Should You Buy THORChain in 2025?

THORChain at a glance

How much does 1 THORChain cost?

The price of THORChain is up this week. Currently, THORChain (RUNE) is trading at ZAR 68.73, showing a 2.1% increase over the last 24 hours and a gain of 8.7% this past week. Its market capitalization stands at ZAR 23.9 billion, with an average 3-month trading volume of about ZAR 1.2 billion, placing it at rank #56 globally. There are 347 million RUNE tokens in circulation, representing 0.16% of the total crypto market. Given the current volatility, THORChain continues to present interesting opportunities for South African investors.

Our complete opinion on the THORChain cryptocurrency

After conducting an in-depth analysis of THORChain's most recent market trends, as well as its performance trajectory over the past three years, our proprietary algorithms have synthesized on-chain indicators, technical signals, market data, and the evolving competitive landscape. By cross-referencing these diverse sources, we have gained actionable insights into the current positioning and prospective momentum of RUNE within the decentralized finance ecosystem. So, why could THORChain in 2025 re-emerge as a compelling entry point within the cross-chain liquidity sector?

3. Recent Performance and Market Context

4. Recent Price Evolution

Between early 2021 and mid-2024, THORChain (RUNE) exhibited a cyclical yet resilient price dynamic, demonstrating both sharp rallies and corrective phases. The rebound triggered by the broader crypto market resurgence in Q4 2023 lifted RUNE from ZAR 18.5 to highs above ZAR 74 by March 2024—a 4x rally largely supported by expanding protocol utility and renewed interest in cross-chain DeFi.

Since April 2024, RUNE has consolidated between ZAR 63 and ZAR 89, mirroring renewed demand for native, non-custodial liquidity. As of June 2024, the asset trades near ZAR 74, with volatility compressing and technical structure turning increasingly constructive. The stabilization after a period marked by network incidents and short-term uncertainty underscores a return in market confidence and a positioning phase ahead of potential breakouts.

4. Recent Positive Developments

• The seamless integration of new chains and assets (notably Avalanche and Bitcoin L2s), expanding the protocol’s network effects.
• Deployment of Streaming Swaps, decentralised lending, and single-sided yield solutions, reinforcing utility and stickiness.
• Record surge in total value locked (TVL), now exceeding ZAR 10 billion, ranking THORChain among the top 20 DeFi protocols.
• Adoption milestones such as integrational partnerships with Trust Wallet, Ledger, and major DeFi frontends, bridging user experience and institutional-grade security.
• Ongoing security audits and coverage expansion post-2022 incidents, rebuilding credibility and operational resilience.

4. Favorable Macro and Sector Backdrop

• Central bank liquidity injections and stable South African inflation support risk appetite and digital asset allocations domestically.
• Regulatory clarity is accelerating, with the FSCA progressing on crypto asset provider licensing, reducing sectoral tail-risks.
• The growing narrative around decentralized, chain-agnostic liquidity—THORChain’s core proposition—gains strategic relevance as multichain DeFi adoption outpaces legacy bridges and their exploit track record.

3. Technical Analysis

4. Key Crypto Indicators

• Relative Strength Index (RSI): Oscillating in the 44-51 range, indicating a consolidation zone but neither overbought nor oversold, and poised for upward expansion.
• MACD Moving Average: Crossed into bullish territory in early June, confirming the transition from distribution to accumulation and highlighting emergent upward momentum.
• Simple Moving Averages: The 50-day SMA (ZAR 69) is tracking closely above the 200-day SMA (ZAR 68.2). A confirmed “golden cross” could materialize by mid-July, often associated with rapid trend acceleration.

4. Support, Momentum & Structure

• Solid Supports: Historic demand zones at ZAR 58 and ZAR 66—levels repeatedly defended during prior corrections.
• Reversal Signals: Breakout attempts through ZAR 80 have increased on above-average volume, suggesting sellers are losing control.
• Short/Mid-Term Structure: The weekly chart projects a classic cup-and-handle setup with a measured upside target of ZAR 135 within three quarters if macro trends persist.

Longer-term, technical structure remains bullishly intact, justifying a constructive stance.

