VALR Strengthens Partnership with Circle to Drive Stablecoin Adoption in Africa

VALR, Africa’s largest crypto exchange by trade volume, backed by Pantera Capital, has announced an enhanced partnership with Circle, the issuer of USDC, aimed at boosting stablecoin adoption across the African continent. This collaboration will focus on increasing public awareness of stablecoins, expanding the adoption and distribution of USDC and EURC, and furthering financial inclusion across Africa.

VALR already quotes most of its spot trading pairs in USDC and supports USDC transactions across multiple blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Avalanche, and Solana. In addition, VALR recently introduced EURC trading pairs against Bitcoin, USDC, and the South African Rand (ZAR). Customers can deposit US dollars and euros via wire transfer, which are converted into USDC or EURC, supplied by Circle, upon crediting their accounts.

To increase stablecoin awareness and usage, VALR and Circle will collaborate on educational initiatives, including a recent special appearance by Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, on The VALR Podcast, hosted by VALR’s Co-Founder and CEO, Farzam Ehsani.

Circle has also committed significant resources to support VALR’s platform activities aimed at increasing trade volumes and further stablecoin distribution.

In line with this partnership, VALR has joined the Circle Alliance, a global network focused on stablecoin innovation and expanding access to digital dollars. This step underscores VALR’s commitment to providing secure, compliant, and efficient digital currency services across Africa and beyond.

VALR’s Leadership in Africa and Global Expansion

Founded in 2018 and backed by leading investors, including Pantera Capital, VALR has established itself as the leading cryptocurrency exchange in Africa. With a strong base of institutional clients—now over 1,000—and close to 800,000 retail users worldwide, VALR continues to expand its presence globally. While fully remote, VALR operates its headquarters from Johannesburg and is licensed by South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) as a Crypto Asset Service Provider, holding both Category I and II licenses. The exchange is also authorised to offer services in Europe and has received initial approval from Dubai’s VARA.

VALR plays a key role in Africa’s digital asset ecosystem, working closely with fintechs and financial institutions to integrate stablecoin solutions such as USDC into their operations. The ability to buy USDC and EURC with USD or EUR through wire transfer, SWIFT, or SEPA, strengthens VALR’s position as a provider of stable financial solutions to businesses and individuals, particularly in regions facing currency instability.

“Our partnership with Circle aligns with our mission to deliver innovative financial solutions, drive crypto adoption in Africa and globally, and build towards a more inclusive financial system,” said Farzam Ehsani, Co-Founder and CEO of VALR. 

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).