Bitcoin 
Ethereum 
Tether 
BNB 
Solana 
XRP 
USDC 
Lido Staked Ether 
Cardano 
Avalanche 
Tokenized US equities in Africa are now accessible thanks to VALR’s recent launch of xStocks.
This new platform feature enables users to trade digital versions of US-listed equities like Tesla and Coinbase without owning the underlying shares. It marks a pivotal moment for the South African crypto landscape and the broader continent.
xStocks tokens are available on VALR’s Spot market. They can be traded against Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether (USDT), and the South African rand. These tokenized assets mirror the price of real equities but do not grant ownership or shareholder rights.
The innovation is backed by Backed, a company that introduced the 1:1 tokenized versions of equities and ETFs earlier in May 2025. The tokens are built to maintain direct pricing parity with the underlying traditional assets, offering exposure to their movements with none of the custody complications.
First access to tokenized US equities in Africa
VALR is the largest crypto exchange in Africa by volume. With over 1.5 million users and 1,400+ institutional clients, the company is no stranger to pushing boundaries. The xStocks feature reinforces its mission to make global finance more accessible. CEO Farzam Ehsani described the move as a step toward democratizing investment. He highlighted how the fusion of crypto and traditional finance breaks barriers for everyday users.
This integration is not merely technical; it’s symbolic. By introducing tokenized equities in South Africa, VALR broadens the options for African investors. It allows them to gain price exposure to companies like NVIDIA and Robinhood, which were previously out of practical reach.
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Tokenized US equities in Africa gain traction
Backed’s Head of Growth, David Henderson, emphasized the global demand for tokenized equities. The partnership with VALR brings this concept to a continent ready for financial innovation. According to Henderson, African users can now participate in tokenized capital markets that have seen growing adoption globally.
VALR’s xStocks do not include ownership rights or voting privileges, but they serve as powerful tools for asset diversification. Investors can use crypto to enter traditionally dollar-bound markets. This not only expands financial access but potentially reshapes how African retail and institutional investors manage global exposure.
Crypto-led access to traditional financial markets
With $55 million in funding from major names like Pantera Capital and Coinbase Ventures, VALR is well-positioned for growth. Its strategic partnerships and new offerings like xStocks show how crypto exchanges can evolve into full-spectrum financial hubs.