3. Fundamental Analysis

4. Adoption, Partnerships & Ecosystem Growth

• User & Liquidity Growth: Active monthly users surpassed 220,000 in May 2024 and aggregated swap volume reached ZAR 32 billion YTD—evidence of sticky, real-world adoption.
• Strategic Partnerships: Integrations with major CEX offramps and frontline DeFi interfaces provide seamless fiat onramps, real interoperability, and defensibility against “walled garden” competitors.
• Ecosystem Expansion: THORChain’s appchain layer enables permissionless creation of synthetic assets and complex derivatives, fueling ecosystem stickiness and multi-chain utility.

4. Relative Valuation

• Market Capitalisation: RUNE’s current market cap sits at approximately ZAR 24 billion, while Fully Diluted Valuation remains modest for the protocol’s addressable market, suggesting headroom for re-rating.
• TVL-Market Cap Ratio: Among the lowest in high-TVL DeFi networks—THORChain commands a TVL of ZAR 10+ billion, giving it a strong “capital efficiency” profile.
• Volume & Liquidity: 24h trading volume frequently exceeds ZAR 2.2 billion, with deep liquidity on both centralised venues (Binance, KuCoin) and natively on the protocol. These high volumes demonstrate persistent market trust and robust investor engagement.

4. Dominance & Market Position

• Top 20 DeFi Protocol Globally: THORChain consistently ranks among the Top 15-25 assets by TVL and DEX market share, confirming its centrality in the DeFi landscape.
• Differentiation: Whereas most DEXes are siloed, THORChain’s chain-agnostic settlement and no-wrapped-token requirement set it apart, addressing a unique “native cross-chain” gap underserved by competitors.
• Community and Governance: Highly active development team and decentralized governance ensure rapid innovation and response to user demand.

4. Positive Catalysts and Forward-Looking Perspectives

• Protocol Upgrades: 2025 roadmap includes launch of protocol v3 (enabling EVM chain support), introduction of yield-bearing stablecoin pools, and advanced MEV protection—each anticipated to drive both liquidity and inflows.
• Institutional Attention: THORChain’s non-custodial design aligns with emerging institutional requirements amid rising global DeFi allocation mandates.
• Adoption Tailwinds: Ramp-up in South African crypto use cases—especially for cross-border payments and synthetic asset exposure—further enhance the native utility.
• Favorable Regulation: ZA regulators have signaled openness to innovative DeFi solutions, portending upside for compliant protocols like THORChain.

3. Investment Strategies (By Time Horizon)

4. Short-Term (<6 months)

• Rationale: Current technical confluence between strong support (ZAR 69–74) and an impending protocol upgrade suggests attractive entry conditions.
• Approach: Accumulating strategically on retests of these support levels, or positioning before the Q4 2024 EVM-support announcement, appears justified for tactical exposure.

4. Medium-Term (6–18 months)

• Rationale: TVL expansion and network integrations, combined with the historical tendency for explosive post-consolidation rallies, point to potential multi-100% upside.
• Approach: Gradual position-building to anticipate ecosystem flywheel effects—especially as synthetic and stable asset pools launch—is appropriate for medium-horizon investors.

4. Long-Term (>18 months)

• Rationale: Protocol’s product-market fit, accelerating adoption in the ZA and pan-African DeFi corridors, and robust market positioning augment long-haul value.
• Approach: Long-term exposure through averaging in on broader market retracements, with a multi-year target horizon, may provide superior risk-adjusted returns as DeFi globalizes.

3. THORChain Price Predictions (2025–2029)

3. Is Now the Right Time to Buy THORChain?

THORChain exhibits a compelling combination of deep on-chain liquidity, technical tailwinds, rapid ecosystem adoption, and a steady pipeline of innovation—factors all supporting a markedly optimistic long-term view. With its proven resilience, prime position in the decentralized, cross-chain liquidity market, and continual protocol upgrades, the case for renewed investor interest is robust. THORChain could well be on the verge of initiating a fresh bullish cycle, as the technical and fundamental backdrop now aligns convincingly for tactical and strategic allocations.

Greater capital efficiency, an active community, and growing institutional acceptance all signal that the fundamentals justify a fresh look. For those seeking dynamic, risk-managed DeFi exposure in ZA, and globally, THORChain stands out as a project whose best chapters may still lie ahead. The recent stabilization at strong technical supports looks particularly promising, while forward-looking protocol milestones and favorable regulation lend further confidence.

