U.S. based DTCC to acquire Abu Dhabi digital asset infrastructure provider Securrency

U.S. based DTCC to acquire Abu Dhabi digital asset infrastructure provider Securrency

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, an American post-trade financial services company providing clearing and settlement services to the financial markets known as DTCC, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Abu Dhabi based Securrency Inc. (“Securrency”), a leading developer of institutional-grade, digital asset infrastructure invested in by Mubadala sovereign Fund.

Securrency will become a fully-owned subsidiary of DTCC and will operate under the name DTCC Digital Assets. Nadine Chakar, CEO of Securrency, will join DTCC as Managing Director, Global Head of DTCC Digital Assets, reporting to Lynn Bishop, DTCC Managing Director and Chief Information Officer. Chakar will also join the DTCC Management Committee. In addition, Dan Doney, CTO and founder of Securrency, John Hensel, COO and co-founder, and other members of the Securrency leadership team, as well as roughly 100 Securrency staff of full-time employees or contractors, will become DTCC employees.

Securrency is a blockchain-based financial and regulatory technology developer that raised $30 million in 2021 from State Street, US Bank, WisdomTree Investments and others. It has worked with WisdomTree to help the asset manager launch “blockchain-enabled” funds that keep a secondary record of share ownership on the Stellar or Ethereum blockchains.

Frank La Salla, President, CEO and Director, DTCC, said, “Securrency is an important strategic acquisition that will give us the technology to drive market-wide transformation by enabling end-to-end digital lifecycle processing for tokenized assets, digital currencies and other financial instruments. By bringing together DTCC’s commitment to providing market stability and our unparalleled network of financial market participants with the sophistication of the Securrency technology, we will be in a leading position to unlock the value of digital assets and help guide the industry through its digital transformation journey. We believe this next generation of financial market infrastructure will further reduce settlement times, facilitate market transparency and risk management, enhance regulatory oversight and controls, and unlock efficiency and innovation to create an improved investor experience.”

By combining DTCC’s digital capabilities and Securrency’s technology, DTCC will fast-track development of its enterprise digital asset platform to unlock the power of institutional DeFi. DTCC will leverage the technology over time to embed digital assets within its existing products and services, develop new, regulatory-compliant blockchain-based offerings and explore use cases with the industry, including buyside asset managers, broker-dealers and custodians, to collaborate on new DTCC blockchain-based solutions.

In addition, DTCC will lead the industry’s development of a robust, global digital infrastructure by licensing the Securrency technology and offering professional services. Firms will be able to leverage the technology to transform and evolve their operating models and to create innovative, new digital asset services alone or in collaboration with other market participants – similar to how WisdomTree licenses Securrency’s software as part of the infrastructure for its WisdomTree Prime™ offering that provides tokenized assets and funds via digital wallets for retail investors and consumers.

Chakar said, “As we join forces with DTCC, we are excited to bring together DTCC’s infrastructure capabilities with Securrency’s technology to embrace a future where the digitization of capital markets is at the forefront of innovation. These capabilities will allow DTCC to partner with the industry to build a resilient and scalable infrastructure critical to the mass adoption of digital assets. Together, we will unlock opportunities to reimagine compliance, liquidity, efficiency and interoperability in trading real-world assets on the blockchain.”

DTCC also plans to provide global leadership to foster industry-wide collaboration to help avoid fragmentation with different digital technologies and standards. Securrency’s technology can address this issue by acting as a DLT-agnostic harmonization layer that promotes interoperability, liquidity, transparency and security.

La Salla said, “We look forward to building on our past work to drive consensus around the standards, controls and frameworks necessary to support regulatory-compliant digital asset solutions and development of the right architecture and infrastructure to ensure widespread interoperability. We’re excited to welcome our new colleagues to the DTCC team and to begin collaborating as a group to strengthen market stability and resilience and drive greater efficiencies, productivity, risk mitigation and liquidity in the global financial markets.”

This announcement comes as John Hensel, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Officer, MENA, Securrency told IBS intelligence, “The UAE is ramping up its efforts to become a global blockchain hub.” In his interview he commented on why they chose UAE out of all the other countries globally including, USA, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore.

