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UAE Phoenix Group pays $2.5 million for a 12.5% stake in Rekt Web3 gaming company

UAE Phoenix Group pays $2.5 million for a 12.5% stake in Rekt Web3 gaming company

UAE based Phoenix Group, an ADX-listed crypto firm has bought 12.5% stake in UAE based Rekt Studios, a Web3 gaming firm that utilizes NFTs. The purchase agreement was approved by Phoenix board in a $2.5 million transaction. The acquisition will be executed through Phoenix’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Phoenix INV Holdings.

Cypher Capital also invested $1.5 million in Web3 Rekt Studios back in December of 2022. There is notably a close affiliation between the founders of Cypher Capital and Phoenix Group.

In February 2024, UAE Phoenix Group, acquired valued at more than half a million dollars ($577,074) in one of its related parties, Phoenix Technology Solutions B.V. based out of the Netherlands.

In addition Phoenix group spent over $500 million in BTC Mining machines.

The crypto conglomerate additionally snagged a 25% stake in UAE-based content monetization platform Lyvely in December 2023, after debuting on the ADX at the start of the month to a strong investor appetite, which saw shares soaring 35% on the first day of trading.

Phoenix Group has also invested in M2 the latest crypto exchange to receive a license in UAE from ADGM.

About Phoenix: The company owns 23 businesses and nine crypto mining facilities in the US, Canada, CIS, and the UAE, with a USD 2 bn crypto mining farm in the UAE, one of the largest in the Middle East.

STC Pay to become STC Bank after regulatory approval

STC Pay to become STC Bank after regulatory approval

Saudi Arabian, stc pay, has received approval from the Saudi Central Bank to proceed with its transformation into STC Bank. This beta launch will enable selected users to upgrade their accounts from an stc pay digital wallet into an STC Bank account. They will also be provided an International Bank Account Number and additional banking services, according to a statement.

With the upgrade, the subsidiary of stc Group will provide Shariah-compliant banking services and financial solutions while ensuring the utmost security and customer protection through cutting-edge financial technologies.

This move aligns with the KSA’s broader fintech strategy and the goal of establishing the country as a global hub for financial technology and innovation. The digital wallet’s transition into STC Bank will be a significant addition to the Saudi banking sector.

The statement said that this beta launch is limited to preselected customers and is a preparation for a full public launch later this year.  

This aligns with the objectives of the Financial Sector Development Program, as retail consumer e-payments serve as a significant key performance indicator within the plan.    

Earlier this year, the General Manager of Binance in KSA noted that the KSA could be close to issuing crypto regulations. The move by STC Pay to become STC Bank and the recent moves by STC Bahrain into the blockchain and crypto arena is interesting to say the least.

Stc Bahrain operates nodes on a Bitcoin Layer1 Blockchain

Stc Bahrain operates nodes on a Bitcoin Layer1 Blockchain

Stc Bahrain, the Saudi Telecom subsidiary in Bahrain, has once again showcased how the telecom industry can embrace Blockchain,Web3 and now DeFi with stc Bahrain operating nodes on Core Chain Bitcoin Layer 1 blockchain. Stc Bahrain has partnered with Core Chain DAO as part of its Web3 launchpad initiative.

As part of stc Pearling Path Partnership Program, a Web3 launchpad in MENA, stc Bahrain will deploy and operate nodes on the Core Chain network, bolstering its resilience as a key infrastructure provider in the Gulf.

As per the press release, this initiative underscores stc Bahrain’s commitment to digital transformation and Core’s mission to promote global blockchain adoption.

“By incorporating Core Chain into our Pearling Path initiative, we’re not just adopting a blockchain protocol; we’re laying the groundwork for scalable innovation for the future. This is a significant step towards building a cohesive Web3 ecosystem in the Gulf,” said Mr. Saad Odeh , Chief Wholesale Officer at stc Bahrain.

Core Chain’s commitment to privacy, scalability, and its Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism align with stc Bahrain’s vision to foster economic growth in the region. By integrating the strengths of Proof of Work (PoW) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS), Core Chain is able to create a blockchain environment that is not only secure and decentralized but also highly scalable to meet the evolving demands of the digital landscape.

Recently Core Chain launched Core Ignition is a carefully designed six-month incentive program launched on March 11, 2024, aimed at rewarding the Core community for their contributions to the network.

