DeFi Technologies and Valour Partner with MERGE to Host DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium in São Paulo

Rhea-AI Summary

DeFi Technologies (Nasdaq: DEFT) and Valour are partnering with MERGE to host the DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium in São Paulo on March 16, 2026, as part of MERGE week (March 16–19).

The program includes a curated symposium, an invitation-only institutional summit at Theatro Municipal (March 17), and the MERGE main conference at WTC São Paulo (March 18–19). The partnership builds on Valour's December 2025 Brazil expansion and signals continued engagement with Brazilian and Latin American institutional markets.

Key Figures

Symposium date: March 16, 2026 Main conference dates: March 18–19, 2026 Expected attendees: 5,000 attendees +5 more

8 metrics

Symposium date March 16, 2026 DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium in São Paulo

Main conference dates March 18–19, 2026 Main MERGE conference at WTC São Paulo

Expected attendees 5,000 attendees MERGE conference in São Paulo

Conference stages 4 stages MERGE program structure

Speakers 300 speakers MERGE speaker lineup

Institutional guests 400 guests Invitation-only MERGE Institutional Summit at Theatro Municipal

Madrid event timing October 2026 Planned MERGE Madrid partnership continuation

Brazil expansion timing December 2025 Valour’s expansion into Brazil with B3-listed ETPs and DEFT31 BDRs

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.7979 Vol: Volume 5,173,704 vs 20-da...

normal vol

$0.7979 Last Close

Volume Volume 5,173,704 vs 20-day average 4,578,818 (relative volume 1.13). normal

Technical Price 0.6954 is trading below the 200-day MA of 2.15, reflecting a weak longer-term trend.

Peers on Argus

Momentum scanner shows 4 peers moving up (median move about 5.5%), suggesting br...

4 Up

Momentum scanner shows 4 peers moving up (median move about 5.5%), suggesting broader sector strength even as DEFT shows a -8.52% move in the provided context.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 04 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 04	Stablecoin custody deal	Positive	+3.0%	Stablecorp QCAD appoints VersaBank as custodian for compliant CAD stablecoin.
Jan 26	UK ETP approval	Positive	-1.7%	Valour gains UK approval to offer yield-bearing BTC and ETH ETPs to retail.
Jan 12	Record Valour inflows	Positive	+5.9%	Reports record <b>2025</b> net inflows, growing AUM and 102 listed ETPs at Valour.
Dec 30	Year-end CEO letter	Positive	+9.2%	CEO letter outlines <b>2025</b> revenue, operating income, cash and strategic priorities.
Dec 23	Brazil market entry	Positive	-5.9%	Marks Brazil entry via B3 listings of DEFT31 BDRs and multiple Valour crypto ETPs.

Pattern Detected

Recent crypto- and expansion-related news has often seen positive price alignment, but there are notable instances where similar positive updates were sold off.

Recent Company History

Over the last several months, DeFi Technologies has highlighted steady progress around Valour’s asset management platform, geographic expansion, and venture portfolio. Key updates included record 2025 net inflows at Valour, UK approval for yield‑bearing crypto ETPs, and Brazil-focused initiatives such as B3-listed ETPs and DEFT31 BDRs. Price reactions to these crypto and expansion milestones have been mixed, with some events prompting strong gains and others modest declines, suggesting investor sensitivity to positioning and broader market conditions around otherwise constructive news.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement extends DeFi Technologies’ Brazil and Latin America strategy, adding a São Paulo s...

Analysis

This announcement extends DeFi Technologies’ Brazil and Latin America strategy, adding a São Paulo symposium and deeper involvement in the MERGE conference platform. It builds on the December 2025 launch of B3-listed ETPs and DEFT31 BDRs, reinforcing focus on institutional engagement and regulated digital asset access. Investors may watch how attendance, institutional participation, and follow-on product uptake evolve around the March 2026 events and the planned MERGE Madrid extension.

Key Terms

exchange-traded products, bdrs, real-world assets (rwa), blockchain, +2 more

6 terms

exchange-traded products financial

"launching a suite of digital asset ETPs listed on B3, alongside Brazilian Depositary Receipts"

Exchange-traded products are investment tools that are bought and sold on stock exchanges, similar to how stocks are traded. They often track the performance of a group of assets, like stocks, bonds, or commodities, allowing investors to easily add diversified exposure to their portfolios. These products matter to investors because they offer a simple way to invest in various markets with flexibility and transparency.

bdrs financial

"including B3-listed ETPs and DEFT31 BDRs, reinforcing a long-term commitment"

BDRs are securities traded in one country that represent shares of companies based elsewhere, allowing local investors to buy exposure to foreign stocks without directly purchasing them abroad. Think of them as a local storefront selling products made in another country: they broaden investment choices and diversification but can carry extra layers of risk from currency swings, different rules, and potential limits on shareholder rights, all of which matter for portfolio decisions.

