VALR Expands Stablecoin Offerings with Ripple's RLUSD, Boosting Accessibility in African Markets
Johannesburg, September 10, 2025 – In a move that underscores the growing dominance of stablecoins [1] in everyday finance, South Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange VALR has announced the integration of Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin into its platform [2]. This addition builds on VALR's established role as a gateway for stable digital assets, offering users more options for seamless, low-cost transactions amid volatile local economies. As stablecoins continue to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology, VALR's latest step could further solidify Africa's position as a hotspot for digital payment innovation.
The Foundation: VALR's Embrace of Stablecoins for Everyday Use
VALR has long recognized the transformative potential of stablecoins, positioning itself as a key player in making cryptocurrency practical for real-world applications. For years, the exchange has enabled users to buy, sell, and utilize stablecoins like USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin), which are pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar to shield users from the price swings typical of assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Through features like VALR Pay, customers can send these stablecoins instantly to friends and family via peer-to-peer transfers, often without any fees, turning what was once a speculative tool into a reliable medium for payments and remittances.
This integration isn't just about trading; it's about utility. Users on VALR can also lend their USDT or USDC holdings through the platform's lending program, earning yields on their stable assets while keeping funds accessible. In regions like Africa, where currency fluctuations and high remittance costs have long plagued financial systems, these stablecoins provide a stable alternative. Imagine a freelancer in Nigeria receiving payment from a client in Europe – instead of navigating slow bank wires or exchange rate losses, they can settle in USDC almost instantly, preserving the full value of their earnings.
How Stablecoins Empower VALR Users
The appeal of stablecoins on VALR extends far beyond mere convenience; they address core pain points for consumers in emerging markets. Volatility in local currencies, such as the South African rand or Nigerian naira, can erode savings overnight, but stablecoins offer a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. For everyday users, this means using USDT or USDC for e-commerce purchases, cross-border remittances, or even as a store of value during turbulent times – all without the risks associated with unregulated fiat alternatives.
On VALR, these benefits are amplified by the platform's user-friendly tools. Fee-free P2P transfers via VALR Pay make sending money as simple as a text message, while the ability to trade stablecoins for other cryptocurrencies opens doors to broader investment opportunities. For businesses, stablecoins streamline supplier payments and inventory management, reducing costs that can eat into slim margins. In essence, by supporting USDT and USDC, VALR has democratized access to dollar-like stability, helping thousands of users – from retail traders to small enterprises – navigate global finance more effectively.
Enter RLUSD: A Compliance-Focused Addition to the Mix
Now, VALR is leveling up its stablecoin suite with the listing of RLUSD, Ripple's USD-backed stablecoin that launched in late 2024 and has since surged to a market capitalization exceeding $700 million. Issued by a New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS)-regulated entity, RLUSD emphasizes regulatory compliance and enterprise-grade reliability, making it a natural fit for VALR's institutional and retail clients who prioritize trust in their digital assets.
RLUSD arrives at a pivotal moment for VALR, enhancing its offerings without disrupting the familiarity users have with established stablecoins like USDC and USDT. While USDT and USDC dominate the market through widespread adoption and liquidity – USDT as the largest by volume and USDC known for its transparency via Circle's reserves – RLUSD differentiates itself with Ripple's deep roots in cross-border payments and blockchain infrastructure. Backed by U.S. dollars and short-term treasuries, it mirrors the pegged stability of its peers but adds layers of utility tailored for regulated environments, such as instant settlement for remittances and integration with DeFi protocols.
For VALR users, RLUSD means more choice in a compliant wrapper. It can be used similarly to USDT or USDC for payments and lending, but its ties to Ripple's ecosystem open new avenues, like tokenized real-world assets or collateral in trading. This isn't about replacing the incumbents; it's about diversification. As one industry analyst noted, RLUSD's focus on "trust and utility" complements the broader stablecoin landscape, potentially attracting users wary of less regulated options while maintaining the low-cost efficiency that defines USDC and USDT.
VALR's Financial Milestones: A Solid Foundation for Growth
Since its founding in 2018 by Chris Tulloch, Theo Bohnen, Badi Sudhakaran, and Farzam Ehsani, VALR has evolved from a startup into a prominent player in the cryptocurrency space, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Operating as an app-based platform for secure cryptocurrency trading, the company leverages AI and machine learning for trader identity validation, ensuring a robust and compliant user experience. This technological edge has been instrumental in attracting investment and scaling operations.
Financially, VALR has demonstrated strong investor confidence, raising a total of $55 million across three funding rounds [3]. The journey began with a $1.5 million seed round in February 2019, followed by a $3.45 million Series A in July 2020. The most significant milestone came in March 2022 with a $50 million Series B round, led by Pantera Capital and involving 11 investors, including 4Di Capital and Bittrex. This infusion valued the company at $240 million post-money, reflecting its potential in a competitive market dominated by giants like Coinbase and KuCoin.
With institutional backing from 13 investors and an angel investment from Michael Jordaan, VALR's funding has fueled platform enhancements, regulatory compliance, and market expansion. As of mid-2024, the company maintains a lean team of 1-10 employees, focusing on efficiency amid a landscape of over 2,000 competitors. This financial stability positions VALR not just as a trader's tool but as a scalable ecosystem ready to integrate innovations like advanced stablecoins, ensuring long-term sustainability in Africa's dynamic fintech scene.
Broader Implications: Driving Stablecoin Adoption in Africa
The integration of RLUSD on VALR is part of a larger Ripple-led push to bring high-quality stablecoins to Africa, in partnership with fintechs like Chipper Cash and Yellow Card. These collaborations aim to supercharge cross-border payments, where Africa sends and receives billions in remittances annually but often at exorbitant fees. By listing RLUSD, VALR not only expands its portfolio but also supports innovative pilots, such as those in Kenya using the stablecoin for drought insurance via smart contracts – a glimpse into how stable assets can tackle real-world challenges like climate risks.
As stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and now RLUSD gain traction on platforms like VALR, they're reshaping consumer finance across the continent. Users benefit from faster, cheaper transactions; businesses from reliable treasury management; and the ecosystem from increased liquidity. With VALR at the forefront, the addition of RLUSD signals a maturing market where stability meets innovation, paving the way for broader financial inclusion.
In the evolving world of digital assets, VALR's strategic move reaffirms stablecoins' role as the unsung heroes of global payments – steady, accessible, and increasingly indispensable.