The Human Case for Crypto: Knowledge, Dignity, and Unity

This article is an adaptation of an opinion piece by Badi Sudhakaran, VALR’s CPO & Co-Founder, originally published on Cointelegraph.

I grew up in India, where the value of money seemed to vanish like sand through fingers. My parents would lament how a pocketful of rupees once bought bags of groceries, but later barely filled a basket. As a child, I accepted this as fact, unaware of why money lost its worth. Years later, in South Africa, in co-founding a cryptocurrency platform my eyes opened to a deeper truth: finance, as we know it, excludes far too many. Today, as crypto reshapes the world, I ask: can it truly serve humanity, or will it widen the divides we seek to bridge?

The Transformative Power of Crypto

Crypto, particularly Bitcoin, offers a radical promise: financial sovereignty. In countries where governments fail to preserve wealth—through hyperinflation or mismanagement—crypto provides an apolitical asset class. It’s borderless, divisible, and verifiable, unlike gold or fiat currencies tethered to political whims. For someone in Zimbabwe or Venezuela, holding Bitcoin can mean preserving hard-earned savings against a collapsing local currency. This isn’t just about wealth; it’s about dignity. Crypto empowers individuals to participate in global trade, bypassing barriers like sanctions or restrictive banking systems. When I see a South African township resident use crypto to send money abroad instantly, I see a system that includes where traditional finance falls short.

Navigating Risks with Responsibility

Yet, crypto’s potential comes with risks. Early adopters, who grasped Bitcoin’s value a decade ago, now hold significant portions of the circulating supply. This concentration seems to mirror the very inequities we aim to dismantle, creating new haves and have-nots. Regulatory headwinds further complicate the scene. Some nations ban crypto outright, fearing loss of control, while others impose strict frameworks that stifle innovation. These challenges remind us that technology alone isn’t enough. Without ethical foundations, crypto could become another tool for exclusion, amplifying greed over purpose.

The crypto industry must take responsibility. We need platforms that prioritise education over speculation, teaching users not just how to trade but why money matters. As a technologist, I’ve always believed in the power of knowledge. The Bahá’í Writings capture this beautifully: “Knowledge is a veritable treasure for man, and a source of glory, of bounty, of joy, of exaltation, of cheer and gladness unto him.” When people understand money—its history, its systems, its pitfalls—they gain agency. Crypto can spark this learning, encouraging questions about inflation, central banks, and wealth preservation. In my work, I’ve seen users transform from passive savers to active participants, not because they chased riches, but because they sought understanding.

Building a Unified Financial Future

But crypto’s true potential lies beyond individual empowerment. It can bridge the chasm between traditional finance and a new era. Banks, with their centuries of infrastructure, aren’t the enemy; they’re part of the ecosystem. The conflict we see today—crypto enthusiasts decrying banks, regulators wary of anarchy—echoes past disruptions. In the 1990s, email baffled those wedded to postal services, yet today, both coexist, serving different needs. Similarly, crypto and banks can merge concerns. Imagine a world where banks offer crypto custody alongside savings accounts, or where crypto streamlines cross-border payments. This isn’t a pipe dream; it’s happening. In South Africa, partnerships between crypto platforms-functions, and banks are emerging, proving collaboration is possible.

This vision requires a deeper principle: the oneness of humanity. Financial systems should reflect our shared destiny, not perpetuate national or social divides. In Africa, I’ve seen exclusion firsthand—sanctions blocking trade, hyperinflation erasing savings, or policies limiting capital movement. Crypto dismantles these barriers, letting a skilled worker in Lagos earn as much as one in London through a global digital economy. But inclusion isn’t just about access; it’s about dignity, education, and opportunity. A fair system ensures everyone can grow, not just materially, but as contributors to a better society.

A Call to Purpose

The crypto industry stands at a crossroads. We can chase quick profits, fuelling speculation and division, or we can build with purpose, fostering systems that uplift. I believe in the latter. My journey—from India to South Africa—taught me that wealth isn’t just money; it’s knowledge, dignity, and connection. Crypto, at its best, embodies this. It’s a tool to empower, educate, and unite.

We must act with integrity. Regulators deserve respect, not defiance; users need guidance, not jargon; and communities require inclusion, not envy. The industry should champion truthfulness and excellence, ensuring crypto serves all, not a privileged few. Together, we can craft a financial future where no one is left behind—a future where money, at last, means something more.

About the Author 

Badi Sudhakaran is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur with a remarkable journey spanning over two decades in the technology and finance sectors. He is the Co-Founder of VALR, the largest crypto exchange in South Africa by trade volume. Badi's multifaceted expertise, spanning blockchain technology, software engineering, product design, and leadership, has propelled him to the forefront of the crypto and fintech landscape.

Badi's entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap with the inception of VALR.com. Recognizing the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies, he embarked on a mission to democratize access to crypto assets globally. His vision revolves around the creation of an open financial system that fosters inclusivity and acknowledges the interconnectedness of humanity.

Connect with Badi on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badisudhakaran

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/badisudhakaran

Risk Disclosure

Trading or investing in crypto assets is risky and may result in the loss of capital as the value may fluctuate.

VALR (Pty) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (FSP #53308).

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are the personal views of the author and should not form the basis for making investment decisions, nor be construed as a recommendation or advice to engage in investment transactions.