According to Hensel, SEC ( Securities and Exchange Commission) in the USA has portrayed a conservative approach to the regulation of digital assets, so exploring other regulatory jurisdictions they found that the UAE was a credible, well positioned young financial center that embraced technology with experienced regulatory experts from the USA, Australia, Singapore and others.

He explains, “ After being here for 6 years we have seen the landscape change and become more favorable for investors partnering under FSRA and who are benefiting from the protection of ADGM which will grow opportunities locally for us given we were first movers and have strong relations with sovereign wealth entities, broker dealers, fund managers as key stakeholders.”

Securrency entered the ADGM FSRA regulatory sandbox in 2017 and secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to deal in investments as a matched principal and provide custody for those investments in 2022. The license enabled Securrency Capital to provide trading of digital assets to a variety of clients, including retail clients.

Securrency had raised $30 million in its latest funding round. The funds were used to roll out the company’s expansion plans. The Series B funding round included existing investor WisdomTree Investment along with Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala-backed Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, State Street and U.S. Bank. Prior to that in 202, The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) had invested in Securrency, a US-based developer of blockchain-based financial and regulatory technology through its ventures fund.

The company also signed a strategic partnership with leading investment management and banking firm, Musharaka Capital in KSA, to develop a compliant platform for issuing digital securities in Saudi Arabia in 2020.

Orange joins the Web3 Hedera Africa Hackathon

Orange joins the Web3 Hedera Africa Hackathon

Orange, through its Orange Digital Center (ODC) network, a lever of digital inclusion at the service of young people and entrepreneurs in Middle East and Africa, has partnered with The Hashgraph Association (THA), a Swiss non-profit organization, Dar Blockchain, Pan-African hub of reference in Web3, and Exponential Science Foundation a not for profit organization that fosters adoption and education of DLT, blockchain, AI, and emerging digital technology to promote the adoption of decentralized technologies, education, and innovation through their participation in Hedera Africa Hackathon. The Hedera Africa Hackathon is a Pan-African competition for the development of blockchain solutions with a prize of more than one million dollars.

A certified training program in Hedera technology will be deployed within Orange Digital Centers (ODC) in 16 countries in Middle East and Africa. Accessible online, this training aims to equip young people, professionals, and project leaders with solid skills in a fast-growing field: blockchain and Web3 which will be required for their participation in the Hedera Africa Hackathon.

The ‘Hedera Africa Hackathon’ co-organized with Exponential Science Foundation launched on August 1, 2025. This hybrid event will mobilize more than 10,000 participants in 16 countries, around the creation of impact solutions based on Hedera technology. Thanks to the network of Orange Digital Centers, the hackathon will take place online and in person, with physical spaces offering participants access to technical infrastructure, personalized mentoring, and strategic networking. An endowment of more than one million dollars will reward the most promising projects.

UAE regulated Aquanow partners with Bahrain SGB to for fiat and crypto banking services

UAE regulated Aquanow partners with Bahrain SGB to for fiat and crypto banking services

UAE regulated AQUANOW, a global digital asset infrastructure provider, has partnered with Bahrain based SFB, a fully licensed digital bank regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), to make fiat banking services more accessible to institutional and enterprise participants in the digital asset space by offering on and off ramp services between fiat currencies and crypto.

Backed by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat and Singapore’s Whampoa Group, SGB is the only bank in MENA authorized to digitally onboard clients globally. 

Under the partnership, Aquanow’s global client base – including exchanges, payment providers, OTC desks, neobanks, and fintechs – can now open USD bank accounts, settle trades, and move funds freely, by leveraging SGB’s full SWIFT membership and regulatory standing.

As per the press release, this will enable businesses to seamlessly move assets 24/7, in major currencies such as USD, AED, SAR, BHD, SGD, EUR, HKD, and CNH. The partnership will additionally integrate Aquanow’s globally deployed digital asset services with SGB’s regulated banking network and real-time settlement platform, SGB Net, to enable seamless on and off-ramping between crypto and fiat. 

