The new platform aims to tackle ingrained barriers deterring many from entering the world of  cryptocurrency investments 

London 1st December 2021: Dispersion (AQSE: DEFI), an incubator specialising in decentralised  finance (“DeFi”), is pleased to announce today’s launch of AQRU, an innovative platform which  enables simple access to the competitive crypto yields available in DeFi. 

AQRU’s fully insured facility protects investor funds from theft and hacking, while bringing this  offering to market through a simple experience, enabling investors to see the growth of their assets in  real time.  

The platform offers access to major cryptocurrencies Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) as well as three  stablecoins (USDT, USDC and DAI), which are tied to traditional currency and offer stability in value.  Users of the platform are able to convert their money (EUR), to a cryptocurrency asset in their secure  wallet, then able to invest in curated products that will give them access to interest on their  cryptocurrency. The AQRU platform’s wallet infrastructure is secured by Fireblocks, the same  technology used by over 70 banks around the world, adding a further layer of security to protect  investors funds. 

The investment options available to AQRU customers have been curated by a team of experienced  experts with a strong track record in digital currency investments. At launch consumers will have instant  access to a product offering up to a 12% interest on cryptocurrency.  

Philip Blows, Chief Executive, commented: “We’re truly on a mission at AQRU to open up a space  that has been complex, and rife with negative news that has simply deterred many for investing in  cryptocurrency. We’ve developed a platform that helps consumers navigate this complexity, by offering  products curated by experts, that is underpinned by battle tested technology, creating an opportunity to  generate notable returns. Additionally, many existing providers out there make a return from assets held  in their customers digital wallet, and we believe the majority of investors simply don’t know that they  can earn a return while holding. Our view is that crypto should be part of a balanced portfolio, but the  complexity, language, and reputation of the industry has been a major barrier to many. 

We’re also engaging with regulators. We believe this is required for the space to become more  professional and open up to a new wave of potential investors. Plus, there is a need to stamp out the bad  practices that are currently common, and offer consumers a fully transparent platform, with the highest  levels of customer service, and one that makes money, when our customers do – rather than generating  the majority of income from high exchange rates or spreads. We fully believe in the cryptocurrency  movement, and want to give existing investors and a broader set of consumers, the opportunity to  effectively and easily invest in the fastest growing financial space that currently exists.” 

The service has been launched to a global audience, with some regulatory exclusions. No services will  be offered in any territory where it would be unlawful to do so. The platform will not be open to UK  based investors until approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate in the UK has  been granted. An anti-money laundering registration was filed with the FCA in April and an application  with the Central Bank of Ireland is underway to further expand AQRU’s regulatory footprint.

AQRU was developed by Accru Finance Ltd, which was purchased by Dispersion Holdings for a  consideration of £8.75 million in October 2021.