Valour, a crypto fund issuer, has made a significant move beyond Europe by partnering with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and SovFi to introduce digital asset exchange-traded products (ETPs) in Kenya. This collaboration will bring Bitcoin, Solana, Ethereum, and Hedera ETPs to the NSE, potentially making them the first digital asset products available on the exchange.
This expansion by Valour into the Kenyan market is a significant development in the region’s financial sector. Leveraging the expertise of its parent company, DeFi Technologies, Valour will “passport” the ETPs to the NSE. DeFi Technologies, based in Canada, has a track record of innovation in issuing ETPs across European exchanges and recently launched a validator node on the Core Chain.
Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of DeFi Technologies, highlighted the importance of providing secure and regulated exposure to digital assets for investors through this venture. Valour currently offers 33 ETPs on European exchanges, including the Near Protocol ETP on the Swedish Spotlight Stock Market.
Kenya’s regulatory framework for digital assets has been evolving since November 2022 when formal regulation of these financial instruments began. A government working group is actively developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, with input from the Blockchain Association of Kenya. This regulatory progress aligns with Kenya’s forward-thinking approach to digital assets and technology, as evidenced by recent partnerships to launch a blockchain and Web3 hub.
Valour’s entry into the Kenyan market not only expands its reach beyond Europe but also contributes to the growth of Kenya’s digital asset ecosystem. By introducing Bitcoin, Solana, Ethereum, and Hedera ETPs to the NSE, Valour is paving the way for new investment opportunities in the region’s financial markets. This strategic partnership underscores the increasing interest in digital assets and blockchain technology in Kenya and sets the stage for further innovation and collaboration in the sector.