“As digital assets become part of everyday financial operations, institutions need more than access – they need reliable, compliant infrastructure to operate at scale,” said Phil Sham, CEO & Co-Founder of Aquanow. “Our partnership with SGB addresses that head-on. By integrating with a regulated institution like SGB, we will enable a more crypto-friendly banking environment for various stakeholders. This is a critical step in closing infrastructure gaps and unlocking a more seamless, borderless financial system for our clients.”

Shawn Chan, CEO of SGB, stated, “Our partnership with Aquanow marks a significant step forward in bridging digital assets with regulated banking infrastructure. By combining Aquanow’s institutional-grade platform with SGB’s banking capabilities and global onboarding reach, we’re facilitating seamless access to fiat for digital asset users.”

Aquanow and SGB aim to make the present and future of money accessible by enabling secure solutions for fiat access, crypto settlements, and 24/7 cross-border payments.‍

Aquanow had already partnered as well with UAE digital bank Liv Bank. Utilizing services of both Aquanow crypto exchange in the UAE, as well as Zodia Custody services, UAE Liv Bank have showcased themselves as a trusted partner to invest in crypto

This month in the UAE RAK Bank also partnered with a crypto exchange to launch its own crypto brokerage service via its mobile app for retail customers, making it the first conventional bank in the UAE to enable crypto trading services for its customers.

RAKBANK will be providing its customers with seamless, fast, and efficient access to digital assets in a fully regulated way using BitPanda crypto exchange infrastructure.

Binance Academy and University of Sharjah enter blockchain education agreement

Binance Academy and University of Sharjah enter blockchain education agreement

Binance Academy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Sharjah to deliver blockchain education for UAE’s future workforce. This long-term collaboration reflects a shared vision: preparing students for leadership in a fast-changing digital economy.

As part of the agreement, students will gain access to co-developed programs, practical workshops, internship opportunities, and certifications issued by Binance Academy. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for an inclusive, innovation-driven Web3 ecosystem.

The University of Sharjah is one of the UAE’s largest and most diverse institutions, with more than 20,000 students from over 100 countries.

With a growing focus on blockchain innovation, the university has already piloted on-chain applications such as academic credential verification. Dr. Mohamed Al Hemairy, Head of the Technology Transfer Office, described the partnership as “a platform for a new wave of innovation-driven projects” that will benefit students, researchers, and the wider community.

Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies Prof. Maamar Bettayeb added, “Collaborating with Binance allows us to integrate global industry expertise into our innovation ecosystem and prepare our graduates to lead in the fast-evolving blockchain sector.”

The partnership is structured to go beyond theory, offering real-world experience and community connections. Students will benefit from:

World-Class Learning: Free access to specialized online courses and co-designed programs covering everything from blockchain fundamentals to the metaverse and GameFi, all available on the Binance Academy platform.

Verifiable Skills: The chance to earn official certificates from Binance Academy upon course completion, giving students a credible edge in the global tech talent market.

Real-World Experience: Internship opportunities, plus co-hosted workshops and BNB Chain hackathons designed to transform knowledge into practical skills.

A Thriving Community: Access to the Binance Student Ambassador program, connecting participants with mentors, exclusive events, and a global network of peers who are building the future of Web3.

The partnership supports several national priorities, from digital transformation to economic diversification, and aligns with the Sharjah’s Blockchain Strategy, which targets a shift of 50% of government services to blockchain platforms.

The collaboration also reflects broader demographic trends. In the UAE, crypto adoption is growing fast, especially among young adults. By investing in education today, the country is preparing a workforce ready to contribute to tomorrow’s economy.

Rachel Conlan, Binance Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the impact of this effort noting, “With over 280 million users worldwide, Binance is committed to leveraging its global reach and technical expertise to accelerate digital innovation and education.”

This MoU marks Binance Academy’s first long-term university partnership in the region. This collaboration is a step toward a more accessible, capable, and empowered Web3 future. As Bader Kalooti, Binance’s Regional Growth Lead, put it, “By combining excellence, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can thrive in the Web3 era.”

Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) returns in December 2025

Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) returns in December 2025

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the largest financial event in the region, will return on December 8th until 11th 2025 for a fourth edition. The event will double in size.

The flagship financial event of the MEASA region, hosted by ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and headlined by ADQ, will run from 8th December to 11th December 2025.

The agenda for the 2025 edition is designed around the theme of ‘Engineering the Capital Network’. ‘Engineering’ highlights the use of new technologies in re-architecting modern finance, particularly artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. ‘Capital Network’ reflects the evolving flows and dynamics of financial centres.

Commenting on this year’s ADFW, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, “ADFW 2025 is set to be our most ambitious edition of this hugely successful event. With this year’s edition to be held at a new location and double in size from last year’s ADFW venue, we are setting a new standard for financial gatherings in the region and beyond. This reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global capital markets and our commitment to continue creating a truly international financial platform.”

ADFW has become a launchpad and stage for international deals, partnerships and major announcements. In 2023, global financial institutions representing $450 billion of assets under management (AUM) announced at the event that they were setting up in ADGM. This momentum continued in 2024 and during last year’s ADFW, institutions representing $650 billion in AUM announced they were joining the ADGM community. ADFW is supported by all three of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds and in 2024 had more than 50 local and international partners, underscoring the platform’s scale, credibility, and unified institutional backing.

ADFW 2024 gathered over 20,000+ leaders, experts, executives, and policymakers, including Chairpersons, CEOs, COOs, Managing Directors, and other executives from leading global financial firms, collectively controlling USD 42.5 trillion of assets, and featured over 350 sessions across more than 60 industry-shaping events and strategic forums, with leaders gathering to address major market challenges in economics, asset management, technology and sustainability.

Brikyland and Inovartic to accelerate RWA tokenization in UAE

Brikyland and Inovartic to accelerate RWA tokenization in UAE

Brikyland Technologies and Inovartic Investment signed an agreement to establish Brikyland Technologies UAE, in an aim to accelerate Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization initiatives under Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) regulation.Regulatory engagement, platform development, and a pilot asset deployment with a leading Abu Dhabi developer is already undergoing discussions.

As per the press release, the partnership will combine Brikyland’s blockchain asset management expertise with Inovartic’s investment network in the UAE to create new opportunities for fractionalized ownership of real estate, infrastructure, and alternative assets. The venture aims to position Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for secure, transparent, and innovative digital asset solutions.

“Brikyland Technologies UAE will set new benchmarks for transparency and efficiency in tokenized assets,” said Dr. Dang Ha Lam, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Brikyland Technologies.

Anwar Hussein, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Inovartic Investment, noted, “This joint venture reflects our commitment to driving innovation in the UAE’s financial ecosystem. By combining global expertise with local market insight, we are paving the way for a new era of investment accessibility and economic growth”

Saif Al Darmaki, Chairman of Inovartic Investment, stated,” This collaboration is about unlocking tangible economic value and supporting the UAE’s innovation agenda.”

The UAE has been at the forefront of tokenization, with projects such as Prypco with Dubai Land Department to tokenize fractionalized real estate for investments.

Bitcoin and AI datacenter entity Morphware expands to UAE

Bitcoin and AI datacenter entity Morphware expands to UAE

Morphware, a sustainable,blockchain computing infrastructure provider, has expanded into Abu Dhabi, adding the UAE to its existing hub in Paraguay. As per the press release, the move marks a significant step in the company’s mission to build a global network of high-performance, eco-friendly AI infrastructure.

The UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for AI innovation and blockchain adoption, offering fertile ground for Morphware’s vision of connecting sustainable energy, advanced AI computing, and decentralized networks.


“This expansion isn’t just about geography—it’s about connecting the dots between sustainable energy, advanced AI compute, and decentralized infrastructure on a global scale,” said Kenso Trabing, founder of Morphware. “Abu Dhabi offers the perfect environment to scale our vision for accessible, eco-friendly AI and mining operations.”


