What is Velo (VELO)?

By CMC AI
06 September 2025 10:25PM (UTC+0)

TLDR

Velo (VELO) is a blockchain-based financial protocol focused on bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) to enable secure, cross-border value transfers and digital credit issuance, primarily targeting institutional and retail users in Asia.

  1. Purpose: Facilitates compliant, low-cost cross-border payments and asset transfers using blockchain.

  2. Technology: Combines smart contracts, Stellar Consensus Protocol, and a multi-chain Nova network.

  3. Ecosystem: Integrates stablecoins (USDV), hybrid DEXs, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

Deep Dive

1. Purpose & Value Proposition

Velo aims to solve inefficiencies in global remittances and institutional settlements by acting as a blockchain-based clearinghouse. Its core product, the Velo Protocol, allows partners to issue collateral-backed digital credits (e.g., USDV stablecoin) for frictionless transactions. The project targets Asia’s $1.8T cross-border payment market, collaborating with entities like Lightnet for remittance infrastructure and Visa for compliant settlements (Velo Blog).

2. Technology & Architecture

Velo uses a hybrid approach:
- Nova Chain: A Solana-compatible blockchain for fast, low-cost transactions.
- Warp Bridge: Enables cross-chain interoperability (Stellar, BSC, Ethereum).
- Universe DEX: A hybrid decentralized exchange merging centralized order-book speed with self-custody security.
The protocol leverages the Stellar Consensus Protocol for settlement and smart contracts for collateral management (Messari Report).

3. Ecosystem & Key Differentiators

  • USDV Stablecoin: Backed by VELO tokens and real-world assets (e.g., tokenized gold via PLG Gold).
  • Institutional Partnerships: Collaborates with Paxos (USDL integration), Securitize (BlackRock’s BUIDL), and governments (Laos digital gold project).
  • Web3+ Infrastructure: Orbit Wallet for loyalty programs and PayFAI, an AI-driven settlement layer for merchants.
    Unlike pure DeFi projects, Velo emphasizes regulatory compliance and TradFi integration, positioning itself as Asia’s Web3 liquidity backbone (Velo x Paxos).

Conclusion

Velo is a blockchain ecosystem designed to merge traditional financial systems with decentralized tools, prioritizing Asia’s cross-border payment corridors. Its hybrid architecture, stablecoin utility, and institutional partnerships differentiate it from competitors. How will its focus on RWAs and regulatory alignment impact adoption as CBDCs gain traction?

CMC AI can make mistakes. Not financial advice.