on the TRON network. We also introduced public aliases, giving every VALR account a unique, customisable alias. By May, we had further enhanced our platform by supporting USDT and USDC deposits and withdrawals on Solana, along with TRON staking, enabling users to earn rewards on their TRX holdings.
In July, we made it easier for users to deposit Euros by introducing EURC deposits. Customers can now deposit Euros directly into their VALR wallets via wire transfer or engage with VALR’s OTC Trading Desk to purchase EURC in bulk.
October marked the rollout of some of our most exciting updates. We launched a redesigned app home screen, improving navigation and usability. Additionally, we expanded network compatibility, enabling deposits and withdrawals of USDC and ETH via Arbitrum for faster, more cost-effective transactions.
In partnership with Geewiz, VALR users can now shop using cryptocurrency or South African rands (ZAR), making it easier to use crypto for everyday purchases.
To further empower our users, we introduced the ability to earn an hourly yield by lending crypto assets or South African rands (ZAR) in a safe and secure manner. And to close out the year, we are happy to announce that we have just launched Repeat Orders, a feature that allows users to automate cryptocurrency purchases at regular intervals, simplifying the process of building their holdings over time.
Expanding Trading Options
We’ve significantly grown our trading offerings, now supporting:
44 Spot pairs
114 coins through Simple Buy/Sell.
Our commitment to enhancing your trading experience didn’t stop there. We introduced key platform enhancements, such as post-only reprice orders and customisable toast notifications, giving you greater control and visibility over your trades, especially if you’re running bots or managing multiple orders.
For futures traders, we made managing exposure even easier with take-profit and stop-loss (TPSL) orders. These conditional orders allow you to set clear exit points, helping you manage risk and execute your trading strategies with precision.
Reaching New Heights
The highlight of 2024? Surpassing 1 million users, with over half a million joining this year alone. This incredible growth is a testament to the trust and support of our community.
In April, we achieved a significant regulatory milestone, receiving Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) licenses (Category I and II) from South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). In September, we joined the Circle Alliance Program, collaborating with global leaders to shape the future of money.
Connecting with the Global Community
This year was about more than just features; it was about connecting with the crypto community worldwide.
We started the year by sponsoring the Adopting Bitcoin Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, in January. By March, we expanded our reach to Asia, partnering with WOW Summit in Hong Kong.
In June, our European tour brought us to ETH Prague, Money20/20 Amsterdam, and Proof of Talk Paris, where we served as Gold Sponsor. The tour concluded in London at The Digital Commonwealth, where our CEO, Farzam Ehsani, delivered a powerful keynote speech.
In September, we solidified our presence in Asia as Platinum Sponsors at Token2049 Singapore, one of the largest crypto events in the world. In November, we partnered with WOW Summit Bangkok, where our CMO delivered an impactful speech titled “Reconnecting Crypto with Purpose.”
In December, we travelled to Taiwan for Taipei Blockchain Week, where we hosted a VIP meet-up, as well a a community meet-up in collaboration with BlockTempo, and took part in numerous side events. Now, we’re bringing it back home to South Africa by partnering with Secrets of Summer in Cape Town, celebrating the close of an incredible year with our SA community.
Launching the VALR Podcast
A highlight in 2024 was the launch of The VALR Podcast, hosted by Farzam Ehsani. We recorded over 11 episodes, and sat down with some of the brightest minds in crypto, including Arthur Hayes, Saifedean Ammous, and Anthony Scaramucci, to explore a variety of topics on crypto, finance, and money.
Showcasing VALR Across Johannesburg
To complement our growing global presence, we made a local impact with VALR billboards across Johannesburg. These billboards highlighted our platform and inspired more South Africans to start their journey with VALR.
Making Crypto Fun and Rewarding
Staying true to our philosophy of shared value, VALR gave away over $440,000 in crypto rewards through 29 competitions and promotions this year, rewarding both new and long-time active users in our community. And this is just the beginning - we plan to give away much more in 2025.
From The VALR Grand Slam and VALR’s Global Treasure Hunt in July to the launch of VALR’s Futures Trade Arena in November, there was something for everyone. Seasonal campaigns like Solana Summer and Avalanche December added to the fun, offering traders unique ways to explore our platform and earn rewards.
The Crypto Industry’s Pivotal Year
And it wasn’t just VALR making headlines – 2024 was a transformative year for the industry:
January: Approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in the US brought new opportunities for institutional investors.
March: Bitcoin surpassed its 2021 all-time high, demonstrating its resilience and global appeal.
April: The 4th Bitcoin halving reduced block rewards to 3.25 BTC, setting the stage for future growth.
December: Bitcoin hit the historic milestone of $100,000, closing an extraordinary year for the crypto market.
Looking Ahead
While 2024 has been a remarkable year, we know there’s still plenty of work to do – both at VALR and across the crypto industry. Our focus remains on delivering value, building trust, and creating tools that serve our users better every day.
Here’s to another year of building, growing, and learning. We’re grateful for your trust and support as we continue to build a financial system that unites rather than divides. Thank you for being part of the VALR journey. 2025 has plenty in store for us all.
Risk Disclosure
Trading or investing in crypto assets is risky and may result in the loss of capital as the value may fluctuate.
VALR (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (FSP #53308).
Futures trading is provided by VALR DAM Pty Ltd as a Juristic Representative of CAEP Asset Managers Pty Ltd (FSP number: 33933) an authorised financial services provider.