As per their announcement, the world of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is constantly evolving, and the concept of BTCfi (Bitcoin DeFi) is at the forefront of this innovation.

In March 2024 Stc Bahrain, announced that it will be offering Web3 infrastructure services using blockchain in partnership with LionsCraft for the Bahrain market. Lionscraft provides cutting-edge technology and business consulting in the thriving Web3 space.

In 2022 stc Bahrain also became the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrencies through its partnership with Eazy Financial Services, a leading Bahraini Payment Services provider specializing in POS and online payment gateway. EazyPay uses BinancePay and wallet to offer this service to more than 5000 POS terminals in Bahrain.

UAE Central Bank grants in principle approval to Telr payment

UAE Central Bank grants in principle approval to Telr payment

Telr, a payment gateway provider of payment gateway solutions provider has been granted in-principle approval for the Retail Payment Services & Card Schemes (RPSCS) License from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE). According to Telr blog this is a pivotal moment in Telr’s journey towards revolutionizing the digital payment landscape in UAE.

Khalil Alami, Founder & CEO of Telr, said: ‘I am thrilled to have achieved this historic milestone. This milestone is not just a reflection of Telr’s dedication but also of the dynamic and innovative spirit of the UAE’s fintech landscape. We are deeply honored by the UAE Central Bank’s trust, and we remain committed to pioneering digital payment solutions that elevate businesses and drive economic growth across the region.’ Alami added, ‘With great pride, we will continue empowering businesses on their journey to success while further cementing the UAE’s esteemed reputation as a leading payment hub in the region’.

Telr’s mission is to build connections that remove fragmentation in the e-commerce ecosystem, enabling customers to transition to cashless transactions and digitize the payment acceptance process. Telr has focused on empowering businesses to expand globally since 2014 through its one-stop-shop approach, offering a wide range of services for the e-commerce sector, including secure payment options, real-time monitoring, and specialized business solutions.

Telr has also introduced Telr Split Payments, a service that simplifies the reconciliation processes for UAE merchants. Additionally, Telr has launched Telr Finance to provide quick access to business capital.

Established in 2014, Telr, the UAE-based award-winning payment gateway solutions provider, offers a unique platform that enables payment handling in over 120 currencies and 30 languages in the UAE and KSA with the highest level of security. Through a single integration, Telr grants access to every payment method, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, JCB, Apple Pay, PayPal, SADAD, Mada, STC Pay, and urpay.

Last month Telr announced its partnership with Fils, an ESG-focused digital infrastructure fintech which utilizes blockchain technology.

UAE Zand Bank enters the realm of Blockchain and AI

UAE Zand Bank enters the realm of Blockchain and AI

UAE Zand Bank, UAE’s first digital only bank has subscribed to Infosys Finacle Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Infosys suite to power its corporate banking services and enable it to innovate and integrate solutions on Blockchain and AI.

The deployment of Infosys Finacle’s advanced cloud-native solutions on Microsoft Azure is a testament to Zand’s commitment to provide a customer-centric, future-ready banking experience, underpinned by the latest in AI and predictive analytics.

The Finacle Corporate Banking Solution Suite’s modular framework and expansive suite of features, including an array of Open APIs, will significantly accelerate the launch of innovative services, supporting Zand’s objective of continuous innovation and commitment to customer delight.

Infosys Finacle enables Zand’s capability to assimilate and process a vast array of data, equips it to partner with sophisticated analytics platforms, thereby offering cutting-edge services to its customers.

The collaboration enables Zand to innovate and integrate emergent technologies like AI, blockchain, and digital asset management and drive a competitive advantage in the evolving landscape of digital finance.

Michael Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Zand, said, “We are delighted to announce our adoption of the Finacle modular core banking system. This strategic move empowers us to fortify our position at the forefront of innovation, enabling seamless deployment of digital assets, AI, and blockchain technologies. Embracing the future, we are poised to redefine banking experiences and drive unparalleled value for our customers.”

