DeFi Technologies Announces Venture Portfolio Company Stablecorp's Selection of VersaBank as Custodian for QCAD Digital Trust, Advancing Canada's First Compliant CAD Stablecoin

Rhea-AI Summary

DeFi Technologies (Nasdaq: DEFT) announced that venture portfolio company Stablecorp's QCAD Digital Trust has signed a definitive agreement with VersaBank to act as custodian for QCAD, Canada’s first regulatory-compliant CAD stablecoin. The custody arrangement uses VersaBank's VersaVault solution and includes custody fees and a spread on QCAD deposits.

This custody relationship is presented as strengthening institutional-grade infrastructure, supporting scaled adoption of tokenized Canadian dollars, and validating DeFi Technologies' strategic investment in Stablecorp and QCAD expansion plans.

Positive

• Definitive custodial agreement signed with a federally regulated Schedule I bank
• VersaBank to provide custody via its proprietary VersaVault solution
• VersaBank will earn custody fees and a spread, creating a long-term revenue stream
• Custody expected to bolster institutional adoption, liquidity, and product expansion for QCAD
• Agreement validates DeFi Technologies' strategic investment in Stablecorp and QCAD

Negative

• None.

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.7379 Vol: Volume 4,017,929 is below...

normal vol

$0.7379 Last Close

Volume Volume 4,017,929 is below 20-day average 4,667,084 (about 0.86x typical activity). normal

Technical Shares trade below the 200-day MA of 2.16 and sit far under the 52-week high of 4.95.

Peers on Argus

DEFT was down 6.59% while key peers showed mixed moves (e.g., HIVE -0.2%, OPY -1...

DEFT was down 6.59% while key peers showed mixed moves (e.g., HIVE -0.2%, OPY -1.6%, AMRK +2.17%). No evidence of a coordinated sector move or shared catalyst.

Previous Crypto Reports

5 past events · Latest: Jan 12 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 12	Business metrics update	Positive	+5.9%	Record 2025 Valour net inflows and nearly $1B AUM highlighted.
Dec 30	Strategic update	Positive	+9.2%	Year-end CEO letter outlining strong 2025 results and 2026 priorities.
Dec 23	Geographic expansion	Positive	-5.9%	Entry into Brazil via B3 listings for DEFT BDRs and Valour ETPs.
Dec 17	Product launch	Positive	-3.8%	Launch of 2x leveraged Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs in Sweden.
Dec 16	Product listing approval	Positive	+4.0%	Approval to list Solana ETP (VSOL) on Brazil’s B3 exchange.

Pattern Detected

Crypto-tag headlines often move the stock, but reactions have been mixed, with several positive news items met by negative price moves.

Recent Company History

Over recent crypto-tagged announcements, DeFi Technologies has focused on expanding Valour’s ETP suite, growing net inflows, and entering new markets like Brazil and Sweden. Notable updates include record $138.2M net inflows in 2025, 102 listed ETPs, and launches of leveraged BTC/ETH ETPs. Price reactions have ranged from a 9.15% gain on the year‑end CEO letter to a 5.89% decline on the Brazil expansion, showing inconsistent trading responses to seemingly growth-focused news.

Historical Comparison

crypto

+1.9 %

Average Historical Move

Historical Analysis

Crypto-tag news has averaged a 1.86% move. Today’s -6.59% pre-news decline is larger and directionally more negative than typical reactions.

Typical Pattern

Crypto-tag updates trace a build-out of Valour’s ETP franchise and geographic footprint, while today’s QCAD custody deal adds regulated stablecoin infrastructure to that evolution.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement strengthens QCAD’s institutional foundations by appointing a federally regulated S...

Analysis

This announcement strengthens QCAD’s institutional foundations by appointing a federally regulated Schedule I bank as custodian, reinforcing Canada’s first compliant CAD stablecoin within DeFi Technologies’ venture portfolio. It extends a broader strategy of building regulated digital-asset infrastructure alongside Valour’s ETP expansion and international listings. Investors may focus on future disclosures quantifying QCAD-related assets, custody revenues, and uptake of QCAD-linked products, as well as ongoing regulatory developments affecting tokenized Canadian dollars.

Key Terms

stablecoin, tokenized, etps, on/off-ramps

4 terms

stablecoin financial

"QCAD, Canada's first regulatory compliant Canadian-dollar stablecoin."