Morphware operates on a hybrid model that balances stable Bitcoin mining returns with high-potential AI services. Powered by best-in-class NVIDIA H200 and B200 GPUs, the company already runs over 600 miners, generating consistent revenue while offering competitively priced AI and machine learning compute.


In Paraguay, Morphware has leveraged 100% hydroelectric power from the Itaipu Dam to fuel both AI workloads and mining operations—proving the viability of sustainable compute infrastructure in emerging markets. The UAE expansion complements this model by tapping into the region’s advanced data center capabilities and government-backed AI initiatives.


Beyond raw computing power, Morphware focuses on privacy and integrity through blockchain-based security systems, including homomorphic encryption. This ensures that data can be processed without ever being exposed—an essential feature for enterprises and governments handling sensitive information.


By building a decentralized network of compute hubs, Morphware is positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to centralized cloud giants, while offering stronger data sovereignty and energy efficiency.


The long-term plan is to interconnect Morphware’s hubs in Paraguay and Abu Dhabi into a unified, decentralized supercomputing network. This would provide clients worldwide with access to sustainable, high-performance AI infrastructure at a fraction of traditional costs.

Global Blockchain show to host top 1 percent in Web3 World in 2025

Global Blockchain show to host top 1 percent in Web3 World in 2025

The Global Blockchain Show will host the Top 1% in Web3 including industry leaders, visionaries and innovators of the Blockchain industry all under one roof at Abu Dhabi Arena on 10-11th December 2025 in UAE.

Following the resounding success of past two editions, VAP Group in association with  Times of Blockchain is set to host an exclusive event on 10-11th December, 2025 in Space42 Arena,Abu Dhabi, bringing together 5,000+ attendees, 200+ global expert speakers, 300+ leading investors, and 150+ media representatives on one dynamic platform to shape the future of the decentralized technology showcasing cutting-edge blockchain applications across multiple industries.

The event will is also supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau for the upcoming Global Blockchain Show, further strengthening our mission to bring world-class innovation and thought leadership to the heart of the UAE. 

Over the years, the Global Blockchain Show has played a vital role in advancing blockchain adoption worldwide. Here’s what our past event helped to achieve: 

5000+ attendees with 200+ sponsors; 70+ industry expert keynotes and 48% C Suite Founders around the globe on a single platform driving innovation through technology.

in 2025 the event will include disruptive startups to established blockchain leaders. The Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi is the ultimate platform to showcase innovations, secure investments, and shape the decentralized future. Whether you’re a founder looking to scale, an investor seeking the next big opportunity, or a Web3 enthusiast eager to connect with like-minded visionaries, this event is your gateway to the forefront of blockchain technology.

  • Exclusive Keynotes & Fireside Chats: Insights from blockchain pioneers and global leaders driving the next phase of Web3 innovation.
  • High-Impact Networking: Connect with investors, developers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers shaping the blockchain landscape.
  • Live Demos & Exhibitions: Experience firsthand the latest advancements in blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise applications.
  • Pitch Competitions & Hackathons: Discover the next wave of disruptive startups and emerging tech talent.
  • Global Blockchain Show Week (3rd – 12th December): It convenes trailblazing events where visionary founders, pioneering developers, and forward-thinking investors come together for curated side events – a multi-day, country-wide exploration of blockchain technology, anchored by the Global Blockchain Show. 

UAE NWTN to incorporate stablecoins in manufacturing

UAE NWTN to incorporate stablecoins in manufacturing

NWTN Inc. (Nasdaq: NWTN), a UAE technology company specializing in smart mobility, intelligent manufacturing, and smart contract solutions signed a MOU ( Memorandum of Understanding) with UAE-based digital asset custodian, Changer.ae, to integrate stablecoin technology into manufacturing and mobility ecosystems.

NWTN strives to become the first manufacturing enterprise in the Middle East to support stablecoin-enabled transactions. By integrating stablecoin technology into manufacturing and mobility ecosystems, NWTN aims to advance blockchain adoption and deliver globally competitive digital solutions for regional enterprises.