Sajit Vijayakumar, Chief Business Officer, Infosys Finacle, said, “A digital revolution is shaking up the corporate banking sector, paving the way for modern, customer-centric models. We are delighted that Zand, as a trailblazer in this domain, has chosen Infosys Finacle for their ambitious project to redefine corporate banking excellence. We are committed to enabling Zand, fast-track its journey towards offering differentiated customer-centric and world-class corporate banking services. Our collaboration with the bank is yet another testimony to the flexibility of the Infosys Finacle Corporate Banking Suite and the enduring trust that banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council place in us.”

ZAND Bank and ADGM partnered sometime back to offer preferential services to virtual asset service providers.

ADGM’s DLT Guide now made easier with MHQ and ACX Compliance

ADGM’s DLT Guide now made easier with MHQ and ACX Compliance

UAE private wealth optimization platform and ACX compliance, a crypto and Web3 compliance advisory firm, have published a guidebook ” Navigating ADGM’s DLT Foundations”. This initiative is designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate the intricacies of the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) ecosystem.

In November 2023, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) introduced the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundations Regulations 2023, marking the world’s first legal framework for blockchain within its jurisdiction. They have been actively broadening its regulatory framework relating to digital assets and DLT, with the objective of establishing a comprehensive legal and regulatory structure for such businesses.

The ADGM DLT foundations regime offers a supportive ecosystem for blockchain-based businesses, prioritizing investor protection and market integrity. Specifically tailored guidelines provide clarity and certainty for businesses in the blockchain and DLT sector, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and investor confidence. Key benefits include regulated token issuance, programmable governance, and legal protection for decentralized protocols, bridging the gap between on-chain and off-chain realms.

Entities interested in registering a DLT foundation with the ADGM Registration Authority (ADGM RA) must meet stringent application criteria outlined in the Regulations. Eligible applicants include a diverse array of entities such as blockchain foundations, web3 entities, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and traditional foundations seeking to harness the potential of DLT for enhanced operations.

According to the guidebook, DLT foundations are bound by numerous ongoing and annual compliance obligations to ensure their operations align with legal standards. These ongoing obligations necessitate DLT foundations to maintain a registered office within the ADGM, serving as a central point for all communications and notices.
Additionally, foundations are required to appoint a Company Service Provider1 responsible for several critical functions. This provider must keep all corporate records as mandated by applicable laws, ensure the foundation has a registered office within the ADGM, act as the foundation’s representative in all interactions with the ADGM RA, including the service of documents, and manage all required notifications and filings with the ADGM RA in accordance with relevant laws.

Hermione Harrison, Director, and Head of Corporate Governance M/HQ commented: “The introduction of the ADGM DLT Foundations Regulations in 2023 signifies a significant breakthrough for the UAE’s cryptocurrency industry, positioning DLT foundations as leaders in innovation and progress within both the ADGM and beyond. These Regulations establish an unprecedented level of regulatory clarity, opening doors to a future marked by heightened transparency and efficiency across the blockchain and Web3 sectors.”

So far two DLT Foundations have been registered in ADGM, IoTa and Finischia.

A New crypto asset broker receives license in Bahrain

A New crypto asset broker receives license in Bahrain

Homegrown Bahrain based ARP Digital has received a Category 3 crypto asset service provider licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain. A category 3 license allows ARP Digital to offer crypto trading service as an agent and as a principle as well as offering custodial and investment management services.

ARP Digital provides accredited and institutional investors the requisite, tools, products, and services to effectively allocate capital to the digital asset space. ARP Digital combines best-in-class structuring capabilities with sophisticated quantitative research to deliver investment solutions for investors looking to build a strategic allocation to the digital asset space in a fully integrated way.

As per their website, ARP Digital customers include, accredited investors, family offices, institutions, asset managers, crypto exchanges, and crypto miners.

ARP Digital will be the sole provider in Bahrain specialized in over-the-counter services for structured digital asset products.

With the availability of structured digital asset products, a bridge is ​being built between traditional and cryptographic financial services.

At the heart of ARP Digital’s mission is the provision of comprehensive trading, custody, and portfolio management services. As per their website ARP Digital offers investors the ability to buy tokens, options, and structured products using wire transfers or on-chain transfers.

The team behind ARP Digital includes Yusuf Alireza, a former Goldman Sachs titan with a storied two-decade tenure and historical designation as the institution’s⁣ inaugural Arab partner, offers a blend of traditional and innovative investment strategies.