THORChain remains a high-volatility asset offering exceptional opportunities for dynamic investing but requiring thorough risk management. The recent acceleration in price confirms the asset’s ability to generate swift and powerful moves, while shifts in the macroeconomic context demand a selective approach. Key technical levels to monitor are 74 ZAR as immediate support and 97 ZAR as a primary resistance. The anticipated protocol upgrade in Q2 2025 could serve as a decisive catalyst for THORChain’s next evolutionary leap.

How to buy THORChain?

Buying THORChain (RUNE) online is simple and secure, especially when using a regulated platform. Investors in South Africa can choose between two main options: direct "spot" purchase, which gives you actual ownership of THORChain tokens in your wallet, or trading via crypto CFDs, which lets you speculate on price movements without owning the coins. Both methods are accessible to retail investors. Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of platforms to help you select the best option for your needs.

Spot Purchase

A spot purchase of THORChain means you buy the actual RUNE tokens, which are then stored in your personal crypto wallet (either on-platform or external). Typical fees involve a fixed commission per trade, often ranging from 0.2% to 1%, and may be charged in South African Rand (ZAR).

Example

Suppose the RUNE price is R35 per coin. With an investment of R20,000 and a transaction fee of R200 (1%), you will be able to buy approximately 564 RUNE coins.

• Gain scenario:
• If RUNE rises by 10%, the value of your holding becomes R22,000.
• Result: you gain R2,000, which is a 10% gross return on your investment.

Trading via CFD

Trading THORChain via Contract for Difference (CFD) means you do not own the coins. Instead, you take a position on its price using the broker’s platform. Fees typically include a spread (the difference between the bid and ask price) and a possible overnight financing fee if you hold the position overnight.

Example

You open a CFD position on THORChain with R20,000 and use 5x leverage. Your total market exposure is R100,000.

• Gain scenario:
• If RUNE’s price increases by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
• Result: you make R8,000 profit on your R20,000 initial margin (excluding fees).

Final Advice

Before investing, it is essential to compare the exact costs and conditions on each platform, since trading fees, spreads and leverage limits can vary significantly. Choose your method according to your goals and investing experience: spot purchases offer true ownership and simpler risk, while CFDs allow more flexibility and leverage, but come with higher risk. Refer to the platform comparison tool below for a side-by-side overview tailored for South African investors.

Our 7 tips for buying THORChain

The latest news from THORChain

THORChain enabled a record surge in cross-chain trading volume with significant traction from African users. In the past week, THORChain’s protocol reported over $1.2 billion in cross-chain swaps, its highest weekly volume since inception, with notable growth in user activity from Southern Africa, including a 23% increase in unique wallets originating from South African IPs according to Dune Analytics. This uptick reflects enhanced utility and accessibility of THORChain’s decentralized liquidity for South African traders seeking alternatives to tightly regulated local exchanges.

South African exchange VALR announced deeper integration with THORChain, expanding direct RUNE trading pairs for ZAR users. Early this week, VALR, one of South Africa’s largest crypto trading platforms, officially listed additional RUNE trading pairs, enabling fiat-crypto swaps directly with ZA Rand. This move both improves local liquidity for THORChain’s native asset and provides a seamless, regulation-compliant gateway for South African investors, enhancing regional on-ramping and off-ramping to the protocol.

THORChain’s mainnet upgrade included optimizations that attracted renewed interest from institutional partners in Southern Africa. On June 3, THORChain deployed a significant protocol upgrade, enhancing network transaction speed and slippage control. Local fintech companies, as reported by BusinessTech, have acknowledged these improvements as key technical milestones that could further enable stablecoin settlement and decentralized liquidity services in the South African market, fostering greater adoption among local financial institutions.

Regulatory clarity for non-custodial DeFi in South Africa provided a positive signal for projects like THORChain. Following new guidance issued by the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) on May 31, non-custodial DeFi platforms—such as THORChain—are now officially distinguished from centralized exchanges and are excluded from immediate licensing requirements, as confirmed by legal firm Webber Wentzel. This delineation reduces regulatory uncertainty and fosters a safer, more predictable environment for local DeFi participants.

Analyst consensus pointed to increased demand for THORChain among remittance and cross-border payment services in sub-Saharan Africa. Research published this week by PwC Africa highlighted heightened interest in DeFi protocols like THORChain for facilitating lower-cost remittance flows in the region, citing easing access and growing trust in decentralized bridges. Several South Africa-based payment startups have reportedly begun pilot integrations, aiming to lower transaction fees for diaspora communities and boost local liquidity channels.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.