The partnership leverages Changer.ae’s regulated digital asset custody, conversion, and escrow services alongside NWTN’s expertise in smart mobility and manufacturing. It will establish a commercial platform integrating stablecoins to bridge traditional industries with blockchain technology across three domains:

  1. Smart Mobility: NWTN will implement stablecoin solutions for vehicle purchases and leasing services in Middle Eastern markets. Customers may use compliant digital assets for transactions, with smart contracts enhancing transparency and reducing cross-border costs.
  2. Smart Manufacturing: The companies will explore blockchain applications for digital asset management and supply chain finance. Stablecoin-enabled equipment procurement and settlement processes aim to optimize capital efficiency while automating order execution via smart contracts.
  3. Smart Contracts: Following Changer.ae’s ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) regulatory framework, the partners will drive blockchain integration for digital asset and supply chain finance, enabling stablecoin solutions for equipment procurement and automating business processes via programmable smart contracts.


NWTN will implement Changer.ae’s advanced security suite, including encrypted asset storage, multi-signature wallets, and continuous monitoring, and fully align with ADGM and FSRA requirements. Both organizations will enforce robust KYC/AML procedures to ensure transparent and compliant operations

NWTN and Changer.ae also plan to explore real world asset tokenization (e.g. industrial equipment, real estate etc. ) to facilitate fractional ownership for global investors. This initiative seeks to attract international capital to the UAE’s innovation economy through NWTN’s manufacturing network and Changer.ae’s digital asset infrastructure.

Wang Hao, CFA, Senior Executive Officer of Changer.ae, noted, “NWTN’s industrial technological capability pairs seamlessly with Changer’s regulated digital asset platform. Our shared vision will advance the UAE’s financial ecosystem by offering secure, compliant and innovative digital finance solutions.”

Benjamin Zhai, CEO of NWTN, added “This partnership represents a critical step in our transition toward technology-driven manufacturing. Integrating stablecoins across mobility, production, and contracts will enhance industry standards and deliver sustainable value.”

In May 2025, Changer,a digital asset custodian and Bitgrit, a global startup working to democratize AI who recently registered their DLT Foundation at ADGM, partnered to advance the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundation ecosystem in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), to unlock new frontiers for “AI-on-chain” technology.

Changer, known for its ultra-secure custody platform for managing digital money and assets, joined forces with Bitgrit, which leverages its global network of over 40,000 AI developers to enable companies to crowdsource and license innovative AI solutions.

Additionally, UAE MBank, Al Maryah Community Bank the first fully integrated digital bank in the UAE, announced it would offer AED secure and regulated AED dirham to crypto conversions and trades, AED Escrow Account Services, executed at UAE regulated Changer.ae platform.

UAE Sigma Capital announces first close of $100 million crypto native fund

UAE Sigma Capital announces first close of $100 million crypto native fund

UAE based Sigma Capital, has announced it has successfully closed its $100 million crypto native fund, six months after it announced its launch in January 2025.

Vineet Budki, CEO and Managing Partner, of Sigma Capital noted in a LinkedIn post that he was thrilled as this was a major milestone to accelerate their Web3 innovation in the Middle East and globally. He stated, ” Sigma Capital is officially live! We are proud to announce the successful first close of our target $100 million crypto native fund.”

Sigma Capital focuses on DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization, gaming, and AI startups. Backed by global thought leaders and builders, this milestone cements our position at the heart of the Middle East’s Web3 expansion.”

Vineet Budki is an expert in the Web3 space, and the former CEO and Managing Partner of Cypher Capital, also a Web3 VC based out of UAE leads the fund. He spearheaded over 300+ investments in high-profile projects, including Mysten Labs, Sei Network, Casper Labs, Web3Auth, Casper labs, Manta network, Mocaverse, Peak network and MyPetHooligan.

As noted in the post, the first close brings together an unparalleled network of industry leaders and investors, solidifying the UAE’s emergence as a global Web3 hub. Budki adds, “We’re excited to empower visionary founders with capital, strategic support, and deep market access to drive the next wave of blockchain innovation.”

