Interview with VALR’s CMO: Values and Marketing That Transcend Borders

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From Hong Kong to Dubai: A Journey Shaped by Values

Ben, VALR’s Chief Marketing Officer, brings a global perspective forged through years of experience in some of the world’s most dynamic crypto markets. From the fast-paced environment of Hong Kong to the strategic corridors of Dubai, his journey reflects the evolution of the digital asset industry itself — from grassroots movements to institutional adoption.

Foresight News: With extensive experience in Asia and the Middle East’s crypto sectors, what pivotal moments shaped your current role at VALR?

Ben: Like many in this space, my path has been anything but conventional. In Hong Kong, I lived through a full cycle of the crypto industry — launching exchanges, building global brands, expanding into new markets, and also witnessing the sudden collapse of ventures. It was humbling and formative.

I started quietly — writing niche articles, attending small meetups. But I watched the space explode: from the ICO frenzy to DeFi’s rise, institutional interest, and now Web3. Each phase taught me something new about innovation, risk, and resilience.

In Dubai, the game changed. I was engaging with banks, regulators, government officials, even royal family members. That exposure gave me a deeper understanding of how crypto can transform financial systems on a global scale.

And it was in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa that I met Badi Sudhakaran, one of VALR’s co-founders. That meeting was undeniably a turning point.

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Alignment of Purpose: Why VALR?

Foresight News: What insights from your time in Hong Kong and Dubai have you brought to VALR?

Ben: One principle has always guided me: alignment. Ensure the people you work with, the companies you join — they share your values. When that alignment exists, extraordinary things happen.

VALR didn’t need me to succeed. Founded in 2018, it grew organically to become Africa’s highest-volume exchange, serving over 1,000 institutional clients. It was already excellent before I arrived.

But what excites me now is connecting continents — just as I once bridged Hong Kong and Dubai, I’m passionate about linking Asia and Africa. These connections are where real growth happens.

Foresight News: What drew you to VALR? How has your role evolved since joining in November 2023?

Ben: In 2023, I seriously considered stepping away from exchanges altogether — maybe retreating to a remote island to teach Bitcoin fundamentals. During that reflection, I wrote a book titled The Map of Value: Navigating Society Through the Prism of Value, exploring how "value" manifests across money, religion, art, technology, and community.

On page 19, I wrote: “In the past century, we’ve invented cars, planes, spacecraft, telecommunications, the internet, and Bitcoin — all helping us see humanity’s unity. The world is one.”

Visit VALR.com’s “About” page, and you’ll find CEO Farzam Ehsani saying: “We need a financial system that recognizes human unity.”

When vision aligns like that, the decision is obvious.

Initially, my focus was building a robust marketing and communications team — hiring talent and preparing for global scale. Now, we’re in an exciting phase: new users are joining daily, completing onboarding, and becoming part of VALR’s story. This is just the beginning of a beautiful connection between VALR, Asia, and the world.

Core Keywords:

Building Bridges: VALR’s Strategy for Asia

Foresight News: VALR has ambitious plans for Asia. Can you outline your market entry strategy and key challenges?

Ben: While VALR is known as a leader in South Africa, our largest client base is already in Asia. Over the coming months, we’ll be hosting meetups, attending conferences, forming strategic partnerships — and launching a Chinese-language version of our app.

We’re expanding our community outreach and rolling out compelling incentive programs to boost engagement and trading volume.

For example:

These initiatives aren’t just about growth — they’re about inclusion and education.

Foresight News: Asia hosts some of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. What sets VALR apart?

Ben: Many regional exchanges originated from forex, e-commerce, or online gambling. Their growth models are effective — but different from ours.

VALR was built to solve real societal problems. Revenue matters — we’re profitable — but people come before profit. We’re deeply customer-centric, and anyone who’s traded on our platform will tell you that.

Asia is critical to our future — but it’s also saturated. Yet there’s hunger for innovation. VALR is creating opportunities by building bridges between crypto hubs: opening African markets to partners in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., while expanding our global user base.

Africa is a hotspot for crypto adoption due to high inflation, inefficient banking systems, and urgent demand for financial inclusion. By connecting Asia’s mature crypto ecosystem with Africa’s emerging one, VALR is pursuing a unique growth strategy few others can replicate.

Our backing by Pantera Capital, Coinbase Ventures, and GSR, along with our recent licensing under South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), positions us strongly for long-term success.

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Strategic Partnerships and Talent Development

Foresight News: As VALR expands globally, what kinds of partnerships are you seeking in Asia?

Ben: We thrive on collaboration. We’ve partnered with Circle and Tether for deep liquidity across blockchains. We work with Africa’s largest fintech firms — companies serving millions — enabling them to build on our infrastructure.

We’re also in advanced talks with major African banks (though details must wait).

In Asia, we’re open to partnerships with Web3 startups, stablecoin issuers, fintech platforms, liquidity providers, KOLs, trading communities, and aggregators. Growth isn’t about going it alone — it’s about building connections.

Foresight News: What skills are you looking for in Asian professionals interested in joining VALR?

Ben: VALR is fully remote, with team members across Asia and beyond. As we grow in Asia and Europe, we’re hiring talented individuals not just in marketing, but in business development, customer support, and core exchange operations.

We value integrity, initiative, and a passion for building equitable financial systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is VALR available in Asia?
A: Yes — VALR already serves a significant Asian user base. A localized Chinese app version is launching soon to enhance accessibility.

Q: How does VALR ensure security and compliance?
A: VALR is licensed by South Africa’s FSCA and follows strict regulatory standards. We prioritize user protection through robust KYC processes and secure infrastructure.

Q: What makes VALR different from other crypto exchanges?
A: Unlike profit-driven platforms from forex or gambling backgrounds, VALR was founded on values — human unity, transparency, and financial inclusion. We put users first.

Q: Can individuals outside Africa use VALR?
A: Absolutely. VALR serves users globally, with growing communities in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Q: Are there trading incentives for new users?
A: Yes — through programs like the Global Treasure Hunt and monthly trading competitions, new users can earn USDT, USDC, SOL, and other rewards.

Q: Does VALR support institutional clients?
A: Yes — over 1,000 institutions already use VALR’s API-driven platform for secure and scalable trading.

Vision for the Future: Trust in a Fractured World

Foresight News: With rapidly evolving crypto regulations, why will 2025 be a pivotal year for the industry?

Ben: The world is in turmoil — financially unstable, geopolitically tense. Traditional systems are under strain. Bitcoin and crypto aren’t just alternatives; they’re essential tools for solving real-world problems.

At VALR, we believe integrity wins in the long run. By staying true to values like honesty, transparency, and solidarity, we’re positioning ourselves for sustainable success — not just survival.

Foresight News: What broader goals do you hope to achieve at VALR in the coming years?

Ben: Trust in institutions is eroding daily. But trusted institutions are vital for peace and prosperity. I believe VALR can become one of them.

Next year, we’ll host a landmark event in Cape Town — a powerful gathering designed to connect continents and spark innovation. I hope to see many Asian partners and community members there. Together, we can open new markets and build a better financial future for all.

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