VALR Blog
USDC vs. USDT: How Do the Two Leading Stablecoins Compare?
Explore the key differences between USDC and USDT, the top two stablecoins by market capitalization
What Are Wrapped Tokens and How Do They Work?
Wrapped tokens enable cross-chain interoperability by letting assets like Bitcoin and Ether move to other blockchains. By tokenising assets 1:1, they unlock DeFi access, boost liquidity, and enable faster, cheaper transactions. This guide covers how wrapped tokens work, their benefits, risks, and how to use them securely in decentralised finance.
How Private Keys and Seed Phrases Work to Keep Your Crypto Safe
With $2.17 billion in crypto stolen in early 2025, securing your digital assets is more important than ever. This guide explains the difference between private keys and seed phrases, why they’re vital to wallet security, and how to protect them from theft or loss. Learn essential best practices for safe storage and discover how VALR’s secure, regulated exchange keeps your crypto protected.
The State of GameFi: From Hype to Utility
GameFi is rebounding from a major crash—down 17% in active users and with 93% of projects dead—by shifting from Play-to-Earn to Play-to-Own. This new model focuses on real asset ownership, engaging gameplay, AI innovation, and community governance, setting the stage for a more sustainable Web3 gaming future.
The Basics of Crypto Taxes: What You Need to Know Worldwide
Earned, traded, or staked crypto? Your gains may be taxable. This guide explains key crypto tax rules, what triggers taxable events, and how countries like the US, UK, and Germany regulate digital assets. Learn how to stay compliant, avoid penalties, and manage your crypto taxes with confidence.
How to Choose a Crypto Wallet: Hot and Cold Wallets Explained
Over 560 million people own crypto, but most still use less secure hot wallets or exchanges. This guide explains the key differences between hot and cold wallets, helping you choose the best way to protect your assets. Start secure crypto storage with VALR today.
The Next Chapter for NFTs: From Digital Art to Real-World Utility
NFTs have evolved from digital art collectibles into powerful tools for real-world utility. From gaming and ticketing to digital identity and asset tokenization, explore how NFTs are reshaping ownership and unlocking real-world applications.
Layer 1 vs Layer 2: What's the Difference in Blockchain Architecture?
Blockchain ecosystems are evolving into layered structures, with Layer 1 networks providing security and decentralization, and Layer 2 solutions enhancing speed and scalability. Understanding how they work is key to the future of crypto adoption.
A South African's Guide to Using Crypto as an Inflation Hedge
As inflation erodes the value of currencies like the rand and dollar, more people are turning to crypto to protect their wealth. This article explains inflation, how Bitcoin can help, key strategies for South Africans; like buying, earning yield, and staking and how to get started safely on VALR, a leading crypto exchange in South Africa.
What's Driving the Gold Rally?
Gold prices surged to over $3,700 per ounce in September 2025, driven by market uncertainty, inflation, a weakening US dollar, and central bank buying. With a 39.63% YTD return, gold outperformed 2023 and 2024 combined.
A Deep Dive into the Solana Ecosystem: What's New?
Discover the latest developments in the Solana ecosystem, from memecoin resurgence and record DeFi growth to rising institutional investment and leadership in tokenised stocks.
AI & Crypto: Opportunities and Challenges
In this article, we explore the key ways AI and crypto are coming together, from autonomous trading bots to the rise of decentralised AI agents, and how you can gain exposure to the convergence of the two technologies.
What Is World Liberty Financial (WLFI)?
Few crypto launches have been as controversial or as closely watched as that of World Liberty Financial, a decentralised finance project with direct, public ties to the family of a sitting U.S. president.
How to Diversify Your Crypto Portfolio
This article dives into the core principles of crypto portfolio diversification, from spreading investments across different market sectors to utilising advanced strategies for risk management and portfolio rebalancing. We'll explore how you can build a more resilient portfolio tailored to your goals.
Private Equity Tokenisation: A New Era for Real-World Assets
In this article, we'll explore how the blockchain is transforming private equity, the benefits and risks of this innovation, and how VALR is pioneering access to tokenised equities and private credit in South Africa.
Best Places to Buy Meme Coins in South Africa
This article explores the key platform features to look out for when choosing a venue to buy meme coins, see how VALR stacks up, and cover key tips for trading these highly volatile assets responsibly.
Pyth Network: How Real-Time Data is Shaping DeFi
Pyth Network is a decentralised oracle delivering real-time, institutional-grade market data to blockchains, enhancing DeFi applications. Using first-party data from financial institutions, its pull model ensures efficient, accurate price feeds for decentralised exchanges, lending protocols, and stablecoins, with the PYTH token enabling community governance.
What Is Toncoin (TON)? Exploring the TON Blockchain and Telegram's Integrated Crypto Wallet
Telegram’s TON blockchain and Toncoin (TON) enable fast, low-fee crypto transactions. The self-custodial TON Wallet, integrated into Telegram, offers seamless transfers, staking, and DeFi access. While driving mass adoption, concerns about centralisation and regulatory risks remain for Telegram’s Web3 ecosystem.
When is the Best Time to Trade Crypto in the UK?
Discover the best times to trade crypto in the UK. Learn how market overlaps impact liquidity, volatility, and spreads, and time your trades for maximum impact.
When is the Best Time to Trade Crypto in Australia?
Learn the best times to trade crypto in Australia by understanding global market overlaps, volatility trends, and liquidity windows.