The introduction of Bitcoin and subsequent blockchain technologies has established a new digital asset class in which scarcity is based on cryptographic certainty. These trust protocols for the internet enable online-native value transfer for the first time. Stablecoins make use of blockchain protocols to represent the value of fiat currencies like the US Dollar or South African Rand in distributed networks.

One ZARP token represents the value of one Rand. This value is supported by a treasury reserve of actual rand currency equivalents that is managed by Old Mutual Wealth, a leading asset management firm.

ZARP seeks to bridge the gap between traditional and decentralised finance, offering the best of both worlds: the security and stability of a fiat currency with the efficiency and innovation of blockchain technology that offers 24/7 transacting and trading outside of banking hours, at low fees, and programmable.

Use Cases

Blockchain technology is now proven with Bitcoin ETFs breaking records since their launch in the USA and traditional institutions onboard with products from Blackrock, Fidelity and others, while the use of stablecoins for payments in emerging markets is booming. With crypto networks offering a new foundation for the global financial system we’re beginning to see increased tokenisation of everything from equities to property and other real world assets. Fiat currencies are not going anywhere, however, therefore it’s clear that every currency will need a corresponding stablecoin to represent its value in the new emerging system. The use cases for stablecoins like ZARP can therefore be summarised as “everything money is used for – and more.”

• Store of value ZARP can be used to store value without being exposed to the price volatility of crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• Medium of exchange As a token representing rand value, ZARP can be used for payments in retail and other settings with the ability to transfer rand value any time of the day or night, and outside of banking hours.
• Financial inclusion Stablecoins can be accessed and managed through smartphones and QR codes for receiving payments can be presented offline, bypassing the need for traditional banking infrastructure in several ways. This accessibility enables individuals and businesses to participate in the global economy, accessing services and markets previously out of reach and offer a safer alternative than cash. Getting started is as simple as downloading a non-custodial wallet app without the requirement for account application or approval. No monthly account fees, no permission required, and no minimums – the blockchain doesn’t care how much money you have.
• Foreign remittances South Africa represents some of the most active and expensive foreign remittance corridors in the world, but traditional methods of sending remittances are costly and slow. Stablecoins dramatically reduce transaction fees and cut down transfer times from days to mere seconds or minutes, thereby increasing the efficiency of remittance flows . Stablecoins also facilitate easier and more secure transactions for e-commerce and cross-border trade. They allow African businesses to transact with international partners without worrying about currency conversion fees or rate fluctuations. This reliability can significantly boost trade and allow products and services easier access to global markets.