real-world assets (rwa) financial

"examining the impact of digital assets, real-world assets (RWA), blockchain, quantum technologies"

Real-world assets (RWA) are physical or traditional financial items—such as real estate, bonds, commodities, or invoices—that are represented or linked to digital tokens or contracts. For investors, RWAs matter because they bring tangible value into digital markets, making it easier to buy, sell or finance real holdings, increase liquidity, and broaden access; think of converting a house into many small, tradable pieces so more people can invest and price discovery improves.

blockchain technical

"impact of digital assets, real-world assets (RWA), blockchain, quantum technologies, and artificial"

A blockchain is a digital record-keeping system that securely stores information across many computers, making it difficult to alter or tamper with. Think of it like a shared, unchangeable ledger that everyone can see and verify, ensuring transparency and trust. For investors, this technology offers a way to securely track transactions and assets without relying on a central authority, potentially reducing costs and increasing security.

decentralized finance financial

"bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance ("DeFi")"

Decentralized finance, often called DeFi, is a way of using digital technology to offer financial services like lending, borrowing, and trading without relying on traditional banks or institutions. It operates on open networks where anyone can participate, much like a digital marketplace that runs on shared computer systems. For investors, DeFi provides more direct control over their assets and access to financial activities outside conventional systems.

digital asset markets financial

"contribute to the continued development of global digital asset markets."

Digital asset markets are platforms and networks where electronic forms of value—such as cryptocurrencies, tokenized securities, and digital collectibles—are created, bought, sold and traded. They matter to investors because they can offer new ways to diversify portfolios, access fast-moving opportunities and participate in ownership or income streams; like a busy online marketplace, prices can swing quickly and platform rules affect liquidity, security and regulatory risk.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• DeFi Technologies and Valour have partnered with MERGE and will host the DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium in São Paulo on March 16, 2026, as part of one of Latin America's leading crypto/fintech conferences.
  
  
• The São Paulo program spans three key moments across landmark venues: the curated Symposium (March 16), an invitation-only institutional gathering at Theatro Municipal (March 17), and the main MERGE conference at WTC São Paulo (March 18–19), with DeFi/Valour also featured on the main stage.
  
  
• The event builds on Valour's December 2025 expansion into Brazil, including B3-listed ETPs and DEFT31 BDRs, reinforcing a long-term commitment to Brazilian and Latin American institutional engagement, with continued collaboration planned for MERGE Madrid in October 2026.

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - DeFi Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "DeFi Technologies") (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B), a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance  ("DeFi"), is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with MERGE, one of Latin America's premier conferences at the intersection of crypto, fintech, and financial innovation. As part of the partnership, DeFi Technologies will host the DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium in São Paulo on March 16, 2026.

MERGE is expected to welcome more than 5,000 attendees, feature four stages and over 300 speakers, and convene leaders from across the crypto and fintech ecosystem, including regulators, policymakers, and financial institutions. The conference will be held in English and Portuguese and will attract a strong international audience representing Latin America, Europe, and the United States.

The DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium is a premier series of in-person events examining the impact of digital assets, real-world assets (RWA), blockchain, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence across retail, institutional, and sovereign markets. The São Paulo edition will highlight real-world adoption, market infrastructure, regulatory evolution, and investment innovation, with a particular focus on cross-border opportunities.

The partnership will span several key moments during MERGE week in São Paulo:

• March 16, 2026: The DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium, a curated forum within MERGE, bringing together global decision-makers and innovators to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping modern finance.
  
  
• March 17, 2026:  The MERGE Institutional Summit, an invitation-only institutional gathering for 400 guests at the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, focused on senior-level dialogue among financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers.
  
  
• March 18–19, 2026: The main MERGE conference at the World Trade Center São Paulo, hosting 5,000 attendees for two days of programming and networking.

As part of the partnership, executives from DeFi Technologies and Valour will also speak on the MERGE main stage at the World Trade Center São Paulo on March 18, engaging global industry leaders in a high-level discussion on the evolution of decentralized finance, institutional adoption of digital assets, and the convergence of traditional capital markets with on-chain infrastructure. Their contribution will underscore the group's leadership across regulated digital asset products, market infrastructure, and cross-border capital markets.

Brazil is a core market for both DeFi Technologies and Valour, reflecting the country's growing importance in global capital markets and digital asset adoption. In December 2025, Valour expanded into Brazil by launching a suite of digital asset ETPs listed on B3, alongside Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDRs) representing DeFi Technologies' publicly listed shares. The products include DEFT31 (BDRs representing DeFi Technologies' Nasdaq-listed DEFT shares), BTCV (Valour Bitcoin), ETHV (Valour Ethereum), XRPV (Valour Ripple), VSOL (Valour Solana), and VSUI (Valour Sui). These products provide Brazilian investors with BRL-denominated, locally listed exposure to both DeFi Technologies' equity and leading digital assets through the same brokerage and custody infrastructure used for equities and ETFs.