A stablecoin is a type of digital currency designed to keep its value steady, often by being backed by traditional assets like money or commodities. For investors, stablecoins offer a reliable way to move money quickly across digital platforms without the value fluctuations common with other cryptocurrencies, making them useful for saving, trading, or transferring funds with less risk of sudden losses.

tokenized technical

"support scaled adoption of tokenized Canadian dollars, with VersaBank earning custody"

Tokenized means converting a real-world asset, like property, artwork, or stocks, into digital tokens stored on a computer network. This process makes it easier to buy, sell, or transfer small parts of the asset quickly and securely, much like dividing a property into many tiny pieces that can be traded individually. For investors, tokenization can increase access, liquidity, and flexibility in managing their investments.

etps financial

"QCAD-integrated product development (including CAD-linked ETPs and structured solutions)"

ETPs are investment products that trade on stock exchanges like individual shares but represent exposure to a basket of assets, a commodity, a market index, or a debt note. They matter to investors because they offer easy, intraday access to diverse markets or specific themes—like buying a single slice of a larger pie—while carrying costs and risks (including tracking error and, for some types, issuer credit risk) that can affect returns.

on/off-ramps technical

"liquidity and market access (including institutional-grade execution and on/off-ramps)"

On/off-ramps are the services and tools that let people move value between traditional government-backed money (like dollars) and digital assets or new trading platforms. Think of them as the entry and exit ramps to a highway: they determine how easily, quickly and cheaply investors can get into or out of a market, so they matter for liquidity, cost, regulatory risk and how widely a product can be adopted.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Custody with a federally regulated Schedule I bank strengthens institutional readiness for Stablecorp Digital Currencies Inc.'s QCAD as adoption scales

• VersaBank will act as custodian for Stablecorp's QCAD Digital Trust, strengthening the institutional and regulatory-grade infrastructure behind QCAD, Canada's first compliant CAD stablecoin.
  
  
• The agreement is designed to support scaled adoption of tokenized Canadian dollars, with VersaBank earning custody fees based on assets held and a spread on QCAD deposits, highlighting custody as a long-term growth revenue stream.
  
  
• For DeFi Technologies, this is another validation point for its Stablecorp investment and QCAD strategy, reinforcing plans to expand QCAD-linked products, deepen liquidity and market access, and support long-term security as usage grows.

TORONTO, Feb. 4, 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 that its venture portfolio company Canada Stablecorp Inc. ("Stablecorp") and the QCAD Digital Trust has signed a definitive agreement under which VersaBank will serve as custodian for the QCAD Digital Trust, supporting reserve custody for QCAD, Canada's first regulatory compliant Canadian-dollar stablecoin.

DeFi Technologies is an investor in Stablecorp and a strategic collaborator focused on scaling QCAD across product development, liquidity and market access, and long-term security planning as volumes and systemic importance grow over time.

Highlights

• Strengthens institutional-grade infrastructure for QCAD: Custody with a federally regulated Schedule I bank adds another layer of operational and regulatory confidence as QCAD expands across payments and capital markets.
  
  
• Supports broader distribution and market readiness: Secure, regulated custody of reserve assets is a key building block for deeper institutional adoption and expanded use cases for tokenized Canadian dollars.
  
  
• Reinforces DeFi Technologies' venture strategy: The milestone aligns with DeFi Technologies' approach of backing category-defining digital asset infrastructure and supporting commercialization through its integrated platform.

DeFi Technologies' Perspective on the Custody Agreement

VersaBank stated it will provide custody services for the QCAD Digital Trust using its proprietary VersaVault solution. VersaBank also disclosed it expects to earn a fee based on the value of QCAD assets held in custody and a spread based on QCAD deposits.

DeFi Technologies views regulated custody of reserve assets as a foundational requirement for stablecoin scale, particularly as stablecoins transition from early adoption into more mainstream financial workflows.

"Securing this custodial relationship with a federally regulated, Schedule I bank is a significant milestone for our industry, placing Stablecorp at the forefront of modernizing Canada's financial infrastructure." said Kesem Frank, Chief Executive Officer, Stablecorp. "This collaboration with VersaBank marks a new standard for the Canadian digital asset industry, specifically in the context of stablecoin issuance. The VersaVault® solution provides an ideal fusion of regulatory integrity and technological security, which is key to our mission of connecting Canada with the global digital economy in a secure and compliant way."

"QCAD's approval as Canada's first compliant CAD stablecoin was a defining milestone for the Canadian market, and the selection of a federally regulated Schedule I bank as custodian is another important step in building durable, institutional-grade infrastructure around tokenized Canadian dollars," said Johan Wattenström, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of DeFi Technologies.

