Crypto arbitrage trading in South Africa
South African crypto arbitrage sits between local and international venues, the rand, and exchange-control rules. It is a licensed crypto service — not stock or generic currency arbitrage.
On this site, 'arbitrage trading' means crypto arbitrage: the same crypto asset quoted at different prices on a South African venue and an international venue. It does not mean buying a JSE-listed share on one exchange and selling it on another, and it does not mean generic rand-currency speculation. Those are different activities. Dooya is authorised for crypto-asset financial services (FSP 53712, Category I and Category II).
What makes the South African setting distinct
Three structural facts show up together. First, local and offshore crypto venues can quote different prices for the same asset at the same time. Second, the rand can move against the dollar while a cycle is still open, which is a cost and a risk — Dooya's FAQ describes an FX-hedge feature on the premium service, not a guaranteed rate. Third, SARB exchange-control rules, via SDA and FIA, limit how much an individual may send offshore in a calendar year (R2 000 000 SDA; FIA up to R10 000 000 with tax clearance, per the FAQ).
Those facts explain why a local-versus-offshore crypto gap can exist. They do not mean the gap is available on demand, or that it survives fees, banking delays, and settlement. Liquidity on both venues still has to be there.
Who does the work
Dooya monitors quotes and runs the cycle for onboarded clients. Forex and FIA applications for this service are handled with Phynans, an authorised FSP and forex intermediary. Crypto legs use venues disclosed in the FAQ (including VALR, Gemini, and Luno). The client is not asked to stitch those legs together on a retail app. See crypto arbitrage and how it works.
Licence and risk
Authorisation under FAIS does not make crypto legal tender and does not guarantee capital or return. Timing, operations, regulation, and liquidity can all change the outcome of a cycle. Read the licence page and the FAQ before applying. The minimum trade amount is R100 000.
Related FAQs
What is Crypto Arbitrage?
Crypto arbitrage involves purchasing and selling cryptocurrency at the same time across various markets to profit from price differences for the same asset.
What is a SDA and FIA?
Every South African citizen qualifies for an SDA (Single Discretionary Allowance) of R2 000 000. This amount means that you can trade up to 2 million rand per calendar year (1st of January to 31st of December). An SDA does not require SARS approval.
Once your SDA has been exhausted, you can apply for an FIA (Foreign Investment Allowance) of up to R10 000 000. This amount means that you can trade up to ten million rand per calendar year (1st of January to 31st of December).
To obtain an FIA, a tax clearance must be completed showing proof of funds. You do not need to apply for the full R10 000 000 in one go, but can do any amount required for your trade. Each trade requires a new tax clearance.
To summarise, each South African citizen can make full use of trading up to R12 000 000.
Who is Phynans?
Phynans are a registered FSP and Forex Intermediary, who we have partnered with to bring our clients an even better arbitrage service. All your arbitrage trades will still be on Dooya's trading service, with Phynans handling the Forex trades and FIA applications at no extra charge. More details can be found on their website.