MENA News
Discover the latest blockchain and crypto news from the MENA region, including updates from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, covering trends, regulations, and developments shaping the industry
GCEX (GCEX Group) has acquired GlobalBlock, a specialist crypto brokerage and asset management firm catering to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with more than $60 million in client assets. This strategic acquisition extends GCEX’s footprint beyond its established OTC, conversion, and technology services, enabling the firm to broaden its digital asset proposition for asset and wealth managers. Synergies in Wealth Management and Technology The partnership brings together GCEX’s expertise in regulated multi-asset…
Read More »M2 Capital Limited, the proprietary investment arm of UAE-based M2 Holdings, has announced a $20 million strategic investment in Ethena ($ENA), the governance token powering the Ethena protocol. Ethena underpins USDe, a crypto-native synthetic dollar, and sUSDe, its yield-bearing counterpart. Since its launch in early 2024, Ethena has achieved over $14 billion in total value locked (TVL), reflecting rapid adoption of its “stablecoin-plus-rewards” model. This investment follows M2 Capital’s recent…
Read More »The Ministry of Finance has signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Information under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), following its announcement last November of its intention to implement the framework. CARF implementation in the UAE is scheduled to go-live in 2027, with the first exchanges of information expected in 2028. The framework establishes a mechanism for the automatic exchange of tax-related information on crypto-asset activities,…
Read More »As Dubai sharpens its global edge in digital asset regulation, a major milestone has emerged: the entry of retail crypto derivatives trading under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This isn’t just another rollout—it is a carefully structured pilot that began earlier this year and is now gaining visibility as OKX, a trusted global exchange, becomes the first to actively onboard retail users in the UAE. Retail Crypto Derivatives Go…
Read More »Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, is partnering with global investment powerhouse Franklin Templeton (managing $1.6 trillion in assets) to develop a new wave of digital asset products and tokenized investment solutions. The collaboration aims to merge Franklin Templeton’s expertise in compliant securities tokenization with Binance’s extensive trading infrastructure and global investor base. Together, the companies plan to create offerings that bring greater efficiency, transparency,…
Read More »NIP Group Inc. (NASDAQ: NIPG), best known for its global esports and digital entertainment business, has appointed Carl Agren to its board of directors and as chief operating officer (COO) of its Digital Computing Division, the arm spearheading the company’s new Bitcoin mining operations. Agren will be based in Abu Dhabi, leading the division’s newly established headquarters formed through NIPG’s strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Carl Agren…
Read More »The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has issued Consultation Paper No. 9 of 2025, outlining a proposed regulatory framework for activities involving fiat-referenced tokens (FRTs). The FSRA is inviting public feedback on the proposals, with the consultation open until October 7, 2025. The initiative builds on ADGM’s December 2024 framework, which formally recognized FRT issuance as a regulated activity. FRTs, a type of stablecoin…
Read More »Revolut, the London-based financial super app, has taken a major step toward launching services in the United Arab Emirates after securing in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) for its Stored Value Facilities and Retail Payment Services (Category II) licences. The approvals clear the way for Revolut to bring its fast-growing suite of digital banking and payments products to retail customers in the Emirates. With more than…
Read More »QCP Group (QCP), a global leader in digital asset trading, has announced it has received its full Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the UAE capital’s international financial centre. This milestone marks a major step in QCP’s global expansion, strengthening its presence in the Middle East and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for institutional digital asset clients.…
Read More »Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025 has unveiled its first lineup of world-class speakers. Organized by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center of Abu Dhabi, the event will run from 8–11 December 2025, gathering global leaders, investors, and policymakers in the UAE…
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