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Figure Heloc VALR Gets the Green Light to Offer Regulated Crypto Derivatives in South Africa
Ryan Moore 
VALR just hit a big milestone. The biggest crypto exchange in South Africa has officially scored an Over-The-Counter Derivatives Provider (ODP) license and an extra Financial Services Provider (FSP) license from Financial Sector Conduct Authority. In plain English, this means VALR is now one of the first companies in the country allowed to offer regulated crypto derivatives a huge step forward for the local crypto scene.
With this license, VALR can start rolling out new trading products like CFDs, futures, options, forwards, and swaps, all backed by crypto assets. And thanks to the FSP license, they can now offer more traditional financial stuff too like shares, bonds, and deposits.
A Win for Crypto in South Africa
This isn’t just a win for VALR it’s a pretty big moment for the whole crypto space in South Africa. It shows regulators are starting to bring crypto and traditional finance closer together. For traders and institutions, this means more ways to trade and manage risk without stepping outside the rules.
Farzam Ehsani, VALR’s co-founder and CEO, summed it up nicely: “This license is a huge step in bringing crypto and traditional finance together. It lets us offer secure, regulated products to our users, and we’re excited to roll out more tools that make their experience even better.”
Leveling Up the Industry
VALR’s no stranger to breaking ground. Back in April 2024, it became one of the first companies to get Category I and II licenses for crypto services in South Africa. Now, with this new license, the exchange can give both everyday users and institutions access to more advanced trading options.
It also puts South Africa ahead of the curve on the continent when it comes to regulated crypto derivatives a big deal for a market where crypto adoption is growing fast.
Who’s VALR?
Launched in 2018 and based in Johannesburg, VALR has grown into a global exchange backed by big-name investors like Pantera Capital, Coinbase Ventures, and F-Prime Capital. Over 1.6 million users trust the platform for everything from spot trading to futures, staking, lending, and more.
This new license is another sign that VALR isn’t just keeping up it’s helping shape how crypto and traditional finance come together in a more secure, regulated way.
About the Author
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