In addition is Abdul Aziz Kanoo, who previously held the position of regional director for Amber Group business in MENA. Prior to Amber Group, Abdulaziz worked in various Venture Capital Funds in New York and Dubai including Fin Capital, Palm Drive Capital, and BECO Capital. His Brother Yusuf Kanoo also a director, served as a fintech executive at the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) and a data analytics professional at MARF Group, where he was responsible for utilizing big data for strategy formulation and process optimization.

Yusuf Alireza’s believes that digital assets are the most consequential financial services innovation in the past two decades.

CoinMENA a licensed crypto broker in Bahrain also holds a Category 3 license. While Binance is the only crypto exchange in Bahrain to hold a category 4 license. Binance with its category 4 license can offer full crypto exchange services.

Bitget crypto exchange users can now buy crypto using UAE dirham

Bitget crypto exchange users can now buy crypto using UAE dirham

Bitget, crypto exchange and Web3 company, has partnered with OnRamp, the leading crypto payment solution provider to allow users the ability to buy crypto using UAE Dirham through bank transfers. With the integration, Bitget users can now buy and sell digital assets using various local currencies. This collaboration brings significant improvements for users interacting with digital assets, enabling seamless conversion between fiat and crypto instantaneously.

Users can buy crypto with NGN, AED, and MXN through bank transfers, and with VND via VietQR. This range of options ensures that users have easy-to-use and reliable methods to convert cryptocurrencies to fiat and vice versa. Bitget caters to users with a diverse set of preferences and finance management requirements, fulfilling their needs with emerging WEB3 products.

Bitget is introducing a zero-fee offer with this integration for all cryptocurrencies. This compliments Bitget’s current in-house zero-fee offer for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The move allows users to buy cryptocurrencies via traditional banking channels through OnRamp without incurring any fees.

“At Bitget we’re constantly improvising our platform’s abilities, including its fiat-to-crypto conversion capabilities. The integration is a step closer to our mission to drive mass adoption of crypto, making it easy for people around the world to trade crypto. By smoothing out the conversion process between crypto and fiat we’re accelerating an inclusive and global financial revolution,” says Gracy Chen, Managing Director at Bitget.

In the UAE CoinMENA also announced its partnership with Network International for crypto onramping.

VARA grants First crypto derivative exchange license to Deribit

VARA grants First crypto derivative exchange license to Deribit

Deribit FZE, the UAE based entity of Deribit group, a crypto derivative options platform, has announced that it has received a conditional Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) for VA Exchange Services. The license covers both spot and derivatives trading and remains non-operational until Deribit fully satisfies all remaining conditions and select localization requirements defined by VARA.

Deribit is a centralized, institutional-grade crypto derivatives exchange for options and futures. Deribit set up its operations One Central in Dubai and has now announced that it is relocating its global headquarters to Dubai. It has also appointed Luuk Strijers as the Chief Executive Officer alongside two Non-Executive Directors. The firm will work closely with VARA to complete the last formal steps in the process to enable it to officially launch the exchange in Dubai.

Once operational, Deribit will serve institutional and qualified investors, enabling them to utilise the platform´s leading technology. The firm will also continue to serve its retail client base from its broker affiliate in Panama, which is a member of Deribit FZE in Dubai until further notice.

Strijers commented, “Being appointed CEO at this crucial time is a huge honor. VARA’s progressive regulatory framework opens up vast opportunities in the digital asset realm. Our strong position in the crypto options market reflects the trust our clients have in us. I’m thrilled to work with our loyal clientele and drive Deribit’s innovation, as we continue to lead in the evolving crypto marketplace.”

Deribit has also disclosed that Dennis Dijkstra, Former CEO of Flow Traders, and industry veteran Willem Meijer, will become Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) for Deribit. As NEDs, Dijkstra and Meijer will be assisting in advising on the long-term growth strategy of the company and ensuring that Deribit continues to position itself as a successful and profitable market leader.

John Jansen, Co-Founder of Deribit, added, “Today marks a monumental chapter in Deribit’s story. Securing the conditional VASP license from VARA is not just a regulatory milestone; it’s a sign of our unwavering commitment to providing a secure, transparent, and innovative platform for our users. The appointment of a new CEO and two seasoned NEDs signifies a fusion of fresh insights and extensive experience, fortifying our strategy for long-term growth. As we anchor our operations in Dubai, we’re not only extending our reach but also reaffirming our resolve to remain the platform of choice for trading. This is a giant stride towards realising our ambitious vision, and it invigorates our journey in steering the crypto industry to new horizons.”

