Author: Opeloyeru Batly

Luno has officially launched a structured Crypto Prediction Markets product in Nigeria, the first of its kind on the platform in the country. The feature lets users take a position on whether the price of selected crypto assets will close above or below a daily price level, earning USDC if their call lands correctly. The rollout pushes Nigerian users beyond simple buying and selling into outcome-based, time-bound market participation. Nigeria and South Africa are the two inaugural markets for the product, launching simultaneously. What Is the Prediction Market? Luno’s Prediction Markets product, powered by infrastructure provider Limitless, operates as a…

In a significant step forward for global finance, Mastercard is harnessing the power of blockchain technology to enhance payment systems through strategic partnerships with Binance and Ripple. This initiative aims to create a cutting-edge payments infrastructure, combining traditional finance with the versatility of digital assets, and it signals a growing acceptance of blockchain’s potential to revolutionize financial transactions. The Need for Transformation in Payments Mastercard’s blockchain initiative addresses longstanding challenges in cross-border payments, such as high costs, slow transaction times, and lack of transparency. By integrating blockchain technology, Mastercard aims to build a scalable platform that enhances the efficiency of…

Institutional adoption of digital assets is accelerating as infrastructure providers enhance access to regulated liquidity pools across global markets. In a significant development, Wyden has integrated VALR, one of South Africa’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, into its institutional liquidity network. This integration allows banks, brokers, and asset managers using Wyden to tap into VALR’s liquidity, reflecting a broader industry trend of connecting regional exchanges with global trading networks. This move not only improves market depth and execution quality but also facilitates cross-border crypto trading. Key Highlights of the VALR-Wyden Integration 1. Institutional Liquidity Expansion With this integration, clients using Wyden’s trading…

As cryptocurrencies gain popularity in South Africa, the government is working to establish a regulatory framework to manage this growing digital asset market. Interestingly, this initiative relies on laws from 1933 and 1961. This approach highlights the challenge of adapting old regulations to a modern industry. The Need for Regulation The South African government recognizes the surge in the cryptocurrency market. It presents both potential benefits and significant risks, including fraud and financial instability. Many citizens are engaging in digital currency trading. Therefore, there is a pressing need for consumer protection and regulatory compliance. By revisiting prior legislation, authorities aim…

The Nedbank and Crypto.com partnership represents a significant advancement in enhancing blockchain-powered financial services across Africa. As traditional financial institutions increasingly explore blockchain infrastructure, this collaboration underscores the growing confidence in digital assets and decentralized technologies that are shaping the future of finance. Harnessing Blockchain Innovation Africa is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions for cryptocurrency adoption. This partnership combines banking expertise with blockchain innovation, unlocking new financial solutions for individuals, businesses, and developers throughout the continent. Understanding the Collaboration Through this partnership, Nedbank Group, one of South Africa’s largest financial institutions, is working with Crypto.com, a global cryptocurrency exchange and blockchain platform. Together,…

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is making headlines not only for trading volumes but for its evolving compliance strategy. As global regulatory environments tighten, Binance emphasizes its commitment to regulatory integrity, particularly in the rapidly evolving African cryptocurrency market. Building the Infrastructure of Trust Over the past three years, Binance has focused on enhancing its internal compliance architecture. With over 1,500 employees dedicated to compliance and risk, which makes up approximately 25% of its total workforce, Binance aims to meet rigorous regulatory standards. These teams work on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, and sanctions. Impressive metrics reveal the…

South Africa Botswana Real Time Payments Go Live via PayInc Cross-border payments between South Africa and Botswana have become significantly faster with the launch of South Africa Botswana real-time payments under PayInc’s Transactions Cleared on an Immediate Basis (TCIB) scheme, in partnership with First Capital Bank Botswana. Formerly known as BankservAfrica, PayInc has activated real-time payment capabilities into Botswana, allowing recipients to receive funds instantly from South Africa. This expansion strengthens the TCIB corridor network across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This is not PayInc’s first cross-border activation. Since launching TCIB in 2021, the scheme has enabled real-time payment corridors between South Africa,…

Kenya’s mobile money crypto adoption is quietly reshaping how digital assets enter Africa’s financial system. While much of the continent’s crypto conversation focuses on Nigeria’s trading volumes and South Africa’s regulatory frameworks, Kenya is charting a different path, one built on the strength of its mobile money infrastructure. Unlike markets where crypto adoption is driven primarily by speculative trading, Kenya’s growth is infrastructure-led. The country’s dominant mobile payments platform, M-Pesa, has long been a global case study in financial inclusion. Today, that same infrastructure is enabling seamless access to cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. Rather than disrupting existing payment habits, crypto platforms…

Nigeria has taken a decisive step in formalising its approach to digital asset oversight. The newly approved Virtual Asset Regulatory Council (VARC) is tasked with coordinating how cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and other virtual assets are regulated across the country. The move comes as Nigeria’s digital asset market continues to expand rapidly. Between July 2024 and June 2025, formal virtual asset transactions were estimated at $92.1 billion, excluding peer-to-peer and over-the-counter activity. At this scale, fragmented regulation was no longer sustainable. What Is VARC and How Will It Work? VARC is not a standalone regulator. Instead, it serves as a coordination layer…

Africa’s emerging markets are experiencing a surge in stablecoin adoption in Africa, with Nigeria and South Africa leading the way. The growth is fuelled by the need for affordable cross-border payments, protection against inflation, and rising confidence in digital financial infrastructure. Stablecoin Market Overview As of February 2026, the global stablecoin market capitalization has surpassed $300 billion. Tether (USDT) leads the market with an estimated valuation of $185 billion, followed by USD Coin (USDC) at approximately $75 billion. While these figures highlight the global dominance of US-pegged tokens, the fastest acceleration in demand is happening in Africa, particularly in Nigeria…