"Stablecoins will increasingly be judged not only by their utility, but by the strength of the operating and custody frameworks behind them," said Andrew Forson, President of DeFi Technologies. "This kind of custody relationship helps accelerate institutional comfort and enables the next phase of growth where we see opportunities to expand QCAD-linked products, deepen liquidity pathways, and support broader adoption across regulated market channels."

DeFi Technologies' Ongoing Support for QCAD

As previously announced, DeFi Technologies and Stablecorp intend to focus on scaling QCAD across three core areas: (i) QCAD-integrated product development (including CAD-linked ETPs and structured solutions), (ii) liquidity and market access (including institutional-grade execution and on/off-ramps), and (iii) security and future-proofing as adoption scales.

About the QCAD Digital Trust and Stablecorp
The QCAD Digital Trust is an Ontario trust that holds the reserve assets on behalf of holders of QCAD. Stablecorp is one of Canada's leading digital asset infrastructure companies, focused on building professional-grade blockchain solutions. In partnership with industry leaders, Stablecorp creates refined, scalable and compliant products, such as QCAD, that serve as the foundation for the next generation of financial services. Further information about QCAD, including the reserve assets and the terms and conditions associated with the QCAD program, can be found on the Stablecorp website ( www.stablecorp.ca ) and under the trust's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About VersaVault®
VersaVault® is the world's first digital vault for security conscious organizations looking to secure their highly sensitive and confidential documents, data, code, blockchain-based assets and more, addressing the need for regulated custody of digital assets with secure platforms. VersaVault® distinguishes itself as a SOC2 Type 1 audited, security-centric digital asset storage solution that utilizes military-grade hardware within a dedicated, private data center specifically designed for highly secure and sensitive operations and is logically air-gapped from both the public internet and public blockchains and not hosted on public cloud infrastructure. VersaVault® implements robust security protocols, including stringent multi-factor authentication, robust identity checks, and mandatory, but adjustable, multi-party approvals authorization for users to securely manage and access their high value assets.

About VersaBank
VersaBank is a North American bank with a difference. Federally chartered in both Canada and the US, VersaBank has a branchless, digital, business-to-business model based on its proprietary state-of-the-art technology that enables it to profitably address underserved segments of the banking industry in a significantly risk mitigated manner. Because VersaBank obtains substantially all of its deposits and undertakes the majority of its funding electronically through financial intermediary partners, it benefits from significant operating leverage that drives efficiency and return on common equity. In August 2024, VersaBank launched its unique Receivable Purchase Program funding solution for point-of-sale finance companies, which has been highly successful in Canada for nearly 15 years, to the underserved multi-trillion-dollar US market. VersaBank also owns Minneapolis-based DRT Cyber Inc., a North American leader in the provision of cyber security services to address the rapidly growing volume of cyber threats challenging financial institutions, multi-national corporations and government entities. Through DRT Cyber Inc., VersaBank owns proprietary intellectual property and technology to enable the next generation of digital assets for the banking and financial community, including the Bank's revolutionary tokenized deposits. For more information please visit, www.versabank.com

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 Stablecorp; regulation and scaling of the QCAD stablecoin; 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

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SOURCE DeFi Technologies Inc.

FAQ

What did DeFi Technologies (DEFT) announce about QCAD custody on February 4, 2026?

DeFi Technologies announced a definitive agreement naming VersaBank as custodian for the QCAD Digital Trust. According to the company, VersaBank will use its VersaVault solution and earn fees based on assets held plus a spread on QCAD deposits.

How does the VersaBank custodial agreement affect QCAD's institutional readiness for DEFT investors?

The custodial agreement strengthens institutional readiness by adding a Schedule I bank custody layer for QCAD. According to the company, regulated reserve custody is a foundational step to expand institutional adoption, liquidity pathways, and CAD-linked product development.

Will VersaBank be paid for providing custody services for QCAD, and how is it compensated?

Yes. VersaBank will earn custody fees and a spread on QCAD deposits for providing custody services. According to the company, compensation is based on the value of QCAD assets held and deposit spreads via the VersaVault solution.

What strategic benefits does DEFT expect from Stablecorp selecting VersaBank as QCAD custodian?

DeFi Technologies expects the custody deal to validate its Stablecorp investment and accelerate QCAD product expansion. According to the company, the relationship supports scaling CAD-linked ETPs, liquidity, market access, and long-term security planning.

Does the VersaBank custody arrangement change how QCAD will be used in Canadian markets?

The arrangement aims to increase market readiness by securing reserve assets with a regulated bank custodian. According to the company, this custody supports broader distribution, institutional comfort, and expanded use cases for tokenized Canadian dollars.