Former ambassador to UAE chairs Binance Board of Directors at ADGM

Former ambassador to UAE chairs Binance Board of Directors at ADGM

Registered in UAE’s Abu Dhabi Global Markets, the new board of Directors of Binance is headed by the former Barbados ambassador to UAE Mr. Gabriel Abed.

Binance MENA Holdings, registered in ADGM has appointed Gabriel Abed, who served as ambassador of Barbados to the United Arab Emirates, as chairman. According to ADGM website Abed was appointed on March 8th 2024. Could this mean that Abu Dhabi is the headquarter of Binance?

Binance listed the Board of Directors on its website.

Gabriel Abed as Chairman of the Board (Independent Board Member), a globally recognized technology entrepreneur, seasoned board member and former diplomat specializing in the intersection of regulatory innovation and financial technologies. He has over 13 years of experience within the blockchain industry and has navigated complex financial landscapes within regulated environments across several industries and countries

In 2013, Mr. Abed was the founding CEO of Bitt, the trailblazing company that introduced one of the world’s earliest Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). In 2016, he co-founded Digital Asset Capital Management (DACM), a hedge fund that quickly became best-performing in its category. Today, he continues to be a leading authority on digital economy affairs, regulation and blockchain technologies.

In April 2018, Mr. Abed was appointed as the Special Technology Advisor to the Honourable David Burt of Bermuda. In 2020 he had a leadership role in the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies’ Regulatory Framework Group. He was also a board member of the Barbados Stock Exchange and of ANSA Bank (Trinidad). Mr. Abed serves as an honorary member for the Barbados Financial Services Commission’s subcommittee for FinTech.

Mr. Abed graduated with honors from the Ontario Technology University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, majoring in Network Security. Due to his contributions to blockchain and regulation technology, Mr. Abed was also conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Law by the University of the West Indies.

As per Binance website, “As Chairman of Binance’s Board of Directors, Mr. Abed remains dedicated to forging multilateral relationships across governments, governance, technology and regulation.”

Xin Wang appointed as Independent Board Member. Xin Wang is a qualified lawyer in the State of California and a Solicitor of England and Wales with extensive experience in leveraged, acquisition and project financings as well as mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Ms. Wang serves as an independent board member of Binance’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Wang is the CEO of Bayview Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company listed on NASDAQ. She also serves as consulting partner at BHR Partners, a firm that focuses on strategic private equity investments in cross-border M&A deals with specific focus on high-end manufacturing and natural resource sectors. Prior to BHR, she served as Counsel with the international law firm of White & Case. Ms. Wang received her Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law.

Arnaud Ventura appointed as Independent Board Member. Arnaud Ventura is Managing Partner of Gojo & Company, a Tokyo Based investment holding company. He is a serial entrepreneur focusing on businesses that generate strong social impact. Mr. Ventura founded and led two of the leading financial inclusion groups worldwide, PlaNet Finance and Baobab (formally known as MicroCred Group), a microfinance holding company which he led as its founder and CEO till 2019. Mr. Ventura was also the Founder of mBank Holding, a mobile banking-based group and of the Positive Economy Forum, a series of events focusing on developing a positive economy. Mr. Ventura is Co-Founder and President of the France-China Young Leader Programme and the France Asia Foundation. Mr. Ventura is a French-American Young Leader Fellow and a WEF Young Global Leader. He is a graduate of one of the top French engineering schools.

Mr. Ventura is also an Independent Board member with: NSIA Group and MANZI Holding; Ard Financial Services, where he is also chairman of the Audit & Risk committee; and, Humo Bank, where he also chairs the Risk committee. Mr. Ventura is also the Chairman of the Board of Binance France, a registered VASP in France.