This expansion into Brazil marked a significant milestone for Valour, representing its first market entry outside Europe and establishing a foundation for broader growth across Latin America. Hosting the DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium in São Paulo builds on this momentum and underscores a long-term commitment to engaging Brazilian institutional investors, regulators, and market participants.

"Partnering with MERGE and bringing the DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium to São Paulo is a meaningful step in expanding our presence in one of the most important digital asset markets globally," said Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer at Valour. "Brazil is quickly becoming a key hub where institutional capital, regulatory clarity, and market infrastructure are converging. Our goal is to deepen engagement with advisors, institutions, and market participants, strengthen education around regulated access to digital assets, and translate that momentum into sustained interest and inflows for Valour's structured, locally accessible products."

The collaboration with MERGE extends beyond São Paulo and reflects a wider strategic partnership across MERGE's international event platform. DeFi Technologies and Valour will continue this engagement at MERGE Madrid in October 2026, reinforcing a long-term commitment to advancing institutional dialogue, market education, and cross-border collaboration across Europe and Latin America.

Through this expanded partnership with MERGE, DeFi Technologies and Valour aim to foster collaboration between traditional finance and decentralized technologies, support institutional education, and contribute to the continued development of global digital asset markets.

About DeFi Technologies
DeFi Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) is a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance ("DeFi"). As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy through its integrated and scalable business model. This includes Valour, which offers access to one hundred of the world's most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs; Stillman Digital, a digital asset prime brokerage focused on institutional-grade execution and custody; Reflexivity Research, which provides leading research into the digital asset space; Neuronomics, which develops quantitative trading strategies and infrastructure; and DeFi Alpha, the Company's internal arbitrage and trading business line. With deep expertise across capital markets and emerging technologies, DeFi Technologies is building the institutional gateway to the future of finance. Follow DeFi Technologies on LinkedIn and X/Twitter, and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/

DeFi Technologies Subsidiaries

About Valour
Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, "Valour") issues exchange traded products ("ETPs") that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies. For more information about Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates, visit  valour.com.

About Stillman Digital
Stillman Digital is a leading digital asset liquidity provider that offers limitless liquidity solutions for businesses, focusing on industry-leading trade execution, settlement, and technology. For more information, please visit https://www.stillmandigital.com

About Reflexivity Research
Reflexivity Research LLC is a leading research firm specializing in the creation of high-quality, in-depth research reports for the bitcoin and digital asset industry, empowering investors with valuable insights. For more information please visit https://www.reflexivityresearch.com/ 

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to commercial collaborations with MERGE; investor confidence in digital assets generally; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of decentralised finance and digital asset sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and digital assets; fluctuation in digital asset prices; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

THE CBOE CANADA EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/defi-technologies-and-valour-partner-with-merge-to-host-defi-technologies-insights-symposium-in-sao-paulo-302681102.html

SOURCE DeFi Technologies Inc.

FAQ

What is the DeFi Technologies Insights Symposium (DEFT) in São Paulo on March 16, 2026?

It is a curated forum on digital assets and market infrastructure on March 16, 2026. According to the company, the event will convene global decision-makers to discuss RWA, blockchain, AI, and cross-border opportunities within MERGE week.

How does DeFi Technologies (DEFT) participate in MERGE São Paulo March 16–19, 2026?

DeFi Technologies will host the March 16 symposium and speak on the MERGE main stage March 18. According to the company, executives will engage industry leaders on institutional adoption and convergence of on‑chain and traditional markets.

What parts of MERGE week will DeFi Technologies and Valour attend in São Paulo (March 16–19, 2026)?

They will host the March 16 symposium, join the invitation-only institutional summit March 17, and appear at the main conference March 18–19. According to the company, programming spans curated forums, an institutional gathering at Theatro Municipal, and the WTC São Paulo main stage.

What products did Valour launch in Brazil that relate to DEFT and March 2026 activities?

Valour launched BRL‑listed ETPs and DEFT31 BDRs in December 2025 to give local exposure to DEFT and major digital assets. According to the company, offerings include DEFT31 BDRs and several Valour digital-asset ETPs listed on B3.

Will DeFi Technologies continue MERGE collaborations after São Paulo in 2026?

Yes, the partnership extends to MERGE Madrid in October 2026 as part of a longer-term engagement. According to the company, this reflects a strategic effort to sustain institutional dialogue, market education, and cross-border collaboration across regions.