He also noted that they have already finalized six investments and partnerships and will be announcing them shortly.

Investors and advisors in the $100 million Web3 investment fund include Yat Siu Animoca Brands, BORGET Sebastien The Sandbox, Sandy Climan, Michael Terpin, Pascal Gauthier, PolygonVentures, Victor Sunyer Carreras-Candi, Rabih I. Khoury, Aditya Julka and multiple family offices and foundations.

UAE to unify virtual asset policy frameworks starting with VARA and SCA

UAE to unify virtual asset policy frameworks starting with VARA and SCA

Furthering the aspirations to unify virtual asset policy frameworks, the UAE virtual asset regulatory authorities including the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have announced the launch of a comprehensive strategic regulatory partnership.

This initiative aims to unify efforts and harmonize policy frameworks within the virtual asset space to elevate governance standards and enhance supervisory integration across the nation.

The announcement comes after both parties increased their coordination efforts which now culminates into the signing of a regulatory framework agreement that will establish the foundation for strategic regulatory cooperation between the two entities, encompassing supervision, oversight, information exchange, and mutual recognition of virtual asset service provider (VASP) licenses.

It also defines a unified registration mechanism for VASPs across both jurisdictions and outlines operational coordination principles based on mutual collaboration and effective oversight, reinforcing institutional integration and eliminating regulatory duplication.

In parallel, the SCA Board of Directors approved the formation of the Coordinating Committee for Legislative Review, chaired by the SCA. Through this committee, coordination with VARA will focus on the evaluation and refinement of virtual asset-related legislation under development by the SCA, in addition to proposing new legislative initiatives aligned with international best practices, ensuring a responsive and globally competitive regulatory framework.

This regulatory synergy is further powered by shared systems, real-time information exchange, and mechanisms that ensure transparency and regulatory coherence across all relevant authorities.

The partnership also includes joint efforts to build institutional capabilities and deepen international cooperation through active participation in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and relevant regional bodies, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global frontrunner in regulatory excellence.

H.E. Waleed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, stated, “Investor protection and trust-building are not just strategic imperatives, they are the cornerstone of a globally competitive and sustainable economy. Our strategic partnership with VARA represents a global benchmark in effective governance and advanced oversight, further reinforcing the UAE’s status as a premier international hub for digital assets. We are committed to leading this regulatory transformation by achieving exceptional standards in transparency and security, fostering a trusted investment environment that rivals the world’s top markets and fuels boundless innovation.”

For his part, Matthew White, CEO of VARA, commented, “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our journey to future-proof the UAE’s virtual asset economy. By unifying oversight and aligning supervisory frameworks with SCA, we are not only minimising regulatory duplication, but also laying the groundwork for a globally credible, secure, and innovation-first ecosystem. Together, we are setting a new bar for regulatory cooperation that protects market integrity while empowering responsible growth across the entire value chain.”

The cooperation began in September 2024

Back in September 2024, SCA UAE and VARA announced that they had signed an agreement to cooperate, stressing the importance of regulating the local virtual assets/ crypto sector and enhancing overall monitoring to protect investors. At the time the agreement also ensured compliance with local anti-money laundering regulations as well as those related to the financing of terrorism and illegal organizations, which boosts investor confidence in the UAE and its resilience in the face of global challenges.

At the time, HE Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa SCA’s chairman noted, “We strive to establish effective frameworks in cooperation with our partners to foster the growth and stability of the virtual assets sector in the UAE, thus ensuring the enforcement of anti-money laundering legislation and bolstering confidence in the UAE’s investment ecosystem.”

“Today marks a pivotal milestone, demonstrating regulatory cohesion across the UAE, driving forward our shared vision for a robust, secure and interoperable virtual assets ecosystem. The strength of our collaboration with federal partners like SCA, allows for seamless and efficient passportability of regulated services, while assuring uncompromised market risk assurance across the UAE. This reflects our collective commitment to enabling Responsible Innovation, upholding the highest standards in cross-border compliance and investor protection,” HE Helal Al Marri Chairman of VARA Dubai.