Richard Teng :is the CEO of Binance; previously serving as CEO of Binance Singapore and held roles looking after the MENA region, the European region, and ultimately all regions outside of the U.S. as the Head of Regional Markets at Binance.In this role, he led regional teams to secure strategic partnerships, foster an ecosystem of innovation, and expand the cryptocurrency ecosystem within the respective regions. Prior to joining Binance, Mr. Teng was a former regulator. He was the CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), where he showcased his capabilities as one of the world’s foremost innovative regulators. Mr. Teng’s vast experience also includes previous roles as the Chief Regulatory Officer of the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Director of Corporate Finance at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Mr. Teng received his Masters in Applied Finance (Distinction) from the University of Western Australia and a Bachelor of Accountancy (1st Class) from Nanyang Technological University.

Roger Wang: is the top product expert in Binance and a founding member of the organization. He developed the cutting-edge technology that drives Web3 innovation through the Binance platform. He is responsible for the design and implementation of the exchange platform and wallet system, ensuring its security, stability, and scalability. He has been working in the financial industry for over 10 years. Prior to joining Binance, Mr. Wang played a leading role in the development of the credit booking, analytics and marking systems in Nomura and the equity system in Morgan Stanley.

Heina Chen: is a Senior Executive and Co-Founder of Binance. With deep Web3 experience, Ms. Chen manages the clearing, settlement and treasury at Binance and is also responsible for the strategy implementation, company policies enhancement and business operation management. Ms. Chen has over 14 years of operations management and entrepreneurial experience. The breadth of her experience includes overseeing the whole back office covering Finance, HR, Admin, Clearing, and Treasury functions for the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Prior to Binance, Ms. Chen was Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Bijie Tech, a software development company providing exchange-as-a-service platforms to other exchanges. Ms. Chen has a Master EMBA from the National University of Singapore and Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

Rock He: dedicated himself to the digital currency field in 2014 and joined Binance in 2017 as one of the founding team members, where he has led a number of business units including one of the most critical, Fiat, for the on-ramps and off-ramps. Mr. He has over a decade of experience in team management and more than four years of experience in Internet and media companies leading operations, branding and business.

Mr. He has more than 10 years of experience in the blockchain industry, including as an independent researcher, with strong institutional knowledge with respect to Binance’s product offerings and product development strategy. Mr. He oversees daily business operations, including the setting of key performance indicators, and ensuring teams achieve their performance targets. Mr. He focuses on plans to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs; coordination with the regional and global management team to ensure alignment; and, ensures operational processes stay compliant with local laws and regulations. Mr. He has a Master EMBA from the National University of Singapore.

The Global Advisory Board comprises of the following members:

Max Baucus, USA, Former U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China; Former U.S. Senator Montana; Former Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance

HyungRin Bang, Korea, Advisor of the Korea Presidential Committee; PR/Communications Advisor of Yoon Seuk-Yul’s 2022 Presidential Campaign; Former CEO, SoftForum Inc.; Former Executive Director, Hyundai; Former Executive Director, Samsung;

Henrique de Campos Meirelles, Brazil, Former Minister of the Economy, Former President of the Central Bank of Brazil, Former Chair of J&F’s board of directors, Former Member of the Board of Directors of Azul Brazilian Airlines, Former President, BankBoston; Former President of Global Banking, FleetBoston Financial; Former Board member, Raytheon Corporation, Bestfoods and Champion International. Former Member of the Council of Lloyd’s of London; Former Chairman of Lazard Americas.

Adalberto Palma, Mexico, Honorary Board Member of The Aspen Institute Mexico; Former Senior Advisor at the Chief of Staff Office to the President of Mexico; Director of Business Development at BEworksMX Consulting; Former President of the CNBV; Founding Chairman of The Center for Excellency in Corporate Governance; Independent Director of the Institute for Savings Protection; President of Bankers Trust Mêxico, Colombia and Venezuela; Managing Director of Citibank Mexico.

David Plouffe, USA, Business, Non-Profit and Political strategist; Author, Member of Various Boards of Directors; Former Campaign Manager Senior Advisor to President Obama in the White House

Christin Schäfer, Germany, Founder and Managing Director of acs plus; Former Group Risk Operating Officer, Erste Group Bank; Former Global Head of Quantitative Solutions, Deutsche Bank, Member of the Data Ethics Commission, German Federal Government

Lord Vaizey, UK, Member of the House of Lords; Former Minister and Member of Parliament

David Wright Europem Chair, EUROFI; Former Secretary General, IOSCO, Former European Commission; Deputy Director General Financial Markets, European Commission

Prior to this Binance offloaded its venture